Summer camps that offer outside play and communing with nature are a balm in our increasingly digital world. This roundup of summer camps also includes cool East Bay camps that involve caring for and observing animals as well as the wilderness. Find more summer camps in our Annual Camp Guide.
Thanks to our wild and wonderful sponsors
- Monkey Business Camp is 100% outdoors classic day camp with emphasis on nature, crafts, games, and songs. Sessions run from 2-days to 3-weeks for grades K to 11 in Tilden Park.
- Call of the Wild Camps explore biology and language arts, hiking, reading, and writing with kids ages 5 to 10 in Berkeley and Oakland.
- Trackers Earth Camps teach wilderness survival, archery, fishing, woodworking, and blacksmithing through action-packed role-playing for grades K to 9 in El Cerrito and North Oakland. CIT program for grades 10+.
- Wild Ones Art Camp is a fun, safe, inclusive outdoor exploration experience in Berkeley and Oakland parks for kids 51/2 to 10.
East Bay camps that emphasize Nature and Animals (2024)
Click through to find all the details on their respective websites.
Monkey Business Camp
100% unplugged and outdoors. Kids enjoy nature exploration, arts & crafts, food projects, games, songs and special surprises in Tilden Park! 3-week sessions with same kids and staff, with some 3 day to 2-week options. Campers ages 5.25-10. Youth Leaders 11+.
Camp Hours: 8:30 am to 4:30 pm
Earliest Drop off: 08:00 am
Latest Pick-up: 04:30 pm
Price: $648+ per week with financial aid available
Grades: K, 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th
Camp Season: Week of June 3, Week of June 10, Week of June 17, Week of June 24, Week of July 1, Week of July 8, Week of July 15, Week of July 22, Week of July 29, Week of Aug. 5, Week of Aug. 12
Summer Discovery Camps at BADM
Set at the picturesque Bay Area Discovery Museum, educators are dedicated to sparking curiosity. Your child will be the creator of their own magical stories, with endless possibilities for fun and discovery. Camp is a treasure trove of imaginative play and epic adventures.
Camp Hours: 9 am to 3 pm | 3 year olds have 2-week sessions of half days from 9 am to 1 pm
Earliest Drop off: 09:00 am
Latest Pick-up: 05:00 pm
Price: $600 per week; $125 for extended care | For 3YO, $900 per 2-week session of half days
Grades: ages 3+, preschool (ages 4+), K, 1st, 2nd, 3rd
Camp Season: Week of June 10, Week of June 17, Week of June 24, Week of July 1, Week of July 8, Week of July 15, Week of July 22, Week of July 29, Week of Aug. 5, Week of Aug. 12
Summer Camps at The Lawrence
Explore, discover, and invent at UC Berkeley's public science center. Campers from 1st-6th grades delve into astronomy, biology, and engineering, while enjoying the Animal Discovery Zone, Planetarium, and everything else at The Lawrence Hall of Science.
Camp Hours: 9 am to 4 pm
Earliest Drop off: 09:00 am
Latest Pick-up: 04:00 pm
Price: $1395 for two weeks
Grades: 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th
Camp Season: Week of June 3, Week of June 10, Week of June 17, Week of June 24, Week of July 8, Week of July 15, Week of July 22, Week of July 29, Week of Aug. 5
Lindsay Wildlife Experience
Spend summer days learning about nature and having fun at the unique day camps at Lindsay Wildlife Experience! Engage in a blend of indoor and outdoor adventures, encompassing nature hikes, music, games, crafts, and live animal encounters throughout camp.
Camp Hours: 9 am to 3:30 pm or 9 am to 12:30 pm for half day
Earliest Drop off: 09:00 am
Latest Pick-up: 04:30 pm
Price: $675 per week for non-members ($600 for LWE members) | Half day is $350 per week ($300 for LWE members)
Grades: K, 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th
Camp Season: Week of June 10, Week of June 17, Week of June 24, Week of July 8, Week of July 15, Week of July 22, Week of July 29
Save $10 with code SAVE10. Expires 4/1/24
Call of the Wild Camps
Outdoor nature camps where K-5th graders connect with nature, hike, explore, read, write, create nature-inspired art, make friends, and play in Berkeley and Oakland forests. Theme weeks: Enchanted Forest Reading, Enchanted Forest Art, Enchanted Vegan Nature, and Enchanted Forest Writing.
