East Bay Summer Camp Guide

We've put together this guide to East Bay summer camps, concentrated in Oakland and Berkeley. Don't freak out yet, there's still lots of time to register for most of them.

STEM + STEAM | Classic | Art, Design + Making | Eco + Outdoor skills | Language + Culture | Music + Performing Arts | Dance | Sports | Cooking | Overnight camps

STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Math) + STEAM camps

Biology, academics, engineering, coding,pa and more… like STEAM includes ART! Or you might be looking for Art + Maker camps. 

ATDP, Academic Talent Development Program (Point Richmond for elementary, UC for middle)
Elementary-age scholars take activity-based academic courses on a specific subject, allowing students to gain knowledge while having fun. Camp is offered as a single 3-week block where courses are half-day excluding Wednesdays. Sports and additional “explorations” make camp feasible for working families. Application involves essay, recommendations, and scores.
Website >
Application Deadline: Returning elementary applicants by 3/15; new apps by 3/29. Different schedule for secondary school. Late applications will be considered.
Dates/Hours: Elementary camp is 7/10 to 7/28.Classes meet on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. Morning session: 8:30am to noon; afternoon session: 1pm to 4:30pm.
Price: $650-$700 covers one session; discounts for siblings. Financial aid available by application.

“This is such a wonderful program-warm, encouraging, teachers who stoked my daughter’s creativity. Thank you!” ~ ATDP Parent

Sarah’s Science Camp (Tilden Park, Berkeley and Roberts Park, Oakland)
Each day at camp, kids make and take home a fun science project while exploring complex science topics ranging from physics to chemistry and beyond. Camp also includes hiking, music, art, games, and swimming. For children 5 and over. CIT program begins at age 11.
Website >
Hours: 9am – 3pm, plus before care and after care
Price: $425-$470/week or $105/day with early registration, sibling, and multi-week discounts available

“We love, love, love Sarah’s Science and attend for several weeks every summer. My kids love the projects, the outdoor time and the traditional camp fun (games, hikes and songs).” ~ Mom of 7 & 10 year-old campers.

CAMP EDMO (Alameda, Berkeley, Oakland, many more Bay Area locations)
At CAMP EDMO (Pre-K-8th), kids discover awesome stuff as they mix and match ingeniously fun science, art, maker, tech & nature themes to build maximum social emotional learning and 21st Century skills.
Website >
Hours: 9am – 3pm, before care and after care available
Price: $409-$559/week depending on location. Discounts for multiple week enrollment, siblings, earlybirds, and referrals.
Save: 1st time families save $40 with code: FIRST510402017

“Thank you to everyone that made this experience for my son so memorable. He can't wait to go back! We are so happy that camp was not all play but very educational. We definitely will love to have him come back next summer and once again be part of CAMP EDMO.” ~  Alison H., 1st Grade Parent

Oakland ZooCamp (Oakland Zoo)
Oakland ZooCamp is an exciting week of outdoor nature discovery, animal adventures, and fun! Activities include zoo tours, games, crafts, science activities and of course, animals up close. Oakland Zoo creates age-appropriate programs for campers in PreK – middle school.
Website >
Hours: Full-day programs 9am – 4pm. Half day also available.
Price: $339/week for non-members. Discounts available to members.

“ZooCamp is both educational and fun; the campers came home every day with stories, songs, and little pieces of animal and nature trivia.” ~ ZooCamp Parent

TechKnowHow Robotics & Coding (Berkeley, Oakland, Fremont and other East Bay locations)
TechKnowHow Summer Camp classes make technology fun and creative with hands-on projects. Each class features high-interest, age-appropriate projects which teach technology and science skills based on the S.T.E.M. curriculum for children ages 5 to 15 at 20 Bay Area locations.
Website >
Hours: Half Day (9am to noon or 12:30 to 3:30) or Full (9am – 3:30) with extended care 8:30 to 5pm.
Price: $415-$475/week for full day; discounts for multiple-weeks and for early registration.

“The material is presented in a fun way. My child made friends, learned teamwork, robotics and programming skills.” ~ TechKnowHow Parent

Galileo Innovation Camps (Berkeley, Alameda, Oakland, other Bay Area locations)
Galileo believes that kids can change the world (and have a blast doing it). Combining a mindset-shaping, innovation-based approach with crazy, summertime fun for camps kids love: Camp Galileo (pre-K—5th grades), Galileo Summer Quest (5th—8th grades).
Website >
Hours: Mon–Fri, 9am–3pm. Extended care from 8am – 6pm.
Price: $429/week for core program; Discounts for multiple-weeks or signing up early.
Deal: Save $30 with code: FAMILY510

“Galileo had my son running more, creating more, thinking more, engaging more than anywhere he's ever been. We'll be back again next year, with my daughter as well!” ~ Andrea L, Alameda

PlanetBravo Techno-tainment Camp (Berkeley)
PlanetBravo offers one-week technology camps to students entering Grades 2-9. PlanetBravo gives kids a confidence-boosting environment to develop new multimedia skills with their friends whether it's learning to code, making movies, modding Minecraft, or building robots.
Website >
Hours: 8:30pm – 4:30pm. Extended care from 8am – 6pm.
Price: $529/week; Use Code RACE17 for $50 off a week

“My son went in not knowing anyone and had a great week due to the fun counselors who knew how to keep him engaged.” ~ PlanetBravo Parent

Vision Tech (El Cerrito and other Bay Area locations)
Learning activities and customized lesson plans that captivate kids interests around new STEM skills with real-world applications. Includes coding, Virtual Reality Game Design, Minecraft Plug-in Development, app programming, and more. Ages 6 to 18.
Website >
Hours: 9am – 5pm
Price: vary
Deal: use code vtcnav to save $75 off a week of camp

The Vision Tech summer camps are a great complement to they robotics and programming classes offered in our local middle and high school.

QuantumCamp (Berkeley and other Bay Area locations)
QuantumCamp offers math and science camps for 1st through 8th graders. Each camp focuses on fundamental ideas in math and science that have inspired great thinkers throughout history. In addition to academics, campers take breaks for games, teacher-led science demos, joke telling time, free play, and lunch.
Website >
Hours: 9am – 4pm with extended care available
Price: $499 a week with significant earlybird discount

“QuantumCamp is great for hands-on, active learners who love in-depth science and math investigations.” ~ Joshua Beth, Parent

NEW: theCoderSchool (Berkeley)
Promising a solid week of coding fun, kids, age 8+, code throughout the week and then have an opportunity to demo their week's creations. Weekly projects choose different programming languages including Snap, Scratch, Python, Raspberry Pi3, and Java.
Website >
Hours: 9am – 3pm with extended care until 6pm.
Price: $499 a week with significant earlybird discount available

Lawrence Hall of Science Camp (Berkeley)
Lawrence Hall of Science camps offer high-quality learning opportunities for kids age 4 through grade 12. Choose from a variety of exciting topics including computer science, animals & nature, animation, engineering, chemistry, and robotics.
Website >
Hours: Half day from 9am to noon or 1pm to 4pm. Full-day camps available by combining two sessions and adding supervised lunch. Extended care until 5pm.
Price: $600 per week of full-day ($255 for half-day week); discounts for members or multiple weeks. Need-based scholarships available by application.

