Families in Orange County have a wide variety of Summer Camps to choose from for their active youngsters. Whether you’re looking for a camp about horses or robotics, Legos or gymnastics, Orange County has something to suit all students interests and abilities with camps for all ages from pre-k through 12th grade. Here is a list of some of the summer camps available in OC.
Note: All 2020 programs have been modified with many cancelling their in-person summer camps and some still undecided. Please use the links to check with each program to find the latest updates.
ArtSteps
Location: Yorba Linda, Laguna Hills, and Costa Mesa, CA
Online Options: YES
Ages: 4-18
Dates: Summer & School Year Programs
ArtSteps has added online options for ages 8 and up including online cartooning, anime, portraiture, and monster clay creations.
Weekly summer camps are offered at the Yorba Linda location for children ages 4-18. Focus is on fun for all artists, beginner to advanced, ages 4-18.
Baseball Camps in OC
Location: Orange County, CA
Ages: Varies by camp
Dates: See camp pages
There are several summer baseball camps in Orange County.
- Cal State Fullerton Titans Baseball
- OC Baseball Camp
- Chapman University Panther’s Baseball Camp
- SoCal FCA Baseball
Bionerds
All Bionerds classes are currently online-only.
Location: Rancho Santa Margarita
Ages: Kindergarten – 8th grade
Dates: Open year-round
Time: Mon-Fri 9am-7pm, Sat 9am-3pm
Highlights: Voted as best science camp for two years in a row, Bionerds is proud to be serving Orange County since 2015. Their summer season offers week-long summer camps, filled with hands-on biology activities. They offer Girl Scout programs that allow girl scouts to receive patches from them. Bionerds even offer after-school activities that encourage fun-learning even when their school day is over!
Brainbuilders Stem Education
Virtual Summer Camps begin June 15th. Check back for in-person classes.
Location: Laguna Niguel and Tustin
Ages: 5-18
Dates & Time: Varies depending on the program
Highlights: This learning center enhances your child’s mind by incorporating excitement while learning. Their classes range from Forensics, Chemistry, Engineering, Robotics, Wood Shop, Digital Arts, Virtual Reality, Tutoring and more! Brainbuilders wants your child to keep the FUN in functional learning! The fun learning doesn’t have to stop when summer is over. Brainbuilders also offers after school and weekend enrichment classes.
Bricks 4 Kidz
All Bricks 4 Kidz programs are scheduled to be conducted virtually until further notice.
Location: Anaheim, Villa Park, Orange, Irvine, Huntington Beach,
Ages: 5 – 13+
Dates & Time: Check your nearest location for more information
Highlights: Bricks 4 Kidz is a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) learning program. They encourage children to use their creativity, design, construct and apply educational content that will help and develop skills for lifelong success. Their activities are designed to trigger your children’s imagination and build self confidence. They provide different levels of builds based off skill level and incorporate high-interest themes including Comic Creators, Space Adventures, Mining & Crafting, and more.
California Junior Lifeguard Camp
2020 camps scheduled to continue as planned.
Location: Newport Beach Back Bay & Salt Creek Beach
Ages: 6-12
Dates: Week long camps June 8 to August 21
Highlights: California Junior Lifeguards offer programs at the Newport Back Bay and Salt Creek Beach. One week day camps run from 9-3pm for children ages 6-12. This safe aquatic camp environment offers skilled instructors and a combination of aquatic and dry land activities designed to build physical endurance and coordination and improve overall confidence.
Camp Discovery – Santa Ana
Discovery Cube is temporarily closed until further notice. visit discoverycubeconnect.org for free educational resources.
Location: Discovery Cube Orange County – 2500 N. Main Street, Santa Ana and Santa Ana Zoo – 1801 E Chestnut Ave, Santa Ana
Ages: Grades K – 8
Dates & Times: June 15 – July 31, 2020 (actual dates vary by session) – Monday through Friday 9:00 – 4:00
Highlights: Young explorers with a love for science won’t want to leave Camp Discovery. Campers will embark on animal adventures, take off on space explorations, learn about the world of superheroes, and conquer coding challenges in a variety of themed summer camp sessions. Two additional sessions take place at San Joaquin Marsh. Each camp experience includes hands-on learning, games, projects, and more.
Camp HB – Huntington Beach
All city camps and recreation programs are on hold until further notice. Check back for updates.