Camp Hours: 9 am to 4 pm
Earliest Drop off: 08:30 am
Latest Pick-up: 04:30 pm
Price: $607.35 for five days. Discounts: early bird, sibling, refer a friend, scholarships
Grades: K, 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th
Camp Season: Week of June 10, Week of June 17, Week of June 24, Week of July 1, Week of July 8, Week of July 15, Week of July 22, Week of July 29, Week of Aug. 5
Wild Ones Art Camp
Wild Ones Art Camp is excited to provide kids (ages 5-10) an outdoor experience where they can connect with art and nature in local East Bay parks. Campers will explore the Redwoods, build forts, go on hikes, and create fun art projects as they learn about insects, birds, & plants.
Camp Hours: 9 am to 3 pm
Earliest Drop off: 08:45 am
Latest Pick-up: 03:15 pm
Price: $585 per week | $125 per day
Grades: 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th
Camp Season: Week of June 10, Week of June 17, Week of June 24, Week of July 8, Week of July 15, Week of July 22
Save 5% off with code 510families
Sees the Day Summer Program -- A Classroom without Walls
Sees the Day is committed to helping children develop respect and appreciation for each other and the natural world. Activities include guest educators, storytelling, improv, music, imaginative play, cooperative games, beading, fairy house/fort building, gratitude circles, and classic summertime fun!
Camp Hours: 8:45 am to 4:30 pm
Earliest Drop off: 08:30 am
Latest Pick-up: 05:30 pm
Price: $550 per week. $110 per day. Fee assistance is available upon request
Grades: 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th
Camp Season: Week of June 10, Week of June 17, Week of June 24, Week of July 1, Week of July 8, Week of July 15, Week of July 22, Week of July 29, Week of Aug. 5, Week of Aug. 12, Week of Aug. 19
Trackers Earth Camps
Trackers Earth's award-winning camps teach wilderness survival, martial arts, archery, boating, and woodworking. Each program is an action-packed adventure with secret agents, dinosaurs, elves, or wizards. Kids get outdoors, find friends and learn new skills with expert guides. CIT program for 10th grade+
Camp Hours: 8:30 am to 3:30 pm
Earliest Drop off: 08:30 am
Latest Pick-up: 05:30 pm
Price: $625 per week Day Camp Studio (onsite) / $725 per week Day Camp Adventure (mobile) / $1245 per week Overnight Adventure. $50 Early discount
Grades: K, 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th
Camp Season: Week of June 10, Week of June 17, Week of June 24, Week of July 1, Week of July 8, Week of July 15, Week of July 22, Week of July 29, Week of Aug. 5, Week of Aug. 12, Week of Aug. 19
Berkeley Forest School
Full days of outdoor adventure, silly songs, eco-science projects, nature crafts, and forest play! Programs are entirely outdoors in the beautiful spaces of the East Bay.
Camp Hours: 9 am to 3 pm with aftercare until 5:30 pm
Earliest Drop off: 09:00 am
Latest Pick-up: 05:30 pm
Price: $475 per week. Sibling and multi-week discounts available
Grades: ages 3+, preschool (ages 4+), K, 1st, 2nd, 3rd
Camp Season: Week of June 10, Week of June 17, Week of June 24, Week of July 1, Week of July 8, Week of July 15, Week of July 22, Week of July 29, Week of Aug. 5
Save $25 off with code: 510FAM. Expires March 15
Aflo Health Body Sovereignty Camp
Empowerment camp honors Black girls’ transition to womanhood, fostering healthy living in a joyful atmosphere. Activities draw from African traditions, nurturing self-love and mind-body harmony. A supportive environment encourages questions and connection among participants. July 1-3 ONLY.