Play-Well STEM using LEGO (Albany, Berkeley, Piedmont, Alameda, Hayward & other locations)
Play-Well teaches kids ages 5-13 the concepts of engineering, robotics, and critical thinking through building and playing with LEGO. Learn about fundamental STEM principles in core and themed camps (Intro to STEM, Jedi Engineering, Mine Craft Build, etc.).
Website >
Hours: Half-day camps, 9am-12pm and 1pm-4pm (some locations have full-day camps)
Price: Half-day camps start at $175/week (varies by location & curriculum)

“What made the program more than ‘just LEGO?’ The instructors were so well-schooled in engineering, vehicle anatomy (axles, bushings, all kinds of gears, pins, etc), and even a little physics. They brought battery packs, remote control devices, and tons of sophisticated LEGO parts I never knew existed.” ~ Judy R.

East Bay SPCA (Oakland, Dublin)
Through hands-on lessons, interactions with a variety of animals and fun animal-themed activities (beekeeper, dog trainer!) children entering grades 1 through 12 will spend a week doing everything animal at the adoption center. Purr-fect experience before you add a furry friend to the family.
Website >
Hours: 9am – 3pm
Price: $395 per 5-day session

“Our daughter absolutely LOVED the summer animal camp. The animals are amazing, the humans are amazing, and the camp is amazing.” ~ Nicholas W. Castro Valley

Techsplosion Minecraft and Coding (Berkeley, Fremont and 25 other Bay Area locations)
Techsplosion harnesses kids’ passion for Minecraft and uses that as fuel for learning. Kids learn introductory coding, game design, videography, arts & crafts and play outdoors, too! The focus is problem solving rather than memorization of technical info. For ages 5 to 14.
Website >
Hours: Most camps are 9am to 4pm. Extended care available.
Price: ~$500 for a 35-hour week

“Best tech camps in the bay. Techsplosion consistently inspires my son to develop his passions for game design, and coding.” ~ Robert Hohman, CEO & Founder of GlassDoor.com

Brainy Bunch (Albany and other Bay Area locations)
Camp Brainy Bunch offers academic summer day camps for rising 1st through 6th graders. Campers choose from a variety of theme-based, academic workshops from public speaking to engineering.
Website >
Hours: 9am to 3pm. Extended care available.
Price: $485/week. Lunch provided. Multiple week and sibling discounts available.

Firecracker Math (Berkeley, Oakland)
Camp offers enrichment math program in the mornings followed by fun activities in the afternoons for ages 6 to 16.
Website >
Hours: 9am to 4pm
Price: $400 per week; half-day option (math only) is $250; discount for multiple weeks and siblings

Head-Royce Summer Enrichment (Oakland)
Along with the academic morning, campers will also receive swim lessons, lunch, and additional enrichment classes for fun. Registration begins January 27.
Website >
Hours: 8am to 4pm. Extended care until 6pm.
Price: $1550 per 3-week session. Session 1 is June 19 to July 7; Session 2 is July 10 to July 28

iD Tech Camps (UC Berkeley and more throughout Bay Area)
Campers age 7-17 can learn everything from coding to virtual reality to 3D printing in small groups.
Website >
Hours: 9am – 5pm and overnight.
Price: Varies by course and location. Programs start at $899/week

Sulphur Creek Nature Center Wildlife Camp (Hayward)
Campers get close to animals like owls, opossums, and snakes in a serene park. Each week of camp is based on a different fun-filled theme. Half day camp until noon for ages 3 1/2 to 5; until 2:30 pm for ages 5-13
Website >
Hours: 9:30am to 2:30pm
Price: $200 – $223

{back to top}

Classic Day Camps

Body moving, outside, running around, camp songs, old-school fun

Kids Gym Berkeley (S. Berkeley)
For ages 3 to 11, Kids Gym Berkeley – Berkeley Summer Camp offers 1 to 6 ratio, fun structured indoor play, arts & crafts, dance, fitness, music. Parents to provide snacks, lunch & drinks plus change of clothes. For kids older than 8, we suggest you bring a friend. Call to reserve your spot: (510) 845-9787.
Website >
Hours: 9am – 2pm is full day or 9am to noon is mini camp, after care available until 5pm
Price: $75/day or $45 for mini camp, and $15/hour for extended care hours

Monkey Business Camp (Berkeley)
Monkey Business Camp offers art, cooking, storytelling, nature exploration, treasure hunts, carnival games, singing, and organic food! Expect an exciting week outdoors in Tilden Park with 1 day of swimming. 17th year in Bay Area and winner of 2013-2016 Best of Camp awards. See also Pre-K program for 3-4 year olds at indoor location near Tilden and Boys on the Go Field Trip Camp, for 9-13 year olds.
Website >
Hours: 8:30am to 3:30pm with extended care from 8am to 6pm
Price: $488/week with multi-session, sibling, and earlybird discounts available
Deal: 510 code for $10 off/week, can be combined with early special only

“My children loved being in Tilden Park, playing with friends, trying new projects, swimming, and the fun, caring staff and youth leaders.”

Adventure Day Camp (Walnut Creek with transportation serving Oakland, Piedmont, Berkeley)
Adventure Day Camp is a traditional day camp for children ages 4-15 years old. In a low pressure, relaxed atmosphere, children gain confidence and skills in a wide range of camp activities like arts, sports, swimming, canoeing, kayaking, sailing, tennis, horseback riding, archery, climbing, drama, music, hiking, overnight camping, and much more!
Website>
Hours: 8am – 6pm
Price: Prices vary, see dates and rates. Discounts available (early bird, sibling, multiple sessions); transportation extra.

“My daughter has been having an incredible experience at camp! Her favorite activities have been swimming, taking care of the horses and of course the campout. Thank YOU and your staff for giving my child such an incredible experience!” ~ ADC Parent

St. Paul’s Episcopal School Day Camp (Oakland)
St. Paul’s Camp offers week-long & two-week camps including academic success; art camp; basketball; “Fun In The Sun” field trips; math and science; readers and writers; theater arts; and transitioning kindergarten. Programs offered for rising K through 9th grade.
Website>
Hours: 9am – 3pm for the core program; extended care available 7:30 – 6pm.
Price: $400/week. Discount for siblings and earlybirds.

