Guide to the Best Summer Camps in Los Angeles (2024)
Sunny summer days will be here in a flash, which means it’s time to start planning for a fun-filled summer camp 2024 experience! Whether you’re looking for sports, arts, STEM, or a traditional camp experience, there are plenty of great options in Los Angeles. From the South Bay and the Westside to the San Gabriel and San Fernando Valley, we’ve compiled some of the city’s best camps so you can pick the perfect one for your kid’s age and interests.
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Camps and More Summer Fun in Los Angeles
It’s a time when kids can unplug from technology, make new friends, and have a blast! Camp provides an unforgettable experience of learning and adventure. After all, summer camp memories last a lifetime! So make sure your kids have the best ones. Have fun exploring all the awesome things to do with kids in Los Angeles!
In addition to great summer camps, there are tons of fun things to do with kids in Los Angeles! You can check out one of the many Museums, Zoos, & Aquariums, explore the area’s many theme parks or beaches, or go on a family adventure to one of the many nearby hiking trails.
Want to take a road trip? Check out our Guide to The Best Family Vacation Spots in California!
Be sure to check out these related articles:
Kid Friendly Campgrounds In Southern California
Glamping Southern California: 10 Tips for Planning the Perfect Getaway
Table of Contents
Check out our Guide to the Best Summer Camps in Los Angeles
Best Traditional Summer Camps in LA
There is something for everyone at these traditional camps. Whether your child is into sports, arts and crafts, or nature exploration, these camps give them a little of everything to fit their interests.
Here’s some of our favorite camps to take a look at:
Steve & Kate’s Camp
The activities available to campers vary from minute to minute and include sewing, stop-motion animation, music, sports and leisure, makers crafts, bread making, and more. They will select their activities and determine their time commitments. Campers can do their thing while counselors support their creative choices and offer just enough direction to prevent anyone from doing anything unsafe.
Locations in Culver City/Mar Vista, Manhattan Beach, Pasadena, Santa Monica, Torrance, Valley Village
Camp Galileo
Galileo runs an evolving series of imagination-sparking programs for rising K – 10th graders, drawing from the innovation process developed by the Stanford school. Kids will have a blast building projects while they gain friendships and life-long innovation skills.
They offer a variety of STEAM and outdoor adventure programs for kids from K through 5th grade, an advanced enrichment program for 6th – 8th grade, and a counselor-in-training program for 8th – 10th grade. All program levels also partake in water play activities, themed camp days, and traditional camp games and activities.
Locations in South Bay, the Westside, San Fernando Valley, East Los Angeles, and Sam Gabriel Valley
Cali Camp
Cali Camp is a day camp that caters to ages 4 to 15! This adventure camp allows kids to leave the city behind and roam in nature. All the activities, from aerial arts camp to action and adventure activities, outdoor sports and games to creative arts and an equestrian “Wrangler” camp, allow kids to connect with nature.
Location: 1717 Old Topanga Canyon Rd. Topanga, CA 90290
YMCA Camp
These traditional active day camps are jam-packed with fun and excitement! The activities and enrichment for each week are based on a different theme. Campers take part in off-site field trips and swimming lessons at select locations.
Available at YMCA locations across Los Angeles County
Kidz2Pros
With the help of top-notch teachers, KidzToPros’ summer sports, STEM, and arts programs aim to provide the next generation the tools they need to make a difference in the world. Each camp features a variety of offerings, including sports, robotics and coding, creative arts and performing arts, and makerspace. Campers ages 4 – 14 are welcome with special programs designed for each age group.
Locations in San Gabriel Valley, Central And West Side, South Bay, Westside, Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles County Department of Parks
The Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks runs some of the Los Angeles area’s best and most affordable summer camps. Check out this list of Parks and Recreation day camps available near you.
Related: Ultimate Guide to 2024 South Bay Summer Camps
Best Performing Arts Summer Camps in LA, Dance, and Theater
Are you looking for the best performing arts summer camps in LA? If so, you’re in luck! We’ve compiled a list of some of the area’s best Performing Arts, Dance, & Theater Summer Camps. Whether your child is a seasoned performer or just starting out, there’s bound to be a camp perfect for them.
Click here for the Guide to Performing Arts Summer Camps.
Best STEM Camps in LA
From robotics to engineering to summer coding, there’s a camp for every kid interested in science, technology, engineering, and math.
Click here for the Guide to STEM and STEAM Camps in Los Angeles.
Best Surf & Beach Summer Camps in LA
What’s better than hanging out at the beach all summer?! If you’re looking for new skills or some practice, surf camp is a great option! These camps also offer additional water sports and activities like swimming, boogie boarding, and paddle boarding.
Click here for the Guide to Surf & Beach Summer Camps.
Related: Ultimate Guide to 2024 South Bay Summer Camps
Best Art Camps in LA
If you want a summer camp for young creatives, here’s a list to check out! Whether you’re looking for traditional art classes or specialized programs, there’s something that your child will love. From painting and sculpting to digital media, find the perfect camp that fits your child’s interests and skill level.
Click here for the Guide to Art Camps.
Best Sports Camps in LA
Los Angeles has some of the best sports programs in the country, and there’s something for everyone. Whether your kids are into soccer, baseball, basketball, martial arts, or another sport, there’s a camp that will fit their interests and skills.
Click here for the Guide to Sports Camps.
Overnight Summer Camp in LA
If you’re looking for an adventure this summer, why not consider Sleepaway Camps? Los Angeles has some of the most unique camps, from traditional sleepaway experiences to wilderness adventures. You can find a program that will suit your child’s interests and needs.
Click here for the Guide to Sleepaway Camps.
Preschool Summer Camp
Many preschools offer year-round school or, as we like to call it, Preschool Summer Camp. Check out our list of Guides to South Bay Preschools to see if they offer summer camps.
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