If you're looking for the BEST spring and summer camps in San Diego, you've come to the right place!
Browse through San Diego's Summer Camps and Programs Guide to find awesome experiences where kids will learn new skills and make lifelong memories. Do you have an artist, scientist or future veterinarian in the family? Now's the time to plan an epic summer camp adventure.
Encounter Animal Camps for San Diego Kids!
Explore STEM Science Camps for San Diego Kids
Ultimate Sports Camps for San Diego Kids
Exciting Theatre and Dance Camps for San Diego Kids
Creative Art Camps for San Diego Kids
Top-tier Traditional Day Camps for San Diego Kids
Outstanding Overnight Camps for San Diego Kids
Summer Camps 2026
ACADEMIC
Summer Intensive Camps at The Learning Lighthouse SN
Point Loma - 619-915-5415
www.tllighthouse.com
Grade 1-12; June 8-August 14
Learn new skills, develop confidence, prevent "summer slide!" Small groups or 1-1. * One week, 1/2 day camps for reading, writing and math. 1 to 1 Educational Therapy - customized sessions target specific needs in academics and executive functioning. Cognitive Camp, 2 hr/28 days. Memory, Attention, Learning Foundations.
ANIMAL ENCOUNTERS
Birch Aquarium Summer Camps
La Jolla - 858-534-7336
www.aquarium.ucsd.edu/learn/camps/summer-camps
Ages 4-13; June 15-August 7
Birch Aquarium offers in-person summer camps for children ages 4-13. Led by experienced educators, campers explore underwater worlds, play games, create fun crafts, engage in science activities, surf, snorkel, and get up close to marine animals.
Summer Critter Camp at Helen Woodward SN
Rancho Santa Fe - 858-756-4117
www.animalcenter.org/education
Ages 4-13; June 1-August 21
Soak up the summer with critters, crafts, and hands-on animal fun. Each week brings new adventures with our alternating themes: Bio Science and Beyond and Amazing Animal Athletes. Plus, 7th-8th graders can dive into our Critter Careers camp for an exclusive behind-the-scenes experience. Spots are limited, so don’t miss out!
SeaWorld San Diego Kids Summer Camp
Mission Bay - 619-226-3609
www.seaworld.com/san-diego/educational-programs
Grade 1-12; June-August
SeaWorld San Diego offers fun, educational summer camps, from weeklong day and resident camps to engaging school field trips. Campers enjoy close-up animal experiences, park rides, shows, and expert led learning guided by trained counselors following proper safety standards.
SPORTS
GRIT Gymnastics Camp
Clairemont Mesa - 858-848-4096
www.gritgymnasticsclub.com/camps
Ages 3.5-14; Spring: March 30-April 3; Summer: June 1-August 7
Join us for a day of gymnastics and silly fun at GRIT Gymnastics. While school is out, we are taking full advantage of the time to spend in the gym enjoying active, creative fun. Full and half day camps available.
DRAMA/THEATER/DANCE
CSP's Summer Theatre Camp
Escondido - 760-807-8654
www.centerstagesd.com
Ages 7-14; June 22-July 10
Center Stage Productions invites young artists to "move it, move it" at our Summer Theatre Camp. Take a journey out of the zoo and onto the stage with your favorite crack-a-lackin' friends from the blockbuster DreamWorks film, "Madagascar."
City Ballet Summer Dance Camps
Pacific Beach - 858-274-6058
www.cityballet.org/school/intensives/summer-dance-camps
Ages 4-18; June 15-July 10 (except June 19)
The perfect camp for children with a passion for dance. Two, 2-week sessions are offered to fit into everyone’s busy summer schedule with a broad range of age and level-appropriate ballet classes.
Summer Theatre Camps North Coast Rep
Solana Beach - 858-481-1055
www.northcoastreptheatreschool.org/summer-theatre-camps
Ages 4-19; June 15-July 31
Join The Theatre School @ North Coast Rep for exciting performance-based theatre camps. Choose from six different one-week half-day camps for ages 4-8, three different two-week full day fun production camps for ages 8-12 and ages 12-19. To register, call 858-481-1055, visit: www.NorthCoastRepRheatreSchool.org or email
San Diego Junior Theatre Summer Camps SN
Balboa Park - 619-239-1311
www.juniortheatre.com/classes/programs
K-Grade 12; June 8-August 7
Spend your summer acting, singing, and dancing in Balboa Park with the longest-running youth theatre in the country. Enjoy a wide variety of offerings for campers in grades K–12, including two exciting JT Studio camps, high energy musical theatre intensives, and dynamic acting academies. This summer is bursting with opportunities to grow, perform, and shine!