Aurora Creators & Explorers Camp (Oakland)
Campers grades K-6 rotate through woodshop, coding, cooking, gardening, arts & crafts, and sports & games. Small groups mean lots of individual attention. Additional camps offered: Theater Arts, Writing, LEGO Engineering, and Spanish. All camps are open to the public.
Website>
Hours: Full day is 9am-3pm; half day until 1pm, with extended day options from 8am to 6pm
Price: $375 for full day and $250 for half day. Different price for Theater, LEGO, Spanish, and writing camps. Early bird discounts.

“My son LOVES Aurora Camps! Every year there are new art, music and sport camp offerings. The camp instructors are experienced adults who know their craft very well and provide an engaging and diverse experience for my son.” ~ Happy mom of a five-year Aurora Camper

Roughing It (Lafayette Reservoir, free pickup from many {510} locations)
Roughing It Day Camp is an all-outdoor summer day camp for children age 4-16. Activities include instruction in horseback riding, swimming, fishing, canoeing, kayaking, and more. Free transportation from many convenient Bay Area locations.
Website>
Hours: 8am-4pm including transportation to and from camp; extended care available.
Price: Prices vary, see dates and rates. Discounts for early birds, siblings, and friend referrals.

“My daughter has been coming to Roughing It now for over 8 years. Highlights are swimming and horseback riding.” ~ Damon M, Camper Parent

Sarah’s Science Camp (Tilden Park, Berkeley and Roberts Park, Oakland)
Each day at camp, kids make and take home a fun science project while exploring complex science topics ranging from physics to chemistry and beyond. Camp also includes hiking, music, art, games, and swimming. For children 5 and over. CIT program begins at age 11.
Website >
Hours: 9am – 3pm, plus before care and after care
Price: $425-$470/week or $105/day with early registration, sibling, and multi-week discounts available

“We love, love, love Sarah’s Science and attend for several weeks every summer. My kids love the projects, the outdoor time and the traditional camp fun (games, hikes and songs).” ~ Mom of 7 & 10 year-old campers.

Girls on the Go! (Berkeley, Oakland)
Girls ages 9 to 13 explore the Bay Area with fun field trips via public transportation empowering the girls. Staff co-creates fun, supportive community so girls feel connected with “get to know each other” playshops. A program of Monkey Business Camp.
Website >
Hours: 8:30am to 4pm with extended care from 8am to 6pm; see website about van transport
Price: $488/week with earlybird, sibling, and multi-session discounts available

“We were amazed at how happy Girls on the Go Camp made our daughter, how much confidence it helped her build, and the fears she overcame surrounded by the power of the girls in the group.”

NEW: Claremont Kids Club Summer Camp (Berkeley)
Summer Camp at the Kids Club at Claremont Club & Spa is fun for kids ages 2 through 15 and includes arts & crafts, ballroom laser tag, swimming, gardening, games and more.
Website >
Hours: 9am to 3pm with extended care available.
Price: $375 per week; $95 per day (half day rates also available); earlybird rates available

Steve & Kate’s Camp (Berkeley at The Berkeley School; Oakland at Park Day School)
This unique camp for ages 4 to 12 lets you use what you need. Kids plan their own day attending whichever activities interest them from film and animation to bread making, dance, coding and or sports. Additional locations around Bay Area
Website>
Hours: 7:30am to 6pm; LUNCH PROVIDED
Price: $100/day; 5-day packs $90/day; 20-day packs $80/day. $2,800 gives you unlimited access for the summer.

“You've carved out something truly unique – a completely low-stress experience for parents. No pre-planning, no need to make lunch, no need to decide which days to attend, automatic refunds.” ~ Dan

Abundant Summers (Berkeley, Oakland)
Abundant Summers is an inclusive all-outdoors camp combining social justice, nature, arts, and free play in a mixed-age (2-10) setting. Loosely structured day is shaped by campers’ interests. Options include: fishing, readers’ nook, swimming, theater, fort-building, hiking, maker activities, and more.
Website>
Hours: 9am – 3:30pm; aftercare by prior arrangement
Price: $75 membership to Abundant Beginnings plus $75/day, $325/ week; earlybird, sibling and sliding scale discounts available
Deal: Save 5% with code 510families

“With the mixed ages and the junior counselors and the staff, it feels like a family – and my girls are always thrilled to know it’s a day they get to go to Abundant Summers.” ~ Marie (Children ages 3 & 6)

Camp Tzofim (Oakland with drop off in N. Berkeley available)
Campers will experience camp activities while celebrating Jewish traditions. Expect outdoor play, songs and games and for your camper to come home dirty. Occasional late night or overnight depending on age group. For ages 5 to 15.
Website >
Hours: 9am to 4pm, Extended care available 8am to 6pm at either N. Berkeley or Oakland JCC locations.
Price: Rates vary by age and JCC membership status; early bird and sibling discounts also available.

“Kudos to you and to the exceptional staff; we had a very happy kid every day during this summer – this is priceless.”

Rainbow Day Camp (El Cerrito)
Rainbow Day Camp (ages 4-11) and Camp Kickin' It (12-18) are summer day camps for gender diverse youth and their allies. Expect innovative projects, new friendships and an affirming space where everyone belongs. Teens explore SF and Oakland together.
Website>
Hours: 9am – 3pm; extended care available
Price: $400/week; early bird and sibling discounts available

“For the first time in Chance's life she felt accepted and validated… She gained the courage and knowledge to come out as her true self.”

Pear Tree Summer Camp (Oakland)
Pear Tree Summer Camp offers unique weekly themes explored through arts and crafts, sports, games, science and culinary arts. Weekly field trips and daily Montessori academic sessions are included. Gorgeous wooded campus near the Oakland Zoo. For ages 5 to 10.
Website>
Hours: 8am – 3pm; aftercare available
Price: $300/week

“My 6 year old loved all the themes, but the Olympics week really stood out. The academic portion kept her skills sharp!”

Worlds of Wonder (Alameda)
Camp to foster creativity and curiosity with various themes such as Outdoor Sports, Culinary Arts, Photography, Dinosaurs, Mathematics & Language Arts in the warm and artistic environment of The Child Unique Montessori School. For ages 2 to 7.
Website>
Hours: 9am to 3pm with extended care and partial day available. Sessions are two and three weeks long with fewer days available.
Price: $334 per week for core camp

Berkeley Day Camp (Berkeley)
Children ages 5-12 explore our local parks with supervision including Tilden and Berkeley Marina and one beach usually on Friday.
Website>
Hours: 9am – 3:30pm for the core program; extended care available at Willard Clubhouse 7:30 – 6pm
Price: $169/week for core program to Berkeley residents and $202/week for non-residents.

Crestmont Summer Camp (Richmond)
Combines organized activities along a theme with plenty of time for free play. Themes this year are Engineering & Inventing, Puppet Theater, Sports, and Fairytale Theater. For kids entering Grades 1 – 6.
Website>
Hours: 9am – 3pm; extended care available
Price: $320/week with discounts for multiple weeks.

