6 science summer camps in Oakland & Berkeley

Ready for the summer camp shuffle? These great science-themed camps will keep kids learning and engaged while they have fun this summer.

Sarah’s Science Summer Camp weaves science curriculum through topical weeks with names like Sneaky Science and Fossil Hunters. Hands-on projects abound. Days are spent entirely outdoors with one day swimming.
Location: The Berkeley site is held at Tilden Park near the carousel and the Oakland location is Roberts Regional Park.
Hours: Mon–Fri, 9:00am–3:00pm. Extended Care: 8:00–9:00am & 3:00–5:30pm.
Price: $340/week for core program; $20/wk for before-care; $60/wk for after-care. Discounts for multiple-weeks and siblings.
Ages: 5-10 campers and 11-15 for CIT (counselors in training)

Camp Galileo marries a curriculum from The Tech Museum, Klutz, and the de Young Museum to offer fun and team-building both indoors and out. Extremely enthusiastic staff fills the day with jokes and learning.
Location: The Oakland camp is held at St. Theresa School. Berkeley camp is at Cragmont School.
Hours: Mon–Fri, 9:00am–3:00pm. Extended Care: 8:00–9:00am & 3:00–6:00pm.
Price: $369/week for core program; $30/wk for before-care; $60/wk for after-care. Discounts for multiple-weeks.
Ages: 5-11 separated into same-age cohorts.

Lawrence Hall of Science Camp offers half day camp on fun topics such as Legos, dinosaurs, and potions.
Location: Centennial Drive in Berkeley.
Hours: Camp is available half day (9am-12noon) or full day (9am-4pm)
Price: Half day camp (in the $200s) and full day camp ($400+) — priced per week week — vary based on curriculum. Discounts available to members.
Ages: age 4 – grade 12

Oakland ZooCamp offers a different experience at the Zoo each day with live animals and behind-the-scenes experiments.
Location: Oakland Zoo
Hours: Full-day programs 9 am – 4 pm.
Price: $311/week for non-members. Discounts available to members. Registration begins in March.
Ages: Inbound grades 1st-5th (half-day kindergarten and pre-K camps also available)

Kids for the Bay Camp boasts “aquatic science adventures” with hands-on exploration at several East Bay marine locations.
Location: multiple (different site in Berkeley each day!)
Hours: 9 am – 4 pm
Price: $340/wk for core program. After care from 4-5 ($35) or 4-6 ($60). Discounts available for multiple weeks and siblings. Register by April 1 for a discount.
Ages: 5-10

Mad Science Summer Camp offers a science-intensive curriculum (i.e., no running around) in half-day sessions through your local rec department.
Location: multiple (Albany, Alameda, the JCC, Piedmont, and some Pump It Up locations have offered Mad Science camps in the past)
Hours: Camp is available half day morning (9am-12noon) and afternoon (1pm-4pm)
Price: Varies. Contact your local rec center or call the main office (925) 687-1900.
Ages: 3.5-10 depending on the subject.

[small scientists via flickr]