PAINTING, DRAWING, CERAMICS
Summer Camps @ Little Fish
College Area/ La Mesa - 619-356-1103
www.lilfish.us/camps
Ages 7+; June 1-July 31
Little Fish’s camps are specialized, highly engaging experiences designed specifically for teens and pre-teens. Applications can be returned in person, by mail or email.
Hot Spot Creative Kids Camp
Liberty Station - 619-223-1339
www.thehotspotstudios.com
Ages 6+;
Hot Spot staff guide kids through daily art projects including pottery painting, candle making, mosaics and slime. Kids get a tour of the "Arts District" surrounding the studio and a behind-the-scenes tour of The Hot Spot studio. Campers will also play games, blow bubbles, enjoy snacks and run around. Snacks and a small bottle of water are provided. Ages 6 and up. Reserve online at www.thehotspotstudio.com. For additional questions, email
STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math)
Fleet Science Center Spring & Summer STEM Camps
Balboa Park - 619-238-1233
www.fleetscience.org
Grades K-8; March 30-August 7
The Fleet Science Center’s seasonal STEM camps offer diverse and enriching experiences for young curious minds. Designed with a focus on inquiry and innovation, our STEM camps encourage campers to investigate some of the most fascinating and exciting concepts in science. Voted Best Museum of 2025, ignite your child's curiosity at the Fleet today!
Camp Galileo
Downtown San Diego - 619-935-8778
www.galileo-camps.com
Grades K-8; June 8-July 17
Camp Galileo’s acclaimed curriculum combines STEAM exploration and outdoor fun. Optional before and after extended care available. Use code: 26SDFamily25 to save $25 per week!
Model Railroad Museum Summer Camp SN
Balboa Park - 619-320-2589
www.sdmrm.org/summer-camps
Grades TK-12; June 17-August 7
Build your own model railroad this summer at the San Diego Model Railroad Museum! Our hands-on camp lets kids design layouts, build landscapes, and explore the science behind trains. Campers take home their project. Blending history and engineering, it’s a unique STEM adventure voted a top summer camp in San Diego.
TRADITIONAL DAY CAMP EXPERIENCE
Camp Carmel Creek
Carmel Valley - 858-704-3804
www.campcarmelcreek.com
Ages 5-13; June 15-August 7
We are on a mission to fill childhood summers with joy, curiosity, adventure and community. Camp Carmel Creek is a unique specialty camp with a classic camp feel, which is to say that our campers can expect to have all the experiences they love in a traditional day camp, while getting to choose the activities they are most passionate about doing each day.
Farm Camp at Coastal Roots Farm
Encinitas - 760-230-6815
www.coastalrootsfarm.org/farm-camp
Pre-TK-Grade 8; June 8-August 14
Kids from all backgrounds are invited to spend summer break on the farm. Campers will explore the natural world through cooking, crafts, science experiments, harvesting, singing and more—all guided by universally meaningful Jewish values.
Linda Vista Innovation Center Summer Camp
Linda Vista - 858-295-8795
www.sdcoe.net/lvic-camp
Grade 6-10; June 29-July 24
Join us for a special series of summer camps at the Linda Vista Innovation Center. Led by credentialed educators, students will dive into popular hands-on activities, along with brand new experiences during these innovative week-long camps. Learn more and register today!
Children's Museum of Discovery
Escondido - 760-233-7755
www.visitcmod.org/events/spring-camp-3
Ages 4-8; April 6
Spend the spring exploring with the Children’s Museum of Discovery. Each day of camp includes access to museum exhibits, hands-on exploration with trained education staff, and an opportunity to make new friends. Explore the growing garden this spring. Join the Children’s Museum of Discovery for a full week of outdoor exploration. Campers will enjoy learning how plants grow and thrive in the garden.
Summer @ The Rhoades School
Encinitas - 760-436-1102
www.rhoadesschool.com/student-life/summer-camp
K-Grade 5; June 15 - August 21
Summer camp at The Rhoades School, your child can be BOLD! Every week, campers immerse themselves in hands-on activities from science and nature exploration to creative and performing arts, sports and games. Our camp offers a perfect blend of indoor and outdoor adventures, all packed with excitement. Registration is open - save your spot today!
OVERNIGHT CAMPS
YMCA Overnight Camps SN
Multiple locations - 858-292-9622
www.ymcasd.org/camps
Ages 7-17; June-August
At the YMCA of San Diego County, we believe all kids deserve the chance to experience the life-changing power of camp. Since 1882, our camps have inspired kids with countless opportunities to laugh, lead and make lasting friendships. We offer a unique learning environment where youth are introduced to outdoor experiences, can nurture their passions and explore new interests.
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Updated: February 2026
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Find more local camp programs in our Digital Camp Guide!
