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Best Summer Day Camps in San Francisco

Enjoy Interactive activities and outdoor exploration at summer day camps. Photo courtesy of Peekadoodle Summer Camp
Enjoy Interactive activities and outdoor exploration at summer day camps. Photo courtesy of Peekadoodle Summer Camp
2/16/24 - By Sandra Lee

Summer day camps in San Francisco and the Bay Area offer an array of exciting opportunities for kids to explore, learn, and have fun during their break from school. Choose from outdoor adventures to arts and crafts, sports, science, and technology summer camps. 

Whether exploring nature trails, honing artistic skills, or discovering new passions, summer day camps provide a safe and engaging environment for children to thrive and make lasting memories. With a variety of options available, parents can find the perfect camp to suit their child's interests and schedule, making summer in San Francisco and the Bay Area an unforgettable experience for young campers. 

For more summer camps, check out the best summer camps in San Francisco for preschoolers, discover STEM summer camps in San Francisco and the Bay Area, and plan more summer day camps for the kids with our San Francisco Summer Camp Guide. 

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Summer day camp is all fun and games! Photo courtesy of SF City Kid Camp
Summer day camp is all fun and games! Photo courtesy of SF City Kid Camp

Best Summer Day Camps in San Francisco

Peekadoodle

San Francisco
Ages 3 - 5
Focusing on teaching and learning kids in the early years, Peekadoodle in San Francisco is a parent favorite. Programs start as early as 20 months and also offer classes, playdates, and camps with small class sizes and bright and airy environments. Summer camps are for kids ages 3-5 and focus on exploring art, cooking, science, and imagination.  READ MORE

Celsius and Beyond

San Francisco
Ages 6 - 14
A small science enrichment program with classes and camps for kids grades 1-6, Celcius and Beyond is all about teaching science in a relatable and applicable way. Kids can think objectively, question beliefs about the world, and learn about facts and theory. Camps throughout the year as well as science workshops are also offered.  READ MORE

STEMful

San Francisco
Ages 3.5 - 9.5
STEMful brings science into the playspace with hands-on activities and project-based learning that are anything but boring. Preschool kids ages 3.5-5.5 can learn about atoms, the elements, and all about Mars in summer camp. STEMful also offers camps for kids up to 9 years old, as well as toddler classes, after-school programs, and community playspace.  READ MORE

SF City Kid Camp

San Francisco
Ages 8 - 12
City Kid Camp brings the knowledge of youth development and combines it with games, sports, the history of San Francisco, and the importance of the natural environment. Kids can play while safely guiding them through new locations and activities, all while learning and appreciating the natural world. Camp is open to kids ages 8-12.  READ MORE

True Roots Family Yoga

San Francisco & Marin
Ages 4 - 12
With locations in San Francisco and Marin, True Roots is created for children and their families to navigate life and all the challenges through yoga, movement, mindfulness, art, journaling, and natural connection. Kids can create and find their foundation of who they are, how to navigate relationships with others, and how to work through feelings, emotions, and stress safely and healthily. Open for kids 5-10 years old with the option for a half-day camp as well.  READ MORE

Camp Galileo

Multiple Locations
Ages 5 - 15
With 22 locations all over the Bay Area, Camp Galileo provides opportunities for campers to develop skills in STEAM with age-appropriate activities. With a focus on innovation, creativity, and fun, this is a Bay Area parent favorite. Camps are available for kids in kindergarten to 10th grade.  READ MORE

Dogpatch Paddle

San Francisco
Ages 7 - 14
Dogpatch Paddle has youth camps for kids ages 7-14 that range from beginner to experienced. Campers can get out on the water and learn to paddle for the first time, or hone their skills. Aside from paddling lessons, kids can hang out at the beach or play games on the grassy lawn.  READ MORE

Anderson Day Camp

San Francisco
Ages 5 - 12
Day camps for kids 5-11, every day is a new adventure at Anderson Day Camp. Activities include hiking through the Presidio woods, paddle boating in Golden Gate Park, and more. Kids learn resilience, confidence, and independence.  READ MORE

Petits Pas

San Francisco
Ages 6 - 11
Learn French while engaging in the arts like dance, yoga, theatre, acrobatics, crafts, and more. Camps are set in a bilingual environment and open to ages 6-11.  READ MORE

