Deep breath. It's Sunday, November 16th, and you just realized that Thanksgiving break starts in exactly 8 days. Your kid's school calendar has been staring at you from the fridge for months, but somehow "November 24-28: NO SCHOOL" didn't fully compute until... right now.

If you're currently spiraling because you forgot to plan camp coverage for Thanksgiving week, welcome! I’m currently the President of the "I'll Deal With It Later" Parent Club.

Here's what's still available for Thanksgiving week (November 24-26, 2025) on the Westside:

Open: 3 days during Thanksgiving week | Time: 9am–1pm | Ages: typically 4–9

One of our absolute favorite places! Beautiful indoor/outdoor program with nature-inspired art—think process art, nature finds, and calm-but-creative vibes. Perfect half-day coverage you can actually swing last-minute.

Vibe check: gentle, artsy, and grounded in nature—great for kids who thrive with open-ended making and fresh air breaks.

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Ages: 2½-6½ | Location: 3110 Pennsylvania Ave, Santa Monica
Dates: November 24-26 | Options: Half or full-day

They offer pop-up camps led by pediatric occupational therapists, designed especially for days when school is out. Bloom Pediatrics knows what they're doing with the preschool crowd, and their Santa Monica location is super convenient. Half and full-day options.

Call them directly to snag a spot, toddler camps fill up fast, but they're usually pretty accommodating for last-minute scrambles.

Ages: 6-13 | Location: 10887 Lindbrook Dr, LA
Dates: November 24-26 | Time: 9:30am-12:30pm | Cost: $229 for all 3 days ($79 single day)

Your kid gets to spend Thanksgiving break literally climbing walls, plus they throw in games and art projects. Three hours might seem short, but trust me, they'll be wiped out in the best possible way. Perfect if you're working from home and need a solid morning block, or if you want to pair it with afternoon playdates.

Location: Near Clover Park, Santa Monica
Cost: $175/day | Vibe: Creative play and crafts

This is a smaller, more intimate setup that focuses on creative play. If your kid thrives in cozy environments rather than big camp chaos, this could be your golden ticket. Contact them directly since they often have last-minute availability.

Ages: Various | Location: Kentwood Elementary, 8401 Emerson Ave
Dates: November 24-26 | Cost: $120/day, package deals available

Got Game is like the Swiss Army knife of camps, sports, games, arts, sciences, the works. They've got extended care options too (8-9am and 3:30-5:30pm) which is a lifesaver if you're still trying to squeeze in work calls. Their staff is properly certified and they know how to handle the holiday energy levels.

Locations: Multiple Westside spots including Playa Vista, Westwood
Dates: November 24-26

Check out starinc.org for the full scoop, they usually have solid programming and multiple location options. STAR Eco Station in Culver City is particularly cool if your kid is into animals and nature stuff.

Last-minute friendly and ultra-flexible—think “build-your-own day” vibes with lots of sensory-motor fun.

Activities: messy art, nature crafts, baking, yoga, obstacle course, scavenger hunt, sports, drum circle, singing, kites & airplanes—holiday-themed and super flexible.

Vibe check: creative, joyful, and easy-going structure with room to wiggle; great for siblings and mixed ages.

How to grab a spot today:

As we move into Thanksgiving week—a holiday rooted in gratitude and reflection—it’s also an important moment to honor the original stewards of this land. Here in Los Angeles, that’s the Tongva people, whose culture, knowledge, and presence continue to shape this region today.

If you’re looking for a meaningful family activity during the break, plan a visit to Ballona Discovery Park in Playa Vista. This outdoor learning space beautifully honors the Tongva (Gabrielino) people with cultural displays and a native plant garden. On the walking path between Playa Vista Elementary and the Sports Park, families can step inside a replica of a Tongva kiiy—a traditional home—where an audio track shares Tongva history and stories, just a few steps from the playground.

It’s a gentle, grounding way to connect with the real history of our home—and a chance to talk with your kids about Indigenous communities, past and present, as part of your Thanksgiving conversations.

Visit: 13110 Bluff Creek Drive, Playa Vista
Learn more: The Tongva People at Ballona Discovery Park

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Nine days is actually plenty of time in parent-scramble years (which are like dog years, but more caffeinated). Pick up that phone, send those emails, and remember that your kid is going to have a blast no matter what you choose.

And hey, if all else fails, there's always the tried-and-true Thanksgiving tradition of letting them help cook. Three days of "helping" in the kitchen might actually be more exhausting than any camp, but at least it's free! 😅

Pro tip: Once you get this sorted, set a phone reminder for December 1st to start thinking about winter break. Future you will thank present you, and the cycle of slightly-more-prepared parenting continues.

For more local parenting survival tips and event listings, check out our Venice Rising calendar:

Comment or email us so we can add it to the Venice Rising calendar!