Looking for ways to make summer in Santa Monica both fun and enriching? From outdoor adventures to science labs, art studios, music lessons, academic clubs, and sports fields, local camps offer kids plenty of chances to explore STEM, arts, academics, and sports. We’ve rounded up the highest-rated camps in Santa Monica, California so you can browse and choose with confidence.
Best Summer Camps in Santa Monica
Camp Integem: #1 AI+AR STEM/STEAM Camp at Santa Monica
How to Choose the Right Summer Camp in Santa Monica for Your Child
Start by thinking about your child’s interests, learning style, energy level, and how comfortable they are being away from home. Then use the tips below to narrow down the best options.
Start by Looking at the Camp’s Curriculum
Camps across Santa Monica range from sports and art to chess and marine biology. Some focus on fun. Others add academic or leadership goals. Look for a camp with a clear daily structure and hands-on themes, not just “free time” all day.
Instructor’s Qualifications
Ask who is leading the sessions. Are they certified teachers? Lifeguards? Camp pros? The best camps in Santa Monica bring in experienced educators, artists, and coaches. Some also hire college students who major in early childhood education or related fields.
Hands-On Activities Are ALWAYS Better
Sitting still at a desk all day? No thanks. The best summer camps help kids move, build, create, or perform. That is how kids stay engaged.Think of a summer camp in Santa Monica where kids can enjoy beach volleyball, swimming, nature exploration, arts and crafts, or paddleboarding.
Low Student-to-Instructor Ratios
When it comes to safety and fun, numbers matter. The American Camp Association recommends a staff-to-camper ratio of 1:8 for elementary-aged children. Many Santa Monica camps stay well within that, especially private day camps and enrichment programs.
Match by Age & Level
Make sure younger kids are grouped with peers and that older kids have age-appropriate challenges, not babyish games. Some Santa Monica camps split campers by rising grade, others by skill level. A good camp director will explain how they handle groups and how they adjust for individual needs.
Logistics
Santa Monica traffic is real.Look for camps close to home or work, many operate in neighborhoods like Venice, Culver City, Pacific Palisades, West Los Angeles and Brentwood.Typical hours run from 9 AM to 3 PM. Many offer extended care from 7:30 AM to 6 PM for working families. Check whether lunch is included or if your child needs to pack one.
Budget & Financial Aid
Costs in Santa Monica vary widely. A week at a private specialty camp can run $400+, while city-run or nonprofit programs often cost as little as $125 per week. Some camps offer sibling discounts, early bird pricing, or sliding scale fees. Scholarships may be available through churches, schools, or local foundations, just ask early.
The Camp’s Reputation & Reviews
Santa Monica parents talk. Search for reviews on Yelp, Facebook, or Google. Look for comments about safety, communication, staff warmth, and how excited the kids were to return.
Safety & Accreditation
Look for camps that are licensed by the state or accredited by the American Camp Association (ACA). Ask about first-aid policies, background checks, and how they handle emergencies. The best camps will walk you through their protocols without hesitation.
Refunds, Cancellations & Deadlines
Life happens. Ask upfront about refund policies in case your summer plans change. Some Santa Monica-area camps let you cancel with a full refund up to two weeks in advance. Others charge a nonrefundable deposit.
Types of Summer Camps in in Santa Monica
Santa Monica is home to one of the most varied camp ecosystems. Here are some of the top types you will find:
Day Camps
Most common in Santa Monica, day camps offer structure without sleepovers. Run by recreation centers, schools, YMCAs, or private groups, these are great for younger kids or first-timers.Some are hosted by universities like UCLA and Santa Monica College or local makerspaces.
Overnight Summer Camps
While Santa Monica itself has fewer sleepaway camps, nearby options in Culver City, Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, and Venice offer overnight camp programs just a short drive away. Great for older kids building independence.
Sports Camps
Santa Monica is big on lacrosse, soccer, and baseball, but that is just the start. Sports camps in Santa Monica often offer clinics for specific skills, like goalkeeping or pitching. Expect movement, drills, and lots of team spirit.
Arts & Performing Arts
From stage plays to pottery, these Santa Monica art camps help kids express themselves.
STEM & Coding
Coding, engineering, robotics, or science experiments, STEM camps are everywhere in Santa Monica. Some are hosted by universities like UCLA or local makerspaces.
Nature, Outdoor & Adventure
Santa Monica’s green spaces and access to the Santa Monica Mountains give kids the chance to hike, sail, or go on ropes courses.
Academic Enrichment
Reading and writing academic camps in Santa Monica can give kids a boost before the next school year. Others help with study skills, college prep, or learning new languages.
Specialty & Interest Camps
Esports, animal care, cooking, robotics, and even blacksmithing, there is something for every curious mind.Others help with study skills, college prep, or learning new languages.
Specialty & Interest Camps
Esports, animal care, cooking, chess, and even blacksmithing, there is something for every curious mind. Santa Monica’s camp scene includes lots of niche options for kids who have very specific interests.
Faith-Based Camps
Many churches and synagogues offer summer programs that combine fun with spiritual values. These religious camps are often inclusive, community-focused, and offer a supportive environment for all children.
Teen Leadership & CIT
For older teens, CIT (Counselor-in-Training) programs are a step into responsibility. Teens can earn service hours, mentor younger kids, and build leadership skills for school and beyond.
Preschool & Early Childhood
Programs for ages 3-6 focus on play, social skills, and simple routines. They often include nap time, snack breaks, and parent check-ins. These are great for easing into the camp experience.
Parent Resources: SummerCamps.com’s Team Vetting Methodology
Every camp listed on this page has been reviewed by the SummerCamps.com team. We work directly with Santa Monica camp organizers to make sure all listings reflect the most up-to-date information: session dates, ages served, activity types, and price ranges. If a camp updates its schedule or adds a new program, we revise the listing. Some camps choose to upgrade their visibility through Enhanced, Premium, or Premium Plus profiles. These may include extra features like videos or photos. Also, upgraded listings may affect how camps are ranked or displayed. As the largest dedicated summer camp directory in the U.S., with over 300,000 families served each summer, our goal is simple: help families find the best camp for their child’s interests, schedule, and budget. Last updated: February 2026
FAQs
How Much Do Summer Camps in Santa Monica Usually Cost?
Most day camps cost between $125 and $400 per week. Overnight camps and specialty programs may run higher. Scholarships and assistance are often available.
How Long Are Summer Camps in Santa Monica?
Camps usually run one to eight weeks. You can choose single weeks or full-summer enrollment depending on your schedule.
Are Summer Camps Tax Deductible?
Sometimes. Day camps may qualify under the Child and Dependent Care Credit. Overnight camps do not. Ask your tax advisor.
Day Camp vs. Overnight Camp — Which Is Right for My Child?
Day camps are better for younger kids or first-timers. Overnight camps work well for older kids ready for more independence.
What Should My Child Bring Each Day?
Water bottle, sunscreen, lunch or snack, comfortable clothes, and closed-toe shoes. Some camps will provide specific packing lists after registration.