Shakespeare Camps

San Francisco
Ages 7 - 18
Campers can work with actors, stage managers, directors, and designers to explore themes and language of Shakespeare, ending in a live performance attended by family and friends. Games and basic acting lessons round out the camp, with specialized training for older kids.  READ MORE

ARTifact

San Francisco
Ages 4 - 12
A creative clubhouse in the SF community, ARTifact is all about inspiring and cultivating a love for art. Preschoolers ages 3-5 can enroll in the Mini Messterpieces camp and create big, bold works of art both outdoors and indoors. ARTifact also offers camps for kids K-9, and classes for kids 12 years old and under.  READ MORE
Spend summer day camp on the water. Photo courtesy of Adventures4Kidz
Spend summer day camp on the water. Photo courtesy of Adventures4Kidz

Best Summer Day Camps in the East Bay

Camp Doodles

Berkeley
Ages 6 - 15
With three levels depending on age, summer at Camp Doodles is an all-day adventure of exploration and learning. Weekly themes include tinkering, discovering the natural world, learning about sound and movement, and storytelling. Camp Primo is for kids starting at 3.5 years old, and moving up to the Spark and Lit camp programs for 1st-6th grade.  READ MORE

Tutu School

Berkeley
Ages 2 - 8
Mini ballet dancers can enter into a world of dancing at Tutu School. Summer camp is for 3-8 years olds, with themes like Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, and more. Kids can engage in ballet classes, costume decorating, storytelling, and more. Tutu School has locations all over the Bay Area and also offers weekly classes and parties.  READ MORE

Swings and Wings

Alameda
Ages 3 - 6
Owned by an occupational therapist, Swings and Wings in Alameda is all about harnessing the art of play. Summer camps are for 3-6-year-olds with themes like enchanted gardens, art, superheroes, dinosaurs, and more. Winter and Spring camps are also offered, as well as a preschool program, parties, Kids Night Out, free play, and even occupational therapy.  READ MORE

TechKnowHow

Oakland
Ages 5 - 13
A Bay Area parent favorite and running for 28 years, this tech camp serves kids and teens with engaging, hands-on STEM concepts. With daily projects worked on throughout the duration of the camp, each student gets their own kit and computer to work on, with educators helping them every step of the way.  READ MORE

Lawrence Hall of Science

Berkeley
Ages 6 - 12
Lawrence Hall of Science is a science education and research center in the STEM world. Summer camps are available for grades 1-6, with hands-project, based learning that is age-appropriate and fun. Along with summer camps, the center hosts family activities and rotating exhibits the whole family can enjoy.  READ MORE

Call of the Wild Camps

Multiple Locations
Ages 5 - 10
This 100% outdoor camp is all about experiential learning, and kids 5-10 years old can explore nature in small groups of 8 to 10. Kids hike in local parks, navigate trails, build forts, read and craft their own nature stories, and more at this all-day camp, all while building a connection with nature.  READ MORE

Adventures4Kidz

Alameda
Ages 6 - 16
Get in and out of the water with activities, nature lessons, games, safety, kayaking, and stand-up padding with summer camps built for fun. All the necessary equipment is provided including boards, wetsuits, and more. Camps are split by age and skill and run out of Ballena Bay Marina.  READ MORE

Junior Center of Art and Science

Oakland
Ages 6 - 13
The Junior Center of Art and Science Summer Camp has full-day, arts-integrated programs for young artists, makers, and thinkers. With camps in carpentry, graphic design, painting, mixed media, fashion, and STEAM, there is something for every kind of kid.  READ MORE
Choose your own camp activities and fill your summer with new hobbies. Photo courtesy of Steve & Kate's Camp
Choose your own camp activities and fill your summer with new hobbies. Photo courtesy of Steve & Kate's Camp

Best Summer Day Camps in the North Bay

Wildlife Camp

San Rafael
Ages 4 - 11
Learning about nature and instilling a love and respect for the world around us is the goal at Wildlife Camp in San Rafael. Camps start at 3.5 years old with daily activities like live animal visits, animal-themed games, crafts, excursions, and more. Wildlife Camp is part of Wildcare, offering school programs, family activities, and special events.  READ MORE

Tiburon Adventure Camp

Tiburon
Ages 2 - 8
Preschool kids ages 2 to 8 can join the Dolphins or Sharks summer camp for a half or full day of nonstop fun. Hosted on the Reed School campus, kids can play on the bounce houses, and bubble pit, or play laser tag and ride go-carts. Professional entertainers as well as trips to the beach, library, and more are also part of the fun.  READ MORE