Camp Gan Israel (Oakland)
“Gan Izzy” offers an exciting array of activities, swimming and trips in a joyful Jewish atmosphere for ages 4 to 11. CIT program for ages 12-14.
Website>
Hours: 9am – 3:30pm for the core program; extended care available
Price: $320/week or $595/2 week session; early bird and sibling discounts available

Julia Morgan Girls (JMSG) Camp (Mills College)
Weeklong summer sessions to girls entering 4th through 6th grade. Campers can enjoy dance, music, sports, science, poetry, art and crafts, games that include a creative component, group work, and opportunity for self-reflection.
Website >
Hours: 8:30am to 3:30pm with extended care available
Price: $400 with discounts available to earlybirds. Financial aid available.

Camp Kee Tov (bus pick up in N. Berkeley and Oakland, camp at Beth El)
Camp Kee Tov is a traditional Jewish camp in which participants spend their days deep in the woods doing skits, singing, and having good, safe fun while learning leadership and social skills. Sessions are four weeks long.
Website >
Hours: 9am to 3pm with extended from 7:30am to 6pm
Price: Choose 1 or 2 four-week sessions (1) Jun 26 – Jul 21 or (2) July 31 to Aug 25, $1295-$1900, discounts for Beth-El members. Financial aid available before March 1.

Camp Sequoyah (Oakland)
Traditional-style day camp with some wacky themes for children ages 4 to 10 at a country club. Programming includes crafts and science alongside golf, tennis and swimming.
Website>
Hours: 9am – 3:30pm for the core program; extended care available
Price: $305 per week for non-members plus a one-time $40 registration fee – lunch and snack included!

Kenilworth Stables Horse Camp (Oakland)
A captivating beginner horse camp in the Oakland hills for campers ages 7 to 10.
Website>
Hours: 9am – 2pm for the core program; extended care available
Price: $700 per week

{back to top}

Art, Design, and Making

Hands-on arts, crafts, tinkering, clay, paint, and building awesome stuff. 

The Crucible (Oakland)
Explore industrial arts—blacksmithing, glass blowing, ceramics, woodworking, jewelry, neon, welding, robotics, and more—at The Crucible! Weeklong youth camps for ages 8-17 let imaginations soar while teaching hands-on skills that overlap science, technology, engineering, and math.
Website >
Hours: Mornings 9am – noon; afternoons 1pm – 4pm; supervised lunch and aftercare available until 6pm
Price: $270-$800 depending on area/materials, discounts available

“My daughter loved the camp session! It was great to see her bravely try new things with equipment and tools. I was proud of her, but most importantly, she was proud of herself!”

Richmond Art Center Camp (Richmond)
Summer Camp at the Richmond Art Center offers hands-on artmaking activities in drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpting and fiber arts for kids ages 5 to 14. Work with practicing artists in fully-equipped professional studios. Make new art and new friends this summer.
Website >
Hours: Morning is 930am-1pm; Afternoon is 1:30pm-4pm; supervised lunch available
Price: $130/week for half day; $260/week for full day; teen camp is priced differently. Earlybird savings before 3/1.
Deal: Coupon code: SU17YC for 10% savings

“My girls loved this art camp! It really stoked creative fires and they have brought their creativity home and continue to make and create art that was inspired by what they learned. Thank you!”

Doodle (Berkeley, Orinda & other Bay Area locations)
Campers, age 3-12, grow their creative intelligence (CIQ) through making and art. Engage in weekly themes about basic engineering, renewable fuels, biomimicry and others. There is something to inspire every child including building, woodworking, 3D art, sculpting, cooking, sports & games.
Website >
Hours: 9am to 4pm with extended care hours from 7:30am – 6pm.
Price: $389/week with earlybird discount available and extended care.
510Families savings: Save $25 per family. Reply to your confirmation and mention 510 Families. Doodle will promptly issue a $25 refund.

“We tried Doodle for the first time this past summer and loved it … Have been recommending Doodle to our friends and will attend again next summer..”

CAMP 510 (Park Day School in Oakland)
At CAMP 510, your child will explore studio art, tinkering, cooking, electronics, building, welding, sewing, crafts, video, music, and more. With the right tools and a participatory community, these projects are led by professional artists and makers. Ages 6 to 14.
Website >
Hours: 9-3 with am/pm extended day options
Price: $450-$480/week; early bird discounts available

“Camp 510 is fantastic, and I can't imagine how hard the staff and counselors must work to teach young kids cooking, leather making, print making, architecture, and more…”

Sarah’s Science Camp (Tilden Park, Berkeley and Roberts Park, Oakland)
Each day at camp, kids make and take home a fun science project while exploring complex science topics ranging from physics to chemistry and beyond. Camp also includes hiking, music, art, games, and swimming. For children 5 and over. CIT program begins at age 11.
Website >
Hours: 9am – 3pm, plus before care and after care
Price: $425-$470/week or $105/day with early registration, sibling, and multi-week discounts available

“We love, love, love Sarah’s Science and attend for several weeks every summer. My kids love the projects, the outdoor time and the traditional camp fun (games, hikes and songs).” ~ Mom of 7 & 10 year-old campers.

Project Ember (Berkeley)
Campers use construction-grade materials and real tools to solve a new design challenge each week. Kids will always be able to get in, climb on or operate creations of their very own design. For 2nd grade through 8th. Overnight camp for 5th–12th.
Website >
Hours: 9:30am-3:30pm with extended care available
Price: $535/week with early bird, sibling, and multi-week savings, & scholarships available

“I would whole-heartedly recommend this camp for any kiddos, builders or not. The instructors were incredibly thoughtful, knowledgable, and caring about child development, community-building, and safety.”

Galileo Innovation Camps (Berkeley, Alameda, Oakland, other Bay Area locations)
Galileo believes that kids can change the world (and have a blast doing it). Combining a mindset-shaping, innovation-based approach with crazy, summertime fun for camps kids love: Camp Galileo (pre-K—5th grades), Galileo Summer Quest (5th—8th grades).
Website >
Hours: Mon–Fri, 9am–3pm. Extended care from 8am – 6pm.
Price: $429/week for core program; Discounts for multiple-weeks or signing up early.
Deal: Save $30 with code: FAMILY510

“Galileo had my son running more, creating more, thinking more, engaging more than anywhere he's ever been. We'll be back again next year, with my daughter as well!” ~ Andrea L, Alameda

Junior Center of Art & Science Camp (Oakland)
Junior Center of Art and Science runs a fun, hands-on, creative day camp for ages 5-12 at Lake Merritt. Campers explore projects in the visual arts, engineering, ecology, and carpentry. A small teacher to student ratio creates an attentive environment.
Website >
Hours: 9am noon or 1pm to 4pm.
Price: $410/full days with earlybird discount available.

