Summer is just around the corner, and if your kids are already brimming with energy while school is still in session, you’re definitely not alone.

Whether you’re looking for full-day care, a few fun-filled hours for them, or simply hoping they come home happily tired, we’ve rounded up some of the best summer camps across the Westside.

Did we miss a camp? Email us so we can add it to the list!

A surf-focused beach camp where kids spend their summer learning how to surf in the ocean while also building confidence, water safety skills, and awareness of the marine environment. Campers are coached in small groups and progress from beginner to more independent surfing practice depending on skill level. The program emphasizes fun, safety, and hands-on ocean experience right on Venice Beach.

Camp Galileo’s acclaimed curriculum combines STEAM exploration and outdoor fun for kids in grades K–10. Camp day: 9am–3pm Extended care available. AM care: 8–9am | PM care: 3–6pm

A surf camp run directly on Venice Beach that teaches ocean safety and surfing fundamentals in small groups. Campers learn how to paddle, balance, read waves, and develop confidence in the ocean with structured instruction from beach-based coaches.

Sandy Days Kids Camp is a beachside summer camp in Santa Monica that gives kids ages 4.5 to 14 a chance to spend their days exploring, playing, and building confidence by the ocean.

Campers enjoy a mix of outdoor adventures like boogie boarding, paddleboarding, beach games, arts and crafts, and team activities in a safe, supportive environment led by experienced counselors.

Venice Arts Media Arts Summer Camp is a series of workshops for all skill levels. Students will develop. and expand their creative and technical skills in media arts and storytelling, with hands-on activities, field trips, and access to professional equipment and software.

All materials and equipment are provided!

A flexible surf school and camp offering half-day and full-day surf sessions for kids and teens. Campers receive instruction on surfing technique, ocean awareness, and water safety while practicing directly in beginner-friendly surf zones

Steve and Kate’s Summer Camp is a summer camp where kids choose their own activities instead of following a set schedule. They can explore creative and hands-on options like sewing, coding, filmmaking, music, sports, and baking. The camp encourages independence and helps kids build confidence while having fun.

ASTEME Summer Camp is a STEM-focused program that offers themed camps designed to make learning fun through hands-on activities. Students take part in projects like robotics, coding, engineering, and science experiments, along with creative experiences such as filmmaking and drama. The camp emphasizes project-based learning to build confidence, creativity, and real-world problem-solving skills.

Camp Kinneret is a Tech-Free Summer Day Camp where children get help to build confidence, form meaningful friendships, and grow independence within a supportive, unplugged community since 1954!

Fitness By The Sea Day Camp is a fun, vibrant beach setting to help kids build confidence and independence! Safety is the foundation, ensuring that everyone has fun while staying safe. With endless activities, your child will thrive in curiosity and creativity.

A structured basketball camp designed for players of all skill levels, focusing on fundamentals like shooting, dribbling, defense, and teamwork. Campers participate in drills, scrimmages, and skill-building exercises led by experienced coaches affiliated with the Clippers program.

A well-rounded academic and enrichment program open to the public, offering flexible one-week to multi-week sessions for students across grade levels. Younger campers can mix and match classes in a full-day format, while older students can take academic credit courses or specialized electives.

The program emphasizes both learning and creativity, making it ideal for families looking for a balanced summer experience.

A high-energy, classic day camp packed with sports, games, and messy outdoor fun designed to keep kids active and engaged. Activities range from water play and scavenger hunts to laser tag and themed events, creating a playful and social environment. It’s especially popular for younger kids who enjoy a mix of structured sports and creative free play.

A hands-on STEM camp focused on robotics, coding, and engineering through fun, project-based learning. Campers build robots, design games, and explore technologies like 3D printing and programming in a beginner-friendly yet challenging environment. It’s a strong option for kids interested in tech, innovation, and future-ready skills.

A focused sports training camp offering basketball, soccer, and volleyball programs led by experienced coaches. Campers build core skills, improve game strategy, and gain confidence through drills and gameplay. It’s ideal for kids who want to level up their athletic performance in a structured, team-oriented environment.

A cutting-edge STEM camp where kids explore AI, robotics, coding, drones, and augmented reality through immersive projects. Campers create interactive games, build robots, and even design holographic AR experiences, blending creativity with advanced technology. The program offers both beginner-friendly learning and more advanced tracks for deeper exploration.