Play-Well TEKnologies

Marin
Ages 4 - 13
The LEGO-inspired engineering camps are for kids in grades K-8 with an interest in how things work. Camps are structured so kids can build what they want while exploring fundamentals in engineering and physics. Collaboration, social skills, and critical thinking are all being developed while having fun. Play-Well TEKnologies also offers after-school enrichment programs, special events, and birthday parties throughout the Bay Area, and is home to the Activity Center in Marin.  READ MORE

Steve & Kate's Camp

Multiple Locations
Ages 4 - 12
Since 1980, Steve & Kate’s has put kids in charge of their own camp experience. Campers ages 4-12 choose from a variety of activities in real time including sewing, stop-motion animation, music, coding, sports and recreation, crafts, baking, and more. Families can buy as many days as they’d like and use them at any time, no reservations required. Camp runs from 8am-6pm, and lunch and snacks are included.  READ MORE

Summer Discovery Camp at Bay Area Discovery Museum

Sausalito
Ages 3 - 8
Sausalito's very popular Bay Area Discovery Museum has camps for kids ages 4-8, grouped according to age, with hands-on projects and learning. Preschool-age kids can explore topics in science, nature, and art, with a full-day camp. The museum also has family events, classes, a discovery preschool open for enrollment, as well as exhibits and interactive opportunities.  READ MORE

Bay Club Camp

Novato
Ages 3 - 15
With camp sessions starting as young as 3 years old, kids can participate in activities in arts and crafts, STEM, music, fitness, and sports. Older kids can focus on sports with skill-building clinics, group exercise, strength and conditioning, and mind + body dance.  READ MORE

Santa Rosa Symphony

Santa Rosa
Ages 7 - 14
Kids who want to dive into the world of music can immerse themselves in a 3-week program at Sonoma Academy. Learn to play an instrument, develop fundamentals, and enjoy workshops led by professional musicians, including members of the Santa Rosa Symphony.   READ MORE
Your game plan for summer day camp is here. Photo courtesy of I9 Sports Camp
Your game plan for summer day camp is here. Photo courtesy of I9 Sports Camp

Best Summer Day Camps in the Peninsula & South Bay

Camp Keff

Foster City
Ages 4 - 15
At Camp Keff (Hebrew for fun), kids starting at 3 years old can have a summer of learning and play with a different theme each week including friendship and community. Kids 3-4 years old join the Tinkers camp, playing in the beautiful playground and enjoying STEAM-focused activities. Healthy snacks and options for hot lunch are also available. Camp Keff is part of PJCC.  READ MORE

Tiny Treks

Half Moon Bay
Ages 2 - 6
With locations throughout the Bay Area, Tiny Treks is an outdoor program where kids can explore parks, lakes, beaches, and hills, rain or shine. Camps start at 2 years old and are grouped into sessions by age group. Tiny Treks also offers Teeny Tiny Treks (for as young as 20 months), and Mandarin immersion.  READ MORE

California Sports Center

Morgan Hill & Sunnyvale
Ages 3 - 16
With multiple locations in the South Bay including Morgan Hill and Sunnyvale, California Sports Center has camps in gymnastics, dance, ninja kids, and combo classes starting at 3 years old. Half-day and full-day camps are available, as well as birthday parties, classes, and Spring camps also offered.  READ MORE

i9 Sports

San Mateo & Sunnyvale
Ages 3 - 12
Offering multiple sports programs including basketball, soccer, flag football, baseball, and others, i9 Sports is all about encouraging a love for sports in a noncompetitive, supportive, and fun environment. With locations all over the Bay Area, and camps starting at 3-4 years old, kids can be outside, get some exercise, and learn a new sport.  READ MORE

Destination Science

Santa Clara
Ages 5 - 11
Destination Science explores concepts in STEM like robotics, space, and anti-gravity laws of nature for kids ages 5-11. Summer camps combine learning and fun, with an appreciation for science and engineering. Geared toward elementary-aged kids who love hands-on learning, with locations in Alameda, Sacramento, Santa Clara, and San Mateo. READ MORE