Location: Murdy Park – 7000 Norma Drive, Huntington Beach
Ages: 6-12
Dates & Times: July 6 – August 7, 2020 from 8:30 am – 5:30 pm
Highlights: Camp HB campers will enjoy six fun-filled weeks at the newly renovated Murdy Park Community Center. Each week-long session incorporates a theme: Aloha week, Splash week, Hero’s week, Space week, Olympics week, and Under the Sea week. Cost is $175 per week, per camper.
Camp Heritage Oak
Camps are scheduled to continue as planned with modifications for health and safety. Virtual programs are also expected to be available.
Location: Yorba Linda
Ages: All ages
Dates & Time: June 15 – August 28, 2020; 9:00 – 4:00
Highlights: Let your kids let loose, explore and connect at Camp Heritage Oak. Campers will kick the Summer off with a DJ party and on-campus concert! Every day at Camp Heritage will be something different, giving your kids the opportunity to learn new things in a fun and interactive way. Some activities include launching bottle rockets, creating pop rock explosions, sending letters to veterans and teaching positive character traits. The campus includes a pool, arcade, gym and obstacle courses. The 11 week camp program features themed weeks around kid favorites like dinosaurs, science, jungle animals, the wild west, marine life, and more.
Camp Izza
Cancelled for 2020
Location: Irvine
Ages: 5-11
Dates & Time: 2021
Highlights: Camp Izza provides an environment where children can thrive and express themselves. They encourage the children to make new friends along the way, making their time at Camp Izza more memorable and enjoyable. Some of the activities include creating sidewalk art, going on treasure hunts, enjoying super sundaes, brain teaser challenges and so much more! Camp Izza offers seven themed weeks including Island Exporers, Sea Adventures, Hero’s Journey, Cool Challenges, Wild West, Jungle Journeys, and Campout week.
Camp James
2020 camps will follow CDC standards and have been adjusted to five camp sessions.
Location: Newport Dunes
Dates: June 15 – August 21, 2020
Ages: 4-13
Highlights: Camp James is a traditional outdoor day camp for children ages 4-13. Camp James offers a variety of activities and opportunities for skill development . All activities take place on the Newport Dunes campgrounds. Groups are co-ed and according to age.
Camp Newport – Newport Beach
All city programming is suspended until further notice. Check back for updates.
Location: Various parks, beaches and community centers in Newport Beach
Ages: Preschool – 17
Dates & Times: Week-long camps run June 3 – August 30
Highlights: Camp Newport is run by the City of Newport’s Parks & Recreation department and there are a variety of themed and special interest camps. From science and sports to art and music, there is something every child will enjoy. Techies can expand their engineering and coding skills in a Brainstorm camp and animal lovers can explore life under the sea in the Ocean Adventure Program.
Camp Pinniped Summer Camp – Laguna Beach
Camp Pinniped will be held online for 2020. If restrictions are lifted before the end of the summer, there may be a second Camp Pinniped held onsite.
Location: Pacific Marine Mammal Center – 20612 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
Ages: 8-12
Dates & Times: Week-long camps run from June 15 – August 10. Camp runs Monday – Thursday 9:00 – 3:00, and Friday from 8:30 – 11:00 at an offsite location.
Highlights: Campers at Camp Pinniped will go behind the scenes at the rehabilitation center and learn about the importance of care and conservation for marine mammals like seals and sea lions. They’ll get the opportunity to care for the animals by making fish smoothies, weighing fish, and cleaning pens. Campers’ learning will be reinforced through arts and crafts, games, science labs, and more. Daily themes offer a well-rounded exploration and education of the ocean environment.
Capistrano Acting Academy
Program is currently on hold. Please check back for updates.
Location: San Juan Capistrano
Ages: 6-16
Dates & Time: June – August / 9:00 – 2:00
Highlights: At Capistrano Acting Academy, they want their students to achieve all levels of artistry and performance. They want to make every child’s dream of becoming a performer possible. They offer high quality courses that include workshops for acting, comedy, improv and also summer theatre camps with performances and showcase events.
Catalina Island Overnight Camps
There is no camp status update available. Please check back for details.