Cara Goldstein Art Camps (Berkeley, Piedmont)
Cara's Art Camps include Cartooning, Mixed Media, Creativity and Imagination, and Developing Your Art Portfolio. Students will learn new art techniques and create their own comic books, study life drawing techniques, and learn about renowned artists. All skill levels welcome, for ages 8 to 18.
Website>
Hours: Mini camps are offered 11am-1pm
Price: $275/week Piedmont and $195/week Berkeley per session of two-hour day camps

“What I liked most about Cara's Camp was having her custom-made workbook to create my own stories and characters. It was an inspiring week! M. 9th grade

Sticky Art Camp (Berkeley)
Sticky Art Lab offers a mix of free-play tinkering with exciting reuse materials, outdoor and leisure time in a fun urban studio in Central Berkeley. Specialized themes per week, like wood, clay, motion, nature, zines. Walk to the park in the afternoon. Ages 6 to 12.
Website>
Hours: 9 am to 3:30 pm, plus after to 5:30 pm for $15/day
Price: $425/week or $90 daily; sibling and earlybird discount available

“This is like the best camp ever. I can't believe I did all of this myself.”

Kalen Meyer Art Camp (Berkeley)
Camp emphasizes fine art instruction in small groups. Projects are varied so students can take more than one session and be engaged in a variety of interesting projects and serious fun! For ages 6 to 12, must have completed first grade.
Website >
Hours: 9am to 3pm with aftercare available
Price: $360/week includes all materials.

Brushstrokes Studio Art Camp (Berkeley)
Set in a beautiful light-filled ceramics studio, this art camp offers kids a chance to explore materials such as pottery painting, glass fusing, clay sculpting, and mosaics. For kids 4-11. Afternoon program for teens and tweens.
Website >
Hours: 9 am – 3pm
Price: $80/day

Thingamakids Summer Camp (Oakland)
Thingamajigs' team lead a fun and engaging arts camp designed to expand the young, creative mind. Through interactive workshops that incorporate music, movement, visual art and science, campers gain a unique and well-rounded experience in creativity, collaboration and experimentation. For ages 3-5 and 6-12.
Website >
Hours: 9am-4pm with extended care available
Price: $360/week with discounts for multiple weeks, siblings. Half price for half days.

Twirl Creative Camp (Alameda)
Creative camps in a multitude of artistic avenues. Curriculum is geared around the notion of process and the act of making via 7 themes including exploration in Architecture, Tinkering, Various art methods, Ceramics, mosaics and more. Great for ages 3 to 10.
Website >
Hours: 9am-3pm with extended care available and shorter programs, too
Price: $325/week with discounts for multiple weeks and earlybirds.

Thanks so much for providing fabulous camps for my daughter Melina this summer. She declared it was the “best” camp of them all.

Dancing Paintbrush Studio (Berkeley)
Children ages 5-17 will be exposed to a variety of materials and techniques to nurture artistic development.
Website >
Hours: 9am-3pm (Before and after care are available from 8am-5pm for an additional fee).
Price: $485/week with all fine art materials included, discounts for early bird.

Kala Art Institute (Berkeley)
Camp Kala includes hands-on art making, gallery tours, and outdoor activities based in West Berkeley. For ages 6 to 17.
Website >
Hours: 9am – 3pm
Price: $385/week with some discounts available (Tell 'em 510families sent ya!)

MOCHA! (Oakland)
Innovative, hands-on arts activities for children and youth, ages 5-11 (child) and 12-16 (youth). MOCHA campers work on a variety of engaging projects based on weekly topics.
Website >
Hours: 9am-3:30pm with extended care available
Price: $325/week
Deal: Save $25 off child camp by mentioning 510families

Monart Camp (Berkeley)
Berkeley Monart Drawing Studio offers themed, weekly summer camps exploring various regions around the world. Check the website to find out whether your desired camp is for ages 6+ or 9+.
Website >
Hours: 9am to noon
Price: $195/week includes all materials.

Summer Ceramics Camp with Dianne Stockler (Berkeley)
Kids create with clay and glazes in small friendly classes near Willard Park. Children ages 8 to 14.
Website >
Hours: 9:30 am to 1:30 pm with extended care by arrangement
Price: $290/week includes all materials and kiln firing.

YAWS Westside Studio (Berkeley)
Westside camp creates a unique setting for a multi-aged group of young artists to spend warm summer days exploring new ways to paint, draw, make prints, sew, sculpt, and collaborate.
Website >
Hours: 9 to 3 with extended care until 5pm.
Price: $410/week includes all supplies, snacks and trip fees. $110 per week for aftercare until 5 pm or $13 per hour for drop-in.

{back to top}

Eco & Outdoor Skills

Adventure, sailing, wilderness, tree-climbing, and farming

Avid4 Adventure (Oakland and other Bay Area locations)
Avid4 Adventure offers authentic outdoor adventures for kids Pre-K through 7th grades. Fun and empowering, campers of all levels learn to climb, paddle, bike, hike and thrive in the outdoors.
Website >
Hours: 9am-3pm Extended care: 8:00am-6:000pm
Price: $499-$549/week. Early bird discount available. Shuttle and lunch are additional fees.
Deal: Use code 510FAMILIES to save $15 off a week of day camp

“Our daughter loved Avid4 Adventure and is now more confident, conscientious, curious and persistent. Overall, it was the most positive camp experience and the best money spent!” ~ Avid Parent

Trackers Earth (Berkeley and Walnut Creek)
Mobile adventures start at HQ then transport to the best parks and green spaces. Themes include archery, survival, live action role-playing, fishing, homesteading, and more for children entering grades Pre-K through 10th. Youngest campers learn the beginnings of these new skills.
Website >
Hours: 8am to 4pm, After care available to 6pm
Price: $475 for standard day camps; $550 for premium camps. Early discounts available.

“Trackers was the best camp experience EVER! We heard more stories on Monday evening than we heard for the entire school year! She was happy, engaged and tired at the end of the day.”

Sarah’s Science Camp (Tilden Park, Berkeley and Roberts Park, Oakland)
Each day at camp, kids make and take home a fun science project while exploring complex science topics ranging from physics to chemistry and beyond. Camp also includes hiking, music, art, games, and swimming. For children 5 and over. CIT program begins at age 11.
Website >
Hours: 9am – 3pm, plus before care and after care
Price: $425-$470/week or $105/day with early registration, sibling, and multi-week discounts available

“We love, love, love Sarah’s Science and attend for several weeks every summer. My kids love the projects, the outdoor time and the traditional camp fun (games, hikes and songs).” ~ Mom of 7 & 10 year-old campers.

Monkey Business Camp (Berkeley)
Monkey Business Camp offers art, cooking, storytelling, nature exploration, treasure hunts, carnival games, singing, and organic food! Expect an exciting week outdoors in Tilden Park with 1 day of swimming. 17th year in Bay Area and winner of 2013-2016 Best of Camp awards. See also Pre-K program for 3-4 year olds at indoor location near Tilden and Boys on the Go Field Trip Camp, for 9-13 year olds.
Website >
Hours: 8:30am to 3:30pm with extended care from 8am to 6pm
Price: $488/week with multi-session, sibling, and earlybird discounts available
Deal: 510 code for $10 off/week, can be combined with early special only

“My children loved being in Tilden Park, playing with friends, trying new projects, swimming, and the fun, caring staff and youth leaders.”