Integem

Palo Alto
Ages 5 - 18
With locations all over the Bay Area, this AR camp is ready to teach kids as young as 5 all about turning art into interactive animations. Courses like AR coding and game design, robotics engineering, and 3D design give kids the skills to build what they imagine. Integem also offers online private lessons, AP classes, and a Tech Leadership Program.  READ MORE

Brick Tech

Mountain View & Santa Clara
Ages 5 - 10
Connecting the bricks to explain STEM and robotics through LEGO®, Brick Tech is all about learning through play. The summer camps have locations throughout the Bay Area, with kids as young as 5 years old able to enroll. Brick Tech also offers classes and birthday parties to engage kids in building what they imagine.  READ MORE

iD Tech Summer Programs

Multiple Locations
Ages 7 - 18
Kids can explore a prestigious college campus while making friends and mastering new tech skills. At iD Tech camps, students ages 7-18 learn to code, design video games, produce videos, mod Minecraft, create with Roblox, build laptops, learn about cybersecurity, and more! READ MORE

Club Scikidz of Silicon Valley

Santa Clara
Ages 4 - 14
Club Scikidz of Silicon Valley are premier STEM education programs and summer camps in Cupertino, Santa Clara, Mountain View and San Jose. Founded on the principle of impactful academic experiences, with over 18 years of recognition, the programs specialize in quality science, technology, and enrichment activities, with a blend of arts, history, mathematics, and programming. Club Scikidz's students learn the essential 21st century skills needed to become the innovative minds of tomorrow! Club Scikidz believe in nurturing each child’s innate scientific curiosity, making... READ MORE

Tribal Wisdom Academy

Los Gatos
Ages 5 - 12
Tribal Wisdom Academy is an outdoor summer camp that allows kids to be kids. Wild Kid Horse and Nature Camps lets kids build their village, hang out with horses, and have fun with nature science. Flexible 1 or 2-week summer camp options and holiday camps as well. Camps start at 5 years old and up.  READ MORE

Brainvyne

Palo Alto
Ages 4 - 12
LEGO enthusiasts can join this STEAM camp and learn a ton through play. Curriculum and LEGO kits are from the premier LEGO Education line and taught by California-credited teachers who make it fun and exciting to build and explore. Camps are for kids 4-15, with specialty camps like Stop Motion Animation and Girl Power STEAM Robotics READ MORE

Aviation Camp at Hiller Aviation Museum

San Carlos
Ages 5 - 12
Hiller Aviation Camp in San Carlos offers week-long camps dedicated to aviation and aerospace adventures for kids 5-12. Kids can immerse themselves in the world of flight with camp topics like Flight & Motion, Space Science, and more.  READ MORE

BEan in Nature

Cupertino
Ages 2 - 14
Creating adventure in the natural world is the goal of BEan In Nature, an outdoor program for kids starting at 3 years old. Kids 3-5 year-olds can be Forest Explorers and engage in games and activities all set in the outdoors. The outdoor program also offers classes for all ages in topics of math, science, poetry, art, and geography.  READ MORE

Palo Alto Active Camp

Palo Alto
Ages 6 - 10
Outdoor exploration and physical activity is the goal at Palo Alto Active Camp. Kids can build confidence, learn about teamwork, and develop a love for nature. Enriching activities are age-appropriate starting at 6 years old.  READ MORE

Sarah Valliant Equestrian

Los Gatos
Ages 5 - 10
Kids who love horses will love the summer camp at Sarah Valliant Equestrian. WIth a focus on building emotional intelligence, confidence, and communication with activities like archery on a moving horse and veterinary medicine, while having fun with games, scavenger hunts, and more.  READ MORE

Inventurous

Palo Alto
Ages 13 - 17
Teens can dive into digital creation and craft impactful YouTube videos with an eco-friendly twist. Utilizing smartphones and video cameras, campers can refine their skills in scripting, filming, editing, graphics, and sound production, all while also navigating the landscape of responsible social media engagement. READ MORE

Places featured in this article:

True Roots Family Yoga
Call of the Wild Camps
Play-Well TEKnologies
California Sports Center
iD Tech Camps at Fairfield University
Cubberley Community Center

About the Author

Sandra Lee
Sandra Lee is the community publisher and social media manager for Mommy Poppins Bay Area. With nearly a decade of writing in the parenting space, she’s passionate about helping parents create unforgettable memories with their kids. Her work has appeared in Tiny Beans, Zulily, and more. When she's not exploring or creating content, you’ll find her baking or practicing her hip-hop moves.
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