Best Day Camp for Creative Kids
Art Therapy OC
Art Therapy OC has been voted for over five years as Orange County’s best camp for creative kids, where children can use art as a tool for healthy expressions in their everyday life. Run by board-certified art therapist Diana Shabtai (or Miss Dee), these art classes are designed to help kids relieve stress while exploring the world of art and learning how to express themselves creatively. It also hosts workshop events that feature various artists and art organizations that are highly respected by the community.
arttherapyoc.com | Newport Beach
Best Neighborhood Day Camp
YMCA of Orange County
For more than 100 years, the YMCA of Orange County has helped local families make summers matter. Their day camps nurture the whole child — mind, body and spirit — through hands-on STEAM activities, outdoor play and social-emotional learning that builds confidence and connection. With 50-plus locations across Orange County, campers from kindergarten through eighth grade enjoy full- and part-time options, inclusion support and a Teen Club, all designed to create “Champions in the Making” who carry these lessons far beyond summer.
ymcaoc.org | Multiple Locations
Best Traditional Day Camp
Camp James
Camp James, an ACA-accredited camp is celebrating its 35th anniversary serving the families of Orange County. Children ages 5 to 13 are offered 10 weeks of summer camp, participating in kayaking, archery, dance, laser tag and rock climbing. Packages can be bought by the week. Children are encouraged to attend two weeks for the full experience and parents can select their own schedule to ensure flexibility for an adventure-packed summer.
campjames.com | Newport Beach
Best Scout Camp
Orange County Scouting America
Orange County Scouting America has provided many youth outdoor adventures that teach core life skills. Four camping experiences are held at Irvine Ranch’s Outdoor Education Center, Newport Sea Base, the Schoepe Scout Reservation at Lost Valley and Oso Lake. Children can engage in recreational programming such as zip-lining and archery to sailing and competitive rowing. Financial aid is offered for an affordable camping experience to ensure Scouts have a memorable camping experience.
ocbsa.org | Multiple Locations
Best School-Based Day Camp
Fairmont Summer Programs
For more than a decade, Fairmont Schools has ranked in each of Parenting OC’s Readers’ Choice Awards. Its summer programs enhance students’ curiosity and strengthens connections with fellow campers. A plethora of summer camps are offered to sharpen students’ academic skills such as English Language and American Culture Camp, Speech Camp, Debate Camp, Preschool or Elementary Camp. Parents are guaranteed to find a suitable match for their child to engage in fun educational learning.
fairmontschools.com | Multiple Locations
Best Special Needs Camp
Tumble-N-Dots
Tumble-N-Dots is on a winning streak. A multidisciplinary pediatric therapy clinic, it supports children up to 12 years old through occupational therapy, speech-language therapy, feeding therapy and innovative group therapeutic programs. Their award-winning camps combine sensory integration, social skill development, movement and play-based learning in a fun, supportive, neurodiversity-affirming environment. They believe every child has unique strengths and their mission is to empower children and families through compassionate, evidence-based care that builds confidence, fosters meaningful connections and helps every child reach their fullest potential.
tumblendots.com | Irvine
Best Camp at Sea
OC Juniorguards
OC Juniorguards is back on the list for a second time. Led by trained lifeguards and instructors, the California Junior Lifeguard program provides critical instruction on first aid, CPR, ocean safety, rescue techniques, surfing and bodyboarding throughout the two-week camp. Participants ages 8 to 17 are eligible and will gain an understanding of how to safely navigate the ocean and assist others in an emergency situation. Fun beach games are included, such as paddling and beach games.
jrlifeguards.com/junior-guards | Huntington Beach, Newport Beach
Best Science/Tech Camp
Bionerds, Inc.
Readers love to keep Bionerds a regular in our camps category. Children from kindergarten through eighth grade can participate in hands-on biology workshops that explore insects, plants, humans, genetics, microorganisms and animals. Students enrolled in the camp can be up-close with live organisms, learn anatomy through guided exploration and perform biology experiments using lab tools to strengthen their understanding of class topics. Bionerds offers weeklong half-day and full-day camps during winter, spring and summer breaks. They even throw birthday parties.
bionerdsllc.com | Multiple Locations
Best Surf Camp
Endless Sun Surf School
For six summers, Endless Sun Surf School has remained our readers’ favorite. Newport
Beach’s original surf school has been around since 1963, teaching people of all ages and abilities how to ride the waves. The instructors are CPR-certified professional surfers with a passion for the sport. Surfboards and wetsuits are included in the price. It’s open year-round, offering summer camps, private lessons and before- and after-school classes.
endlesssunsurf.com | Newport Beach
By Jessie Dax-Setkus, Shawn Price and Vanessa Siguenza