Location: Howlands Landing, Catalina Island
Ages: 1st Grade – 10th Grade
Dates & Times: June 15 – August 10, 2020
Highlights: Catalina Island Camps offer overnight camp experiences for campers in 1st through 10th grade. Sessions range from one week for the youngest campers to four weeks when you combine sessions. There is a Campers In Leadership Training Session for 10th graders. All campers will get the opportunity to learn and participate in many activities including diving, kayaking, stand up paddleboarding, sailing, archery, ropes courses, gardening, and more.
Culinary Kids
Programs are on hold until restrictions are lifted.
Location: Aliso Viejo, Laguna Niguel, Newport Beach, Rancho Santa Margarita, San Clemente
Ages: 6-13
Dates & Time: June – August, 9:00 – 4:30
Highlights: Culinary Kids inspires children to cook, create and collaborate in the kitchen. Your little chef will be given the essential cooking skills that will guide them to make mouthwatering and sensational kitchen masterpieces!
Environmental Nature Center Summer Programs – Newport Beach
Camp programs will continue as scheduled with modifications to meet health and safety protocols.
Location: Environmental Nature Center – 1601 E. 16th Street, Newport Beach, CA and Back Bay Science Center – 600 Shellmaker Rd, Newport Beach, CA
Ages: Pre-K – 8th Grade
Dates & Times: Weekly sessions from June 22-August 13; 9:00 – 3:00 (Half-day campers leave at 1:00) Camp is Monday through Thursday.
Highlights: The Environmental Nature Center hosts a variety of summer camps for kids. Little Naturalists Summer Camp and Summer Adventure Nature Camp will be held on site at the nature center with campers engaged in outdoor activities and learning scientific concepts with hands on activities, arts and crafts, games, stories and more. Weekly themes include Amazing Animals, Creativity in Nature, When I Grow Up, and Legends & Lore. Campers in 4th-8th Grade will head to the Back Bay Science Center for an outdoor, science themed camp with activities like canoeing, working with marine animals, collecting field data, and creative projects.
Endless Sun Surf
Camps are set to begin June 15th with modifications to meet state and local guidelines.
Location: Newport Beach
Ages: All ages
Dates & Times: Sun – Sat, 7:00 – 6:00 (Summer hours 6:00 – 12:30 pm)
Highlights: Endless Sun Surf was established in 1963 and is Newport Beach’s original surf school. Thousands of people of all ages have learned to surf at Newport Pier. Instructors are CPR-certified and are professional surfers that are excited to share their passion with their students. They encourage future students to book their lessons at least one day in advance.
Fairmont Summer Programs
All 2020 Fairmont Programs have been modified and will be available online-only. Summer programs include Camp-at-Home for preschool to 5th grade and Virtual Summer School for grades K – 8.
Location: Anaheim Hills, Historic Anaheim, North Tustin, Preparatory Academy
Ages: Age 2-4 / Grades K-12th
Dates & Time: 7:00 – 6:00
Highlights: Fairmont Summer Programs inspire young minds with adventures while learning at the same time. Their environment encourages kids to make friends, try new things and create memories that will last a lifetime. Fairmont wants to empower their students to become the best versions of themselves. They have a ACA-accredited camp and a line-up of enrichment courses that is catered to your child’s needs and family’s schedule.
Inside the Outdoors Summer Camp – Huntington Beach
Camp updates are not available. Check back for details.
Location: Shipley Nature Center – 17851 Goldenwest Street, Huntington Beach, CA 92647
Ages: 6 – 11
Dates & Times: July 6 – July 31, 2020; 9:00 – 2:00 (extended camp available until 4:00 for an additional fee)
Highlights: The week-long summer camps are offered by the Orange County Department of Education in a partnership with Inside the Outdoors. Four weeks will be held at Shipley nature Center in Huntington Beach. There will be a one week session will be held at Rancho Sonado from June 22-26 and a one week session at Irvine Regional Park from August 3-7 Weekly themes for the outdoor, science-focused day camps are Biggest, Brightest, Best Week Ever, Outdoor Superstars, Get Your Scientist On, Water Week, and Scales, Feathers, and Fur.
JP’s Surf Camp
2020 Surf camps set to begin June 29th
Location: San Clemente
Ages: 6 and above
Dates & Times: June 29 – August 7, 2020 Monday-Friday, 9:00 – 4:00
JP’s Surf Camp has been proudly serving their community since 2001. This camp offers children and adults the opportunity to learn how to properly surf. Having a smaller class provides the students with more instructor to student attention, ensuring a safer environment to learn to surf.