Camp Hours: 9 am to 3 pm
Earliest Drop off: 08:45 am
Latest Pick-up: 03:15 pm
Price: $444 for 3 days, July 1-3 | Siblings save $111
Grades: 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th
Camp Season: Week of July 1
Save 5% with code 510SAVE. Expires 6/30/2024
Metro Skate Camp
Metro Skate Camp fosters an atmosphere of fun and learning with the friendliest crew of lifelong skateboarders in a 46-acre setting: 4ft free flowing indoor bowl, concrete skatepark, 36 by 5.5 half pipe, walking trails, animals, game room, and an archery range. Ages 8-16.
Camp Hours: 9 am to 3 pm
Earliest Drop off: 08:45 am
Latest Pick-up: 05:00 pm
Price: $600 per week / $120 per day
Grades: 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th
Camp Season: Week of June 17, Week of June 24, Week of July 8, Week of July 15, Week of July 29, Week of Aug. 5
Save $100 with code 510. Expires 3/1.
KIDS for the BAY Summer Camp
Let’s get outside! Join KIDS for the BAY for a fun-filled summer of hands-on science and nature exploration in the outdoors. Campers investigate unique ecosystems, make discoveries at creek, bay and ocean habitats, and become an inspired Environmentalist! CIT opportunities, grade 6+
Camp Hours: 9 am to 3 pm
Earliest Drop off: 08:30 am
Latest Pick-up: 05:00 pm
Price: $525 per week. $510 with Early Bird Discount OR Sibling Discount
Grades: K, 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th
Camp Season: Week of June 17, Week of June 24, Week of July 8, Week of July 15, Week of July 22, Week of July 29, Week of Aug. 5
Saddle Up Academy Horse Camp
Saddle Up Academy Horse Camp offers a mix of equestrian basics from horse behavior, anatomy, and riding. All levels welcome, hands-on, and completely outdoors. Come decorate the horses. Kids get a bunch of ride time.
Camp Hours: 10 am to 4 pm
Earliest Drop off: 10:00 am
Latest Pick-up: 04:00 pm
Price: $750 per week
Grades: 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th
Camp Season: Week of June 24, Week of July 8, Week of July 29
Wildcat Canyon Community School Summer Camp (WCCS)
Embark on a summer adventure with Wildcat Canyon Community School! From enchanting forest hikes to artistic escapades, plus cooking delights and fascinating science experiments, this 91-acre campus is the ultimate playground for curious minds. Need not be a student to attend.
Camp Hours: 9 am to 3 pm
Earliest Drop off: 08:30 am
Latest Pick-up: 03:30 am
Price: $450 per week. Save $50 before March 31.
Grades: ages 3+, preschool (ages 4+), K, 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th
Camp Season: Week of June 10, Week of June 17, Week of June 24, Week of July 8, Week of July 15, Week of July 22, Week of Aug. 5, Week of Aug. 12
Acta Non Verba Urban Farm Camp (ANV)
Camp Hours: 8:30 am to 5 pm
Earliest Drop off: 08:30 am
Latest Pick-up: 05:00 pm
Price: $750 per week, but "camperships" are available
Grades: K, 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th
Camp Season: Week of June 3, Week of June 10, Week of June 17, Week of June 24, Week of July 1, Week of July 8
Camp Kenilworth Equestrian Camp
Horses.
Camp Hours: 9 am to 2 pm
Earliest Drop off: 08:45 am
Latest Pick-up: 02:15 pm
Price: $1000 per week
Grades: 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th
Camp Season: Week of June 10, Week of June 24, Week of July 8, Week of July 15, Week of July 22
East Bay SPCA Summer Animal Camp
Camp Hours: 9 am to 3 pm
Earliest Drop off: 09:00 am
Latest Pick-up: 03:00 pm
Price: $415 per week, scholarships are available.
