Thanksgiving Camps & No-School Day Camps in November

Thanks to our sponsors of this East Bay November Day Camp Guide: Sarah's Science, Claremont Club & Spa, Monkey Business Camp, Bladium, MOCHA, and Hands-On!.

Veteran's Day and Thanksgiving can take a busy parent by surprise. Whether your child's school is closed all week or just a couple days, we figured you might be looking for a little support. I have been known to splurge on a last minute camp when I realized how many hours of unplanned awake time we'd all be spending together. Don't judge.

Oakland Unified and Berkeley Unified schools are closed the entire week of Thanksgiving (Nov 25 to 29) in addition to Nov. 11th for Veteran's Day. Berkeley is also closed November 4th for conferences. Got all that? Read on for camp suggestions that might fit the bill.

East Bay day camps for the month of November:

Camp Bladium, Alameda

At Camp Bladium, children can engage in active play when school is out: Rock Climbing, Basketball, Dodgeball, Karaoke, Crafts, Laser Tag, Jumpers and LEGO. Fall camps are Nov. 11 and Nov. 25-27. The price varies but is around $92/day for ages 5-14 from 9am to 4pm. Extended care available. Lunch and snacks are provided. Half days and specialty soccer and rock climbing camps, too. More info >

Claremont Club & Spa Kids Club, Berkeley

Kids Club at the Claremont Club & Spa offers games, hiking, cooking, swimming, arts & crafts, music and more! Join the fun, 9am – 3pm from Nov. 25-29 (excluding Thanksgiving Day). Day rate for non-members is $110. Weekly, daily half-day, and member rates available. Ages 3+. Register by emailing cla.kidsclub@fairmont.com. More info >

Camp Edah Studio 70, Berkeley

Jewish-oriented day program offered when schools are closed. Activities include hiking, cooking, field trips and crafts. Edah offers care on Nov. 4, 26, and 26 this year from 9am to 4pm with optional aftercare to 5:30 for $105/day for the base program.  Details are here >

Hands-On!, Berkeley

Drop-off STEAM camp for School's Out Days Nov. 4th and 11th as well as Thanksgiving Camp on Monday Nov. 25th and Tuesday Nov. 26th is $70 for ages 5 to 11. Dress for a mess. Sign up here.

Head Over Heels, Emeryville

For ages 5-12, daily gymnastics camp will be offered from 9 to 4:30 (with FREE extended care from 8 to 5:30!) for $105 per day on Nov. 4, 11 and Nov. 25-27. Potty-trained 3 and 4 year olds can participate in morning camp until 1:30. Details and registration >

Little Theater Company, Alameda

Campers age 5 to 11 explore drama, story, and creativity with this American Idol-themed camp. $75/day for Monday through Wednesday of Thanksgiving week. Core program 9am to 3pm with extended care possible from 8am to 6pm. Learn more & register >

(Museum of Children's Art) MOCHA, Oakland

MOCHA day camps expose children to various art media to engage children’s minds while exploring projects that stimulate problem solving skills, encourage innovative approaches, and deliver complete works of art at the end of camp. Ages 5-12. Camp from 9am to 3:30 for $75/day with extended care available. Learn more & register >

Monkey Business, Berkeley

For ages 4.5 to 10 or youth leaders 11+, Monkey Business offers art, cooking (organic!), games, and time for self-directed play indoors and out with this classic style camp. Thanksgiving Break Camp is Nov. 25-27 for $82-103/day (depending on when you sign up) with discounts for multiple days (can be shared by families). Core program is 8:30 am to 3:30 pm with extended care available from 8 am to 6 pm. More info >

Oakland ZooCamp, Oakland

Thanksgiving Break ZooCamp is for campers K through 5th grade. During mini workshops, campers tour the zoo, play games, sing songs, make crafts, and meet some animals up-close. Nov. 25-27 for $90/day. Days are sold separately. Extended Care is available from 8am to 5:30pm. More info >

Piedmont Recreation Department, Oakland and Berkeley

Ages 4-14 can choose science, art, and sports themed specialty camps Monday through Wednesday of Thanksgiving week (Nov. 25-27). Times vary by camp selected. Cost: $150 to $250 for all three days Search for holiday camps for details >

Sarah's Science, Oakland and Berkeley

Campers will explore the science behind motion picture animation through a series of hands-on science projects which they'll make and take home each day. Locations in Berkeley and Oakland for ages 4-11. Camp is open Monday through Wednesday of Thanksgiving week (Nov. 25-27) from 8am – 5:30 pm with day rates ($125/day) available if you don't need all 3 days. Space is limited. Details and registration >

Trackers, Berkeley

Trackers fills Thanksgiving Break days with outdoor adventure and wilderness skills! Award-winning camps get kids into the spirit of the changing seasons. From wilderness survival to epic role-playing stories. One-day camps for ages 4 – Grade 10, Nov. 25-27. $95/day. Details and registration >

[Images provided by our sponsors (as indicated) used with permission]

Thanks again to our sponsors of this East Bay November Day Camp Guide: Sarah's Science, Claremont Club & Spa, Monkey Business Camp, Bladium, MOCHA, and Hands-On!.Tell 'em 510families sent ya!