Most Affordable (Cheap!) East Bay Summer Camps

Summer camps can be expensive (our summer camp guide includes some discount codes!). Our informal study shows that basic camps are about double these “more affordable camps” this year with premium camps coming in much higher. We have found a few gems available at more affordable prices that you should know about. The following East Bay summer camps are offered for less than $275 per week for approximately full-time coverage.

means the camp is free. means that the camp is less than $100 per week. Other tips to save money on camps are below (with more programs in the comments!).

Affordable East Bay Summer Camps

ACE Camp (Oakland)

FREE 3-week program to activate love of art and nature. Space is limited.
Ages: 5-15
Fees: None
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Aim High (Oakland, Richmond, and more)

FREE 5-week program for middle schoolers with limited access to summer enrichment. This program aims to ignite a love of learning. Space is limited.
Grades: 6-9
Fees: None
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Berkeley Fun Camp (Berkeley)

Berkeley’s Classic Day Camp has just barely tipped over the scales at $283 per week (Resident) in which children explore local parks including Tilden Park, Berkeley Marina, and one area beach. The Fun Camps offered at local playgrounds and recreation centers like James Kenney, Live Oak, and Frances Albrier are even friendlier price-wise.
Ages: 5-12
Fees: $150 per week (Berkeley resident) | $180 per week (non-resident)
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  Black Girls Code (Oakland) – one week only

Alameda County Training & Education Center hosts Black Girls Code Summer Camp. Campers learn about gaming, AI, climate, mental health practices, and workplace skills with industry experts.
Ages: 10-18
Fees: $100 per week
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California Trails Girl Scout Day Camp (Tilden Park) – one week only

California Trails Berkeley Albany Girl Scout Day Camp includes songs, crafts, and many outdoor activities. From June 23-27 only.
Grades: K-7
Fees: $250 per week. Or if you volunteer at camp, only $20 per week!
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Camp Elmwood (Berkeley) – one week only

An urban adventure camp for ages 6 to 13 with teen leaders for 14-18. Camp Elmwood is a community service program of St. John’s Church in Berkeley. From July 28-31 only.
Ages: 6-13
Fees: $120 per week or $100 for a second sibling + $50 additional for aftercare until 5:30 pm; free for teen leaders.
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 Cantare’s Summer Music Camp (Oakland)

FREE 2-week program is a singing, music, games, and dance camp that includes a trip to a live music performance at the end of camp. June 2-13, 2025.
Grades: 4-9
Fees: None
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CREATE! Camp (Hayward)

Unlock your child’s creativity. Explore drawing, painting, ceramics, and animation. Enjoy field trips and a final art exhibition at this hands-on visual art camp designed to inspire young artists.
Ages: 5-12
Fees: $700 for 3 weeks (Hayward resident) | $710 (non-resident)
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Julia Burke Debate Institute (Oakland) – one week only

FREE debate camp at Laney College offered by the Bay Area Urban Debate League for middle and high school students. July 28 to August 1 only.
Grades: 6-12
Fees: None
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Junior Lifeguard Camp (Alameda, Castro Valley)

Lifeguard lessons and skill-building at the beach. This summer, look for six one-week sessions at Crown Beach and Cull Canyon.
Ages: 5-12
Fees: $225 (Alameda or Contra Costa county resident)
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 Maven Youth LGBTQ+ Tech Camp (San Francisco)

Free, fun, and inclusive camp offering digital art, coding, and video game design for queer teens and allies. Jun 16 to 27 (two weeks only). Held at the LinkedIn SF office.
Ages: 14-19
Fees: None
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Park’n It Day Camp (various EBRPD parks)

Traditional summer day camp program running Monday to Friday from 9 am to 4 pm in various East Bay Regional Parks.
Ages: 5-12 | Leaders in training: 13-17
Fees: $200 (Alameda or Contra Costa county resident) | $220 (non-resident) | 10% discount for second sibling
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Recreation and Team Sports (Berkeley)

RATS is a play-all-day summer day camp where kids of all ability levels are encouraged to participate. 8 am to 5:30.
Grades: 3-8
Fees: $250 per week
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The “Rec” Summer Camp (Emeryville)

Traditional summer camp experience with weekly themes. Includes swimming, field trips, and meals.
Grades: TK-8
Fees: $194 per week (Emeryville resident) | $200 per week (non-resident)
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San Pablo Recreation Summer Day Camp (San Pablo)

Wow, now that’s a great price with full coverage for working families! Combination of indoor and outdoor camp activities with one field trip per week. 8 am to 6 pm.
Ages: 3-15
Fees: $44-$85 (San Pablo resident) | $70-$110 (non-resident)
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Shoong Summer Chinese Day Camp (Oakland)

Learn Cantonese or Mandarin in a fun and nurturing environment with hands-on STEM innovation labs, and trips to OMCA for California art, history and science. Located near 12th Street BART. Full and half-day options are offered in a seven-week block.
Grades: K-10
Fees: $1700 for full program (about $243 per week) | $900 for 7 weeks of half-day program (about $129 per week)
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Town Camp + Swim Session (Oakland)

Experience what Oakland parks offer with swimming lessons, reading, math, games, sports, and discovery. Offered in 2- and 5-week blocks.
Ages: 5-12
Fees: $792 for a 5-week program (about $158 per week) for residents | $950 for non-residents (about $190 per week). Look for approximately the same price in different date and location combinations.
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Union City Summer Day Camp (Union City)

A week of day camp with neighborhood parks and one big field trip keeps it fresh. 8 am to 5 pm.
Ages: 6-10
Fees: $270 (Union City resident) | $295 (non-resident)
Register >

ps. Two More! Just past our price cut-off, find World of Wonder Camp in Alameda and.

7 Tips to save money on summer camps

Not all of these tips will work for every family or every camp but you might surprise yourself and lop off $100+ with some scheduling flexibility or creativity. Don’t be afraid to ask.

1. Find a deal. Our summer camp guide includes dozens of discount codes.
2. Scholarships. Ask the summer camp staff for a scholarship or need-based rate.
3. Sign up a sib. There are often multiple kid rate discounts for families or friends.
4. Bundle. Sign up for more than one week. There are often multi-week discounts available.
5. Reduce. If you have the flexibility to shorten your hours or days of care, you can save a chunk of change.
6. Think Rec. Local parks and recreation departments offer great deals for residents, especially if you don’t need full-time care.
7. Barter. Get creative. Can you make a trade? Do you have a skill that would benefit the camp? Can you prepare snacks or run errands to help the staff in order to defray costs?

Did we miss your favorite lower-cost camp option? Help a family out and share it in the comments!

xxx