These 10 OC-area camps for kids will keep summer packed with unique adventures.
Farm School OC
To cultivate appreciation for animals and farming, Farm School OC serves as a model to youth for its sustainable practices, buying local, eating healthy and nurturing compassion for animals. The camp is offered seasonally from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. for potty trained children ages 3½ to 7. Children will learn how to responsibly brush, care for and feed farm animals as well as garden and collect eggs. Registration costs for one-day camps are $85 per day. Follow on Instagram @FarmSchoolOC for details on when registration opens for their next camp.farmschooloc.com
KG Beach Camps
Since 1987, it has been the cornerstone of Dana Point Harbor, offering half-day camps that run from 9 a.m. to noon or 1 to 4 p.m. and full-day programs. The Mini Minnows camp for 4- to 6-year-olds consists of sand castle building for $310 per week. The Beach Safari camp for 6- to 9-year-olds includes an excursion on the whale safari for $510 per week. The H2O Adventure camp for 9- to 13-year-olds includes paddle boarding for $510 per week. Bring sunscreen, towels, bathing suits, snacks and comfortable shoes.kgbeachcamps.com
EV Go-Kart Summer Program
The EV Go-Kart Summer Program in Irvine for high school students deepens their passion for engineering, with many participants later becoming officers or technical leaders in their schools’ engineering clubs. Under the guidance of Coach Jack, a leading industry design engineer, students will learn how to use wrenches, drill presses, miter saws and electric soldering irons to build their own EV go-kart. Participation in the program strengthens students’ college applications and their STEM career. In the coursework, they will learn concepts such as motor theory, steering and tire technology before the anticipated race day to show off their crafted karts. The 2026 camp dates are to be announced.pacollegeprep.com/ev-gokart
Urban Workshop Summer Camps
The Urban Workshop Summer Camps in Costa Mesa encourage youth to develop their craftsmanship skills for unique projects that are split among four level programs. Level-one students will understand how to use hand tools, level-two students will weld, level-three students will make a vintage skateboard from scratch and level-four students will experiment with advanced laser etching techniques. The cost is $800 per student, with project materials and tools. Students must be between the ages of 10 and 16, and wear closed-toed shoes along with clothes that cover the shoulders. Register online or call Urban Workshop at 949-296-2153.urbanworkshop.net/summercamp
Pacific Marine Mammal Center’s Camp Pinniped
The upcoming Camp Pinniped allows children to learn the art and science of marine mammal rescue and rehabilitation as they observe the animal care team. Campers will engage in a series of mock activities that teach them how to handle rescue equipment, admit a patient into the hospital, prepare fish smoothies and discover the importance of animal autopsies in research. The cost is $400 for campers between the ages of 8 and 12 years old. Camp is Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. Campers do not interact with the animals.pacificmmc.org/education-programs#after-school
Aviation Summer Camp
Children ages 9 to 15 can soar at the Aviation Summer Camp in Long Beach or Riverside, a hub of aeronautical excitement designed to foster learning for aviation enthusiasts. Campers will learn from expert pilots about the physics of flight and cutting-edge aviation technology for $495. Teens ages 15 to 17 can also join the Private Pilot Advanced Simulator Camp for $325 that provides hands-on practice for those considering a pilot certificate through rigorous simulator training and expert-led workshops in Long Beach. Camp is Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 3:30 p.m. to 6 p.m.aviationsummercamp.com
South Coast Repertory Summer Acting Workshop
The two-week camp at South Coast Repertory’s Summer Acting Workshop is designed for students in grades three to 12 to join their age groups for two lively hours of interactive instruction in voice, movement and character development led by theater professionals. The final hour is spent with special guests who built careers in design, improvisation, singing and playwriting. Students will meet in the Tony Award-winning South Coast Repertory, which has been at the forefront of theater in America for more than 50 years. Tuition is $475 and sibling discounts are available. Call 714-708-5510 for questions or to register by phone.scr.org/classes/classes-landing/summer-acting-workshop
Junior Lifeguards Camp
Junior Lifeguards Camp is a splash-tastic one-week summer camp for kids ages 6 to 12 at Irvine’s Wild Rivers Waterpark. Campers will have a blast learning first aid and CPR, lifeguard tips and playing on water slides. Camp begins June 15 and ends Aug. 10 with half days 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. and full days 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Prices range from $349 to $524 on selected weeks and days. A $100 non-refundable deposit is due at registration, which closes Friday before camp at noon. Camp rashguards are provided. No zinc sunscreen is allowed.camp.wildrivers.com
Bolsa Chica Conservancy Summer Curiosity Camp
Kids between first and fourth grades can join Bolsa Chica Conservancy’s Summer Curiosity Camp for one week for $300, or all 10 weeks, to explore and learn in the outdoors at the ecological reserve and indoors in the Interpretive Center classroom. Children will participate in nature walks, outdoor games, drawing and painting, science exploration and animal appreciation. Camps will run from mid-June to mid-August. Camp hours will be Tuesday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. with extended-care hours available. There is a maximum capacity of 20 campers per week. For more information, call 714-846-1114 or email interpED@bolsachica.org.bolsachica.org/summer-programs
EPIC Magic Camp
EPIC has a magic camp and after-school program for children ages 7 to 13 years old. After a hiatus, the camp will return this summer with a half-day magic camp that runs for three hours at local YMCAs, schools, churches and community centers in Orange County. EPIC anticipates a full-day magic camp in Los Alamitos. There is currently no cost. Children will learn the eight true traits of a magician, including developing confidence to perform. Campers will also receive a deluxe Discover Magic kit with which they can learn how to read minds like a magician. epicmagiccamp.com
By Vanessa Siguenza
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