An award-winning arts camp offering programs in musical theater, filmmaking, music, and more, all led by experienced instructors. Campers work collaboratively and build toward a final performance, helping develop confidence and creative expression. It’s a great fit for kids interested in performing arts, regardless of prior experience.

A beach-based volleyball camp focused on improving skills like ball control, movement, and game strategy in an outdoor setting. Campers receive coaching while building athleticism and teamwork through drills and gameplay. It’s ideal for kids who enjoy sports and want to train in a fun, coastal environment.

A beginner-friendly surf camp that emphasizes safety, confidence, and ocean awareness while teaching surfing fundamentals. Campers are guided by experienced instructors, with equipment like wetsuits and surfboards provided. It’s designed to be inclusive, even for kids with little to no swimming experience.

A music-focused camp where kids learn instruments, join a band, and perform live at the end of the session. Programs are tailored to different skill levels, allowing beginners and more experienced musicians to grow. It’s a great mix of structured instruction and creative collaboration.

A creative art camp offering hands-on experiences in drawing, painting, sculpture, and more across different themed sessions. Campers experiment with various materials and techniques while building artistic skills in a supportive environment. Options include specialized camps like clay, sewing, and teen-focused programs.

New Roads offers a wide range of summer programs including academic enrichment, STEM and AI, creative arts, writing, cooking, dance, theater, and themed camps designed to support learning, creativity, and hands-on exploration for students across elementary, middle, and high school levels.

A STEM-focused camp where kids engage in experiments, engineering projects, and hands-on science activities. Campers build robots, launch rockets, and explore real-world scientific concepts in a fun and interactive way. It’s designed to spark curiosity and encourage problem-solving through play.

Sophie Dance West offers an inclusive dance camp designed for kids of all skill levels, from beginners trying dance for the first time to more experienced dancers looking to refine their technique. Campers participate in structured dance instruction across various styles while building confidence, discipline, and creativity in a supportive environment. The program emphasizes both skill development and fun, creating a welcoming space where children can learn choreography, stay active, and form friendships while feeling safe and encouraged.

This beach volleyball camp in Ocean Park, Santa Monica combines skill-building with classic beach camp fun for kids of all experience levels. Morning sessions focus on volleyball fundamentals like serving, passing, setting, hitting, footwork, gameplay strategy, and communication, while full-day campers stay for afternoon beach activities that include ocean games, water play, and team-building activities.

Campers are grouped by both age and skill level, making it beginner-friendly while still offering advanced training for more experienced players.

Santa Monica YMCA’s Summer Day Camp offers a traditional day camp experience with a mix of active play, creative projects, and specialty programs designed to keep kids engaged all summer. Campers participate in weekly themed activities such as pickleball, gaga ball, swimming, rock climbing, 3D printing, gaming, arts and crafts, field trips, and group games.

They also offer specialty camps including Art Camp, Basketball Camp, Theatre Camp, Coding Camp, Guitar Camp, Maker Space Camp, Splash Camp, and Volleyball Camp, making it a strong option for families looking for variety.

Prime Time offers multiple camp formats that combine sports, creative activities, and classic summer camp fun. Depending on the program selected, campers can participate in sports clinics, tournaments, team games, daily STEAM activities, arts and crafts, water play, themed events, movie production, karaoke, and camper-choice activities like 3D printing and game rooms.

Westside Ballet offers both themed children’s camps and more intensive training programs for aspiring dancers in Santa Monica. Their Children’s Day Camps are designed for younger kids and combine ballet with creative activities like dance classes, costume design, miniature backdrop creation, and music exploration, all centered around weekly themes inspired by storybook and movie characters like Cinderella, Moana, Frozen, Peter Pan, and Sleeping Beauty.

For older dancers, they also offer summer intensives and workshops focused on ballet technique, jazz, modern dance, conditioning, and performance training.

Hero Workshop offers a unique summer camp built for kids who love tabletop gaming, creativity, fantasy storytelling, and hands-on projects. Campers can choose from activities like Dungeons & Dragons, RPG games, sword fighting training, swimming at The Plunge, miniature painting, Magic: The Gathering, board game design, cardboard cosplay, arts and crafts, and other interactive group activities.

