10 Best Summer Camps in Los Angeles for 2026

Summer in Los Angeles is magic for families — sunny skies, world-class facilities, and an incredible range of programs that turn June through August into an adventure your kids will talk about for years.

We've combed through hundreds of programs to bring you the absolute best options for summer 2026. Whether your child is a future astronaut, a soccer star, or a budding artist, there's a camp here with their name on it.

1. California Science Center Discovery Camps

The home of Space Shuttle Endeavour also runs some of LA's most exciting STEM camps. Kids aged 5–14 rotate through labs covering ecosystems, engineering, and space science. The camp week ends with a mission presentation — parents are invited.

Ages: 5–14 | Cost: $350–$450/week | Location: Exposition Park

2. YMCA of Metro LA Day Camps

With locations across the city, the Y makes summer camps accessible to every family. Swimming, arts, field trips, and sports fill the days. Financial assistance is available for families who qualify — never let cost be the reason your kid misses out.

Ages: 4–15 | Cost: Sliding scale from $150/week | Locations: Hollywood, Westside, South Bay, San Fernando Valley

3. Natural History Museum Discovery Camps

Go deeper than the exhibit floor. NHM's summer camps give kids behind-the-scenes access to paleontology labs, entomology collections, and live animals. Hands-on science that genuinely sparks curiosity.

Ages: 6–13 | Cost: $425/week

4. UCLA Summer Sports Institutes

Train on the same fields as Bruins athletes. UCLA offers one-week intensive camps in soccer, basketball, volleyball, tennis, swimming, and more. The facilities are world-class and the coaching staff brings serious credentials.

Ages: 8–18 | Cost: $500–$800/week

5. LA Children's Theater Summer Intensive

If your kid has the bug, this is where they belong. Five days of professional-level training in acting, improv, voice, and movement, culminating in a full performance on the last day.

Ages: 6–18 | Cost: $400/week

6. Angeles National Forest Junior Rangers

Earn your Junior Ranger badge in the San Gabriel Mountains. Day programs combine hiking, wildlife identification, and Leave No Trace education. City kids absolutely love this.

Ages: 6–15 | Cost: Free–$30/day

7. Barnsdall Art Park Summer Sessions

In the hills above Hollywood, Barnsdall runs affordable art camps in drawing, ceramics, painting, and printmaking. The setting alone — Frank Lloyd Wright-designed buildings overlooking the city — is inspiring.

Ages: 5–18 | Cost: $180–$280/week

8. Santa Monica Swim Club Camp

Ocean-adjacent swimming programs with expert coaching. Beginner through competitive tracks, water polo introduction, and open water education for older kids.

Ages: 4–18 | Cost: $300/week

9. Griffith Park Nature Explorer Camp

Held in iconic Griffith Park, these day programs cover plant identification, wildlife tracking, and outdoor survival basics. One of the few programs that consistently gets tech-addicted kids off their devices voluntarily.

Ages: 7–13 | Cost: $200–$280/week

10. Kidspace Children's Museum Adventures Camp

The Pasadena gem runs immersive theme weeks where kids explore habitats, build inventions, and engage in collaborative problem-solving. Drop-off and extended care options available.

Ages: 3–9 | Cost: $250/week

Browse all Los Angeles summer camps in our directory to find registration links, reviews, and real parent ratings.