Grades: 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th
Camp Season: Week of May 27, Week of June 3, Week of June 10, Week of June 17, Week of June 24, Week of July 1, Week of July 8, Week of July 15, Week of July 22
Green Stuff @ UC Botanical Garden
Camp Hours: 9 am to 2 pm or 3 pm based on age
Earliest Drop off: 09:00 am
Latest Pick-up: 03:00 pm
Price: $500 per week
Grades: 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th
Camp Season: Week of June 3, Week of June 10, Week of June 17, Week of June 24, Week of July 8, Week of July 15, Week of July 22, Week of July 29, Week of Aug. 5, Week of Aug. 12
Outside School
Camp Hours: 9 am to 3 pm
Earliest Drop off: 09:00 am
Latest Pick-up: 03:00 pm
Price: $800 per 2-week session
Grades: K, 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th
Camp Season: Week of July 8, Week of July 15, Week of July 22, Week of July 29
Park Explorers
Camp Hours: 8:30 am to 3:30 pm
Earliest Drop off: 08:30 am
Latest Pick-up: 03:30 pm
Price: Resident $215 per week | Non-Resident $225 per week
Grades: 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th
Camp Season: Week of July 15, Week of July 22, Week of July 29, Week of Aug. 5
Roots & Ramas Forest School
Campers need not be students of this school to attend unless they are ages 2-4.
Camp Hours: 9 am to 3 pm
Earliest Drop off: 09:00 am
Latest Pick-up: 03:00 pm
Price: $750 per week or $2400 per month. Other multi-week discounts available.
Grades: ages 2+, ages 3+, preschool (ages 4+), K, 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th
Camp Season: Week of June 3, Week of June 10, Week of June 17, Week of June 24
TeeterPal Nature Camp
Camp Hours: 9:30 am to 3:30 pm
Earliest Drop off: 09:00 am
Latest Pick-up: 05:30 pm
Price: $645 per week
Grades: K, 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th
Camp Season: Week of June 3, Week of June 10, Week of June 17, Week of June 24, Week of July 8, Week of July 15, Week of July 22, Week of July 29, Week of Aug. 5
Twirl Summer Camp
Camp Hours: 9 am to 3 pm
Earliest Drop off: 09:00 am
Latest Pick-up: 05:00 pm
Price: $525 per week or $125 per day
Grades: preschool (ages 4+), K, 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th
Camp Season: Week of June 10, Week of June 17, Week of June 24, Week of July 1, Week of July 8, Week of July 15, Week of July 22, Week of July 29, Week of Aug. 5, Week of Aug. 12
Urban Adamah Summer Camp on the Farm
Camp Hours: 9 am to 3 pm + After-camp Program to 5:30 most days
Earliest Drop off: 08:30 am
Latest Pick-up: 05:30 pm
Price: $1250 for 2-week session, $1875 for 3-week session
Grades: ages 3+, preschool (ages 4+), K, 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th
Camp Season: Week of June 24, Week of July 1, Week of July 8
Wild Child Nature Camps
Camp Hours: 9 am to 3 pm
Earliest Drop off: 09:00 am
Latest Pick-up: 04:00 pm
Price: $425 per week, $95 per day with 2-day minimum per week. Aftercare available for an added fee of $20 an hour.
Grades: preschool (ages 4+), K, 1st, 2nd, 3rd
Camp Season: Week of June 10, Week of June 17, Week of June 24, Week of July 8, Week of July 15, Week of July 22
Wild Earth Kids
Camp Hours: 9:30 am to 2:30 pm
Earliest Drop off:
Latest Pick-up:
Price: $495 per week or $99 per day
Grades: 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th
Camp Season: Week of June 3, Week of June 10, Week of June 17, Week of June 24, Week of July 1
Words in the Wild
Camp Hours: 9 am to 3 pm
Earliest Drop off: 09:00 am
Latest Pick-up: 04:00 pm
Price: $1100 per 2-week session
Grades: 1st, 2nd, 3rd
Camp Season: Week of June 17, Week of June 24, Week of July 1, Week of July 8, Week of July 15, Week of July 22, Week of July 29, Week of Aug. 5