Microsoft Free Virtual Summer Camps
Location: Online
Ages: 6+
Dates & Times: July 20th through August 29th – Times vary
Highlights: Spark a new interest or build a new skill with free Microsoft summer camps. Choose from options such as Cuisine from Around the World or how to start your own business. Themes include STEM, Coding, Gaming, exploring creativity with digital tools, bettering the community, a week at the museum, and around the world in five days.
Ocean Institute Summer Camp – Dana Point
Camp is scheduled to continue for 2020 with modifications in place.
Location: Ocean Institute – 24200 Dana Point Harbor Dr., Dana Point, CA
Ages: 5 – 17
Dates & Times: June 22 – August 14, 2020; Monday through Friday 9:00 – 4:00
Highlights: The Ocean Institute in Dana Point offers engaging, hands-on learning all summer long. Campers will experience the learning labs, tidepools, and unique maritime vessels in the week-long sessions. Camps are organized by age groups and activities are geared to each age group. Activities include meeting live animals, learning new songs and games, arts and crafts, using scientific tools, solving mysteries, taking a boat ride, kayaking, and much more.
RiseUp Athletics Gymnastics Summer Camps – Los Alamitos
Camps are postponed until further notice.
Location: Rise Up Athletics – 10712 Reagan St, Los Alamitos, CA 90720
Ages: 3-13
Dates & Times: Monday through Friday 8:00 – 12:00
Highlights: Campers are grouped by age and skill level and participate in an engaging selection of activities including cheer and gymnastics instruction, games, arts and crafts, interactive play, obstacle courses, and more. Rise Up Athletics camps are perfect for improving motor skills and encouraging strong, active bodies.
Sea & Sage Audubon Summer Nature Day Camps – Irvine
2020 Summer Camps have been cancelled
Location: San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary – 5 Riparian View Road, Irvine
Ages: 7 and up
Dates & Times: Week-long sessions in June and July 2021; 9:00 – 3:00 or 3:30 depending on the camp session.
Highlights: Sea & Sage Audubon Nature Day camps give campers the opportunity to get hands-on in nature and enjoy outdoor activities. Campers will enjoy bird walks and observations, journaling, games, songs, arts and crafts, dissections, presentations, learning about bugs, plants, and animals, scavenger hunts, and more.
Stratford Schools Summer Camp – Mission Viejo
2020 Camps will continue as planned with modifications to meet CDC guidelines. Virtual programming is also available.
Location: 24741 Chrisanta Drive, Mission Viejo
Ages: Pre-school – 8th Grade
Dates & Times: June 8 through August 7; 8:15 – 3:45
Highlights: STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) based summer camps provide engaging hands-on learning opportunities for campers. Younger campers learn and explore with engaging hands-on educational activities, and elementary-aged campers work together to learn how to solve real-world problems through academic principles and concepts in a fun and encouraging setting. Middle School aged campers will participate in subject-based enrichment, receive test prep for high school entrance exams and more.
USSD Yorba Linda (Martial Arts)
Virtual classes available. Check back for summer camp updates.
Location: Yorba Linda – 4965 Yorba Ranch Road
Ages: All ages
Dates & Time: Mon – Fri 12 pm-9 pm, Sat 9 am-1 pm
Highlights: Yorba Linda has been serving the North Orange County community for over 25 years. Throughout the years, they have built the reputation for building their student’s martial arts skills along with building their character. Their classes combine discipline, hard work, and fun to creative a conductive learning environment for their young minds. Their goal is to help their students to become the best versions of themselves in all aspects of their lives.
YMCA Summer Camps
YMCA 2020 Summer programming begins June 1st.
Location: Locations throughout Orange County
Ages: All ages
Dates & Times: Full and Half Day Options, June Through August
Highlights: Summer camps at the YMCA are packed full of activities and exciting adventures. Camps include educational STEAM curriculum, special clubs like cooking, coding, and art, service learning projects, games, crafts, and more. Weekly themes set the pace for the week such as Splish Splash, Globe Trekkers, Team Player, and Foodielicious. Campers will have the #BestSummerEver with field trips to fun destinations such as Soak City, Aquarium of the Pacific, Medieval Times, bowling, the beach, and more.