Boys on the Go! (North Berkeley)
Boys, ages 9-13, have adventures around the Bay Area on public transportation, meet new friends, and become more curious, competent and compassionate. Activities include Lake Merritt boating, bowling, baseball games, ice skating, arcades, and lots more. A program of Monkey Business Camp.
Website >
Hours: 8:30am to 4pm with with extended care available from 8am to 6pm; or van transport 7:30 start to 4:30 end
Price: $488/week with super earlybird, earlybird, sibling, and multi-session discounts available

“Even the mindfulness stuff was fun! It was like a really cool family of brothers.” ~ 10 year old boy

KIDS for the BAY (All drop offs in Berkeley area, locations vary daily)
Campers will enjoy hands-on outdoor science and nature activities while exploring local creek, bay, and ocean habitats, investigating aquatic invertebrates, hiking, kayaking, swimming at Lake Anza, and more! Sessions are one-week long with a variety of themes. Camp sessions for 5-7 and 8-10 year olds include local nature field trips (transportation provided). Leader-in-Training opportunities available for ages 11-14.
Website >
Hours: 8:30am – 4pm; extended care nature club available to 5:30pm
Price: $350/wk for core program. Early registration & multi-week discount available. Scholarships available

“The camp staff is amazing. We really like their energy and showing kids how to love nature and have fun doing it. Keep it up!” ~ Magnus' parent, 2016

Urban Adventure (Rockridge BART)
Urban Adventure Camps is unique week-long day camp for campers age 8-15. Each day groups visit the Bay Area’s best museums, parks, galleries, science centers, activities, and attractions. Public transportation is used. No two days are the same.
Website >
Hours: 8am to 4pm, After care available
Price: Explorer camp week $425; Active camp week $625; need-based scholarships available; discounts for bringing friends. Fees include transportation + museum admission.

“Both of my kids say that Urban Adventures is the ‘best camp ever!' They look forward to it and will definitely be back next summer.”

Alameda Community Sailing Center (Alameda)
Sailing for kids age 7 to 17 in Alameda. Choose from Discover Sailing, Seasoned Sailors, Teen Sailing, and STEM Sailing (combination of sailing and science camp). Campers gain confidence as their skills improve and they move towards independence on the water.
Website >
Hours: 9am to 4pm, extended care available
Price:$625 per 2-week session.

Fiddleheads Outdoor Social Skills Camp (Berkeley, Oakland, Richmond, and more)
Fiddleheads offers children social and emotional instruction in the enlivening environment of Bay Area parks through activities that promote sensory integration, emotional regulation and empathic connections. Welcoming children from all communities, camp is inclusive and honors neuro-diversity. Ages 5 to 12.
Website >
Hours: 9:30am to 2:30pm in two week sessions
Price: $1250 per two-week block with discounts available

“I feel so safe, like I can say anything and really be myself.”

Lindsay Wildlife Experience Mini Camp (Walnut Creek)
Does your camper dream of digging up dinosaurs, investigating insects, and other amazing animals? Expect lots of hands-on fun learning about different ways scientists explore the natural world, and meeting some animal ambassadors. Camp shirt, snacks and drinks included. Ages 4 to 10.
Website >
Hours: 9am to noon
Price: $150 per week for non-members

Berkeley Forest School (Berkeley)
Berkeley Forest School’s nature-immersion summer camps offer a hands-on collaborative learning and playing experience, building skills, character and connection with nature. Campers ages 4 to 8.
Website >
Hours: 9am to 1:30pm
Price: $325 per week with discounts for multiple weeks

Sailing & Boating (Oakland at Lake Merritt and Jack London Square)
Youth ages 7-17 come to Lake Merritt for boating adventures. Younger children use boats and learn about ecology and older kids learn to sail. Advanced sailors go to the Oakland Estuary.
Website > (scroll way down for PDF about camp)
Hours: 9am to 3:30pm, after care available
Price: $240 – $300 per week, discounts for residents

Urban Adamah Farm Camp (Berkeley)
Drawing from Jewish traditions, Camp Urban Adamah offers campers a taste of organic farm life through experiential programs at an urban farm. Open to children entering 1st–5th grades.
Website >
Hours: 9am to 3pm, After care available
Price: $435 per week; earlybird discounts available

See many more adventurous options in our sleepaway camp guide!

{back to top}

Language & Culture

Writing, reading, speaking, and immersion into other cultures

EFBA French Immersion (N. Berkeley & other Bay Area locations)
Education Française Bay Area offers offers week-long immersion in French organized by weekly themes for grades K-5 exploring French-speaking cultures through sports, cooking, games, music, art, and more.
Website >
Hours: 8:30am – 3pm with extended care available
Price: $450 per week with discounts for current students, multiple weeks, early registration
Deal: 510families readers can save $25 (can be combined with other discounts)

“EFBA camp is a wonderful way to get kids to interact with a cultural topic, enhance their French vocabulary all while immersed in the language.”

Shu Ren International School Summer Camp (Berkeley)
Shu Ren welcomes children who are interested in learning Mandarin language skills and Chinese culture through fun, immersion-based activities and hands-on field trips. No prior Mandarin skills are needed. Camps are held in two-week cycles (or weekly for Pre-K). Ages 2 to 13.
Website >
Hours: 8:30am – 3pm with extended care available from 7:30am to 6pm
Price: Ages 2-4: $400/week; Ages 5-13: $900/2-week session

Bay Language Academy (Alameda)
Campers, pre-K through 6th grade, will be engaged in projects around language learning, mind games, skill building, cooking demo, music and dance appreciation as well as artistic workshops. Each session will introduce/reinforce languages which includes French, Mandarin, Korean, English and Spanish.
Website >
Hours: 9am – 3pm with extended care available
Price: $380/ week or $90/ day with earlybird discount available

“Both my son and daughter take French from Essia and I couldn't be more confident in recommending her summer camps and her regular classes.”