The camp follows a flexible format where kids opt into the activities they’re most interested in, making it a great fit for creative kids, gamers, and fantasy lovers.

The SKATESIDE offers a skateboarding-focused summer camp designed for beginners through advanced riders who want to improve their skills in a supportive environment. Campers learn skateboarding fundamentals, practice new tricks, and build confidence while instructors emphasize safety, respect, teamwork, and encouragement. Depending on the location, campers can choose half-day or full-day programs, with full-day options including supervised games and movement activities after skate sessions.

Kline Academy’s Young Artist Summer Camp is a fine arts-focused program designed for kids and teens who want to build foundational drawing and painting skills in a professional studio environment. Campers explore classical drawing techniques, watercolor, acrylic painting, and other creative projects while learning from professional artists. The program is ideal for students interested in developing artistic techniques while experimenting with different art styles and mediums.

Just4Kids Jr. Camp is a traditional day camp run by Culver City Parks & Recreation designed for younger children who enjoy structured play, outdoor activities, and classic camp fun. Campers participate in arts and crafts, outdoor games, group activities, and weekly water play days at the park. It’s a more affordable, straightforward option for families looking for full-day childcare with recreational activities rather than specialty programming.

Peggy’s Kids Day Camp is a flexible outdoor summer camp in Santa Monica designed for younger children who enjoy a mix of creative activities, movement, and hands-on play. Campers participate in arts and crafts, cooking projects, sports, gymnastics, dance, nature exploration, gardening, storytelling, puppetry, music, face painting, kite activities, biking, and themed weekly experiences. The camp emphasizes fun, personalized attention, and low camper-to-staff ratios in a supportive outdoor environment.

Teen Experience Summer Camp is a Culver City Parks & Recreation program designed specifically for teens who want a more independent summer experience than traditional kids camps. Teens participate in group activities, games, on-site programs, and local excursions while spending time with peers in a supervised environment. It’s a good fit for older kids who want social activities and outings without the structure of sports-only or academic camps.

Culver City Youth Sports Summer Camp is a unique sports camp focuses on a different sport each week. It is designed for kids who want an active summer focused on movement, teamwork, and skill-building. Campers participate in structured sports drills, recreational games, and weekly athletic activities that help build fundamentals in a fun, non-competitive environment.

The program emphasizes sportsmanship, confidence-building, and staying active throughout the summer.

1st Class Kids Kamp is a preschool-focused summer camp designed for younger children who want an active and playful summer experience in a park setting. Campers participate in arts and crafts, music and movement, tennis, soccer, basketball skills training, tee ball, free play, water activities, and rotating weekly themes. The camp is built for younger kids who may not be ready for larger traditional camps and emphasizes fun, movement, and age-appropriate social interaction.

Beyond Pre-K in Spanish is a Spanish immersion summer camp designed for younger children who learn through play-based, hands-on activities conducted primarily in Spanish. Campers participate in traditional games, storytelling, singing, cooking projects, arts and crafts, music and movement classes, and both indoor and outdoor activities. It’s a great fit for families looking for early language exposure in a smaller, preschool-style environment that blends education with summer fun.

YSE (Youth Sports Enrichment) Summer Camp is a sports-focused day camp that blends athletics, recreational games, arts and crafts, and weekly field trips. Campers participate in daily sports like basketball, dodgeball, and other field games while learning foundational athletic skills tailored to different age groups. The camp also mixes in creative activities like beading and lanyard-making, plus special events such as Laser Tag Tuesdays, weekly swim days, and off-site trips to places like Dodger games, John’s Incredible Pizza, Knott’s Soak City, Dave & Buster’s, and kayaking excursions.

Tennis for Kids LA is a skills-focused summer camp designed for kids and teens who want to improve their tennis game in a fun and supportive environment. Campers receive on-court instruction covering tennis fundamentals, technique, strategy, competitive drills, and match play. The camp welcomes both beginners and more advanced players, making it a strong option for kids who want structured coaching while staying active during summer.

Got Game is a high-energy multi-activity summer camp that blends traditional sports, creative projects, water play, team games, and special themed activities in a flexible format where kids can choose from different daily rotations based on their interests. Campers can participate in basketball, soccer, flag football, volleyball, art projects, science activities, collaborative games, and optional field trips. It’s a strong fit for families looking for a classic “something-for-everyone” camp with both active and creative options.

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