city guide 14 min read

Cupertino Summer Camps 2026: 48 Programs from $150/wk (City Rec → STEM)

K
KidPlanr Team
2026-03-14
summer camps cupertino bay area silicon valley
Best Summer Camps in Cupertino 2026: STEM & More
Best Summer Camps in Cupertino 2026: STEM & More

Last updated: April 2026

Cupertino sits at the center of Silicon Valley's summer camp ecosystem. Within a few miles of Apple Park, you'll find one of the densest concentrations of STEM camps anywhere in the Bay Area — coding bootcamps, robotics labs, AI workshops, and engineering programs competing for the attention of tech-family kids. But Cupertino isn't just STEM. The city has a strong Parks & Recreation system, Camp Galileo and Steve & Kate's both have locations here, Lifetime Activities runs a 30-year-old multi-sport program, and nearby Sunnyvale and Santa Clara add dozens more options within a 10-minute drive.

Quick Answer: The top summer camps in Cupertino for 2026 include City of Cupertino Rec camps (ages 3–17, June 8–August 7, from ~$150/week), Camp Galileo at Collins Elementary (K–10th grade, ~$400–$550/week), Steve & Kate's Camp (ages 4–12, flexible scheduling), Lifetime Activities (multi-sport, 30+ years in Cupertino), and STEM4Kids Silicon Valley (ages 4–15, ~$350–$500/week). KidPlanr tracks 48 Cupertino camps averaging $486/week. The city has one of the densest STEM camp selections in the Bay Area — pair City Rec weeks with a STEM specialty week for the best value.

Camp Ages Price/Week Specialty Availability
City of Cupertino Rec 3–17 From ~$150 General / Specialty Open
STEM4Kids Silicon Valley 5–15 ~$350–$500 Coding / Robotics Open
Camp Galileo (Collins Elem.) K–10 $379–$699 STEAM Open
Lifetime Activities 4–15 Contact Sports (tennis, basketball) Open
Camp Integem 5–18 Contact AI / AR / STEM Fills fast
Steve & Kate's Camp 4–12 ~$570–$645/5 days Flexible Open
iD Tech (West Valley College) 7–19 ~$1,099+ STEM / Tech Fills fast

KidPlanr tracks 48 camps in Cupertino averaging $486/week