Escuela Bilingüe Internacional Spanish Summer Camp (Oakland)
EBI campers will explore art, music, science, cooking, movement and dozens of other enriching activities in Spanish. For children ages 3 to 9 (potty trained). No prior Spanish speaking experience required for some sessions. Choose themes during registration. Sessions are half-day or full-day and two-weeks long.
Website >
Hours: 8:30am-4:00pm, with extended care and half day available
Price: $370-$700 per two-week sessions

Deborah Davis' Creative Writing Camps (North Berkeley)
Small, supportive groups for middle and high school students who love to write, wish to regain a love of writing, or want to build confidence with writing. Expect fun, lively writing activities and time to write what most interests them.
Website >
Hours: 9am-3:00pm
Price: $450 with discounts available

Bay Area Young Writers Camp (North Berkeley, Oakland, and more Bay Area locations)
This three week camp gives children who are interested in writing the time and opportunity to explore many different paths in their writing.
Website >
Hours: 9am – noon with extended care available
Price: $600 per 3-week session

Ecole Bilingue de Berkeley’s French Immersion Camp (Berkeley)
Ecole Bilingue’s full immersion French summer camp offers French instruction to children in preschool and entering kindergarten (minimum age: 3.5) through grade 4. No previous knowledge of French is necessary.
Website >
Hours: 9am – 3pm with extended care available
Price: $425 per week with discounts for early registration

Hip Wah (Piedmont)
Have fun learning Chinese culture through arts and crafts, Mandarin language, martial arts, brush painting, singing, musical instruments, cooking, field trips, and more. Entering 1st through 7th graders welcome.
Website >
Hours: 9am – 2pm with extended care available
Price: $750 for four weeks: June 26 – July 21

Summer Afternoons in France with Alliance Française de Berkeley (Berkeley)
Learn French through crafts, games, songs and cooking. Each week will bring the geography, history, food and culture of a different region of France. For ages 5 to 14; classes vary.
Website >
Hours: 1:30 pm to 4:30pm
Price: $271 for most sessions

{back to top}

Music and Performing Arts

Instruments, voice, circus arts, and theater. Find Dance camps in another section below.

Berkeley Playhouse Conservatory Summer Camps (Berkeley)
Musical, acting, and directing camps explore the stories of Harry Potter, Zootopia, Sing, and Matilda. Grades K-6. CIT positions beginning at age 13.
Website >
Hours: 9am to 3pm with extended care available
Price: $375 – $750 based on program selected

Crowden Music Camps (Berkeley)
Crowden Music Center in Berkeley offers fun and inspiring music camps for ages five and up and all levels of experience. Try Instrument Discovery camp, Summer Strings, Piano Partners, All Things Cello, Young Musicians Chamber Music Academy, and more! Starting at age 5.
Website >
Dates and Prices: One week programs vary for ages, hours and prices.

“All this music for two weeks has been a dream camp for my son. Thank you for organizing an amazing program!”

Mr.D’s Music and Arts Summer Camp (Oakland)
Super fun, high energy, singing, dancing, art making, stage design, performance summer camp for kids of all abilities ages 8-12. (some exceptions) Find out why they’ve been voted Best of the Best 4 years in a row. In Rockridge.
Website >
Hours: 9 am-3:30 pm. Extended Care hours are 8am-9, 3pm-5pm for $10 per hour.
Price: $350 per week. Multi-week discounts, sibling discounts, and referral discounts available.
Deal: Use code 510families to save $25

“Mr. D's summer camp is the highlight of our daughters summer. She'd go every week if we let her.”

Bay Area Children's Theatre Summer Camps (Alameda & Oakland)
Join Bay Area Children's Theatre this summer to learn theatre performance skills, make friends, gain confidence, and have fun! Camps include Musical Theatre, Improv, K-1 Storytelling, and all camps culminate in a final performance for friends and family. For grades K – 8.
Website >
Hours: 9am – 4pm, aftercare available
Price: $400 (1-week program) $695 (2-week program)

“BACT does a spectacular job of taking a group of kids through the entire process of putting on a play. I am consistently impressed.” ~ BACT Parent

BandWorks Summer Camp (Oakland)
For kids 8+, BandWorks Rock n’ Roll Camp is open to young beginners through advanced players. Professional musician-instructors create a supportive environment. All instruments welcome! By the end of the week, students are performing.
Website >
Hours: AM session: 9am-12noon; PM session: 1pm-4pm; before care and after care available
Price: $295 – $595 per week

Cal Shakes Conservatory (Oakland, Orinda)
Students can foster their passion for artistic exploration, self-expression and creative curiosity through the poetic words and universal themes of Shakespeare's work. Children ages 8 to 18.
Website >
Hours: 9am – 3pm
Price: $350 per week with 2- and 4-week programs

Children's Fairyland (Oakland)
For ages 5 (entering kindergarten) to 10. Inspired by weekly themes such as superheroes, pirates, and mysteries; children use teamwork to make plays, make friends, make magic!
Website >
Hours: 9am – 5pm with am/pm extended day options
Price: $345 non-members; $320 for members

Doug's Drama (Oakland Hills)
Full day theater camps in two-week sessions for students entering grades K-8 culminating in a full-length evening performance at the end of the session. First two sessions are K-4 and third session is for grades 3-8.
Website >
Hours: 9am – 3pm, before and after care available
Price: $600 per two-week session

Go Girls! Camp (North Oakland Community Charter School, Redwood Day School, JCC of the East Bay)
During two-week sessions, rising 1st-6th grade girls make and perform their own peaceful and powerful plays that may just change the world.
Website >
Price: Prices vary

On Stage Dance and Theater Arts (Oakland)
Kids ‘N Dance offers week long full- and half-day Musical Theater Show camps 4-18 year olds, Dance Adventure camps for 3-5 year olds, and Aerial Circus Arts camps for 5-10 year olds.
Website >
Hours: 9am to 4pm with extended care available
Price: $350/week

Trapeze Arts (Oakland)
Trapeze Arts Circus Camp is for kids ages 7-14, campers learn flying trapeze, trampoline, aerial arts and more and put on a show every Friday for families and friends!
Website >
Hours: 9-3 with aftercare available
Price: $410/week with sibling and multiple week discounts

See also Dance Camps!

{back to top}

Sports Camps

Soccer, gymnastics, tennis, basketball, martial arts, skateboarding, parkour, and more! Yes gymnastics is here, but Dance camps is in another section below — and Circus camps are in performing arts.Please note that many of our favorite active camps for kids had not yet released their 2017 camp info when we published this guide. Check back again soon!

Camp Bladium (Alameda)
Children, ages 5-14, can experience a wide variety of activities: rock climbing, basketball, dodgeball, karaoke, kickball, arts & crafts, laser tag, cheerleading, jumpers, and LEGO. Healthy snacks and lunches provided. Specialized single-sport camps are also available.
Website >
Hours: 9am to 4pm with extended care 7:30am to 6pm
Price: $330 per week

Bladium Soccer Academy & West Ham North American Academy Camp (Alameda, Piedmont)
Soccer camps for all levels. Recreational player camps for ages 6 through 12 with an emphasis on fundamental skills training and games. For more competitive players, West Ham United North American Academy Soccer Camp offers high-level training for players ages 6 through 14.
Website >
Hours: 9am to 12:30pm with extended care available until 6pm
Price: Bladiam Soccer starts at $230; WHUNAA starts at $275 per week

Head Over Heels (Emeryville)
Day camp program for kids 4+ offers gymnastics and circus arts, plus playground games and arts + crafts. Offered to preschool and school-aged kids.
Website >
Hours: 9am to 4:30pm with before care and after care available
Price: Full-day camp: $425/week; day rate $95/day; discounts for multiple weeks, siblings, and early registration

The Albany-Berkeley Soccer Club Soccer Skills Camp (Albany-Berkeley) offers half-ABSC half-day and full-day soccer camps with skill-building, games, and themed activities to keep it FUN for soccer players from 4 to 19 years old and for all levels.
Website >
Hours: 9am to 3pm
Price: $305 per week

Cal Golden Bears Gymnastics Camp (Berkeley)
Gymnastics, dance, trampoline activities, arts and crafts, and strength training for ages 4 to 14.
Website >
Hours: 8:30am to 3pm
Price: $345 per week

Cal Summer Youth Programs (Berkeley)
Cal Youth Programs offers a wide variety of camps and sport/outdoor activities for kids of all ages. One and two-week options available. Payment plan and camp scholarships available for families in need. Hours and prices vary by program.
Website >

East Bay BALL Summer Camp (Caldecott Field, North Oakland Sports Complex)
Baseball After Little League is a camp for boys and girls age 6 to 12 who love baseball and outdoor playtime.
Website >
Hours: 9am to 4pm
Price: $310 per week with earlybird discount available

Future Star Baseball Camp (Oakland + Piedmont)
Future Star Baseball offers baseball camps for players 6 to 12 of all abilities. Camp emphasize skill building and teamwork with regular turns at the batting cage.
Website >
Hours: 9am to 4pm for full day with half day option, extended care available
Price: $365 per week

Monkey Ninja Camp @ Athletic Playground (Emeryville)
This morning drop-in camp focuses on Parkour and acrobatics. Get ready to jump, vault roll, flip, land and go through creative obstacle courses. Ages 5-13.
Website >
Hours: 9am – 12pm, drop-in
Price: $79 per 3-hour session; discounts for multiple days & members

RATS Sports and Games Day Camp (Berkeley)
Recreation and Team Sports (RATS) offers a fun, affordable, play-all-day summer day camp for girls and boys entering 3rd through 8th grades. Kids of all ability levels are encouraged to participate in moderately competitive activities in a supportive, creative and instructive environment.
Website >
Hours: 8am – 5:30pm, drop-in
Price: $200/week

{back to top}

Cooking Camps

culinary skills for budding chefs; check back in a few weeks, many cooking camps were not ready for enrollment at publish time

Cooking Round the World (Alameda, Oakland, Albany)
Cooking Round the World is the juncture where culinary arts meets cultural education. Each camp day includes cooking 6 to 8 dishes and additional activities: international folktales, games, language acquisition, and afternoon ‘Chopped' competitions. Nut free. Educational for ages 6 to 13.
Website >
Hours: 9am to 4pm, before-care available
Price: $475/week with sibling discounts

“Miss Mindy, You are as sweet as the treats we make. Your heart is as big as the world. Cooking Round the World added magic to my life.” ~ Saryn, age 10

Bliss Belly Kitchen Cooking Camp (North Berkeley)
Bliss Belly kitchen offers eco-conscious and soul conscious cooking classes utilizing farm fresh ingredients, yoga, and mindfulness to give children the best possible connection to themselves and to the land and source where their food comes from. Ages 5 to 13.
Website >
Hours: 9am to 3pm
Price: $350, with sibling, multi-week & earlybird discounts available

Kitchen on Fire Teen Culinary Camp (North Berkeley)
During this week of cooking, your teen will have fun, learn, and bring home great recipes that will impress family and friends. Each day will be full of delicious food and hands on cooking with Chef Olive. For teens.
Website >
Hours: 11am to 2pm
Price: $495 per week

COOK! (Emeryville)
Adventurous culinary camps for kids, ages 9 – 18, in Emeryville. Designed to give kids the confidence to cook for themselves.
Website >
Hours: 9am-2pm
Price: $560/week

Sprouts (East Bay various)
Week-long camps are an intensive culinary experience with hands-on cooking classes in restaurants, farm harvests, camper cook-offs, blindfolded palate play! Locations vary based on the restaurants in the rotation. Ages 7+.
Website>
Hours: 9 am to 5pm
Price: $580/week

{back to top}

Dance Camps

Dance-focused camps including ballet and hip hop. For more performing and body movement, find Music and Circus skills are in performing arts and Gymnastics is in Sports!

Ballet Boot Camp (Hayward)
Oakland Ballet’s summer program, Ballet Boot Camp, offers dancers 9+ the opportunity to train with one of the area’s leading professional dance companies. Daily classes in ballet, pointe, and contemporary plus repertoire and a choreography workshop in a fun and nurturing environment. Ages 9 to 18.
Website >
Hours: 9:30am-3:30 with extended care available
Price: $595/week; $1,130/two weeks; $1,650/three weeks.

“I really enjoyed the variety and quality of instructors, the smaller class sizes, and the way every instructor had something different to teach. It really helped me broaden my technique.”

Alameda Ballet (Alameda)
Dance camps for ages 4 to 6 for Little Ballerinas; Beginning Ballet for ages 7 to 12; Intermediate for ages 10+. Theater camps as well.
Website >
Hours: Hours and Pricing vary.

Berkeley Ballet Theater Summer Workshops (Berkeley)
Dance workshops for ages 7 to 18. Ballet training for beginning, intermediate, and advanced students focused on improving technical skills and developing confidence as a dancer. Mini camps for as young as 3.
Website >
Hours: Hours and Pricing vary.

East Bay Dance Center (Oakland)
Summer Dance Camp at East Bay Dance Center offers jazz, ballet, tap, hip hop, tumbling, and African dance with a side of drama, art, games, performances, and fun. Ages 4 to 16.
Website >
Hours: 9:30am-3pm with extended care available
Price: $250/week or $62/day. Early enrollment and sibling discounts.

Luna Dance Institute (Berkeley)
Week-long summer dance camps for children, teens, and families. Ages 5 to 16.
Website >
Hours and Prices: Vary but the basic course is $350/week

Polka Dots Dance Camp (Piedmont)
Polka Dots “Build a Ballet” program creates a new ballet with campers from the ground up including story, themes, costumes, and choreography. To be performed for family at week's end. Ages 5 to 10.
Website >
Hours: 10am-3pm with extended care available
Price: $405/week or $175/week for mini camps.

{back to top}

All decisions for this guide were made by Heather and Whitney, founders of 510families.com, we apologize for any errors or glaring omissions. Promotional consideration was paid by sponsored listings as indicated. If you’d like to be considered for future Camp Guides, please see this info page or contact us at ads@510families.com for information.

You can use Activity Hero EasyEnroll to register for dozens of camps near Oakland/Berkeley that have openings.

We work really hard to make sure that prices and hours are accurate but they do change throughout the season; please check with vendor for current rates and availability; and tell 'em 510families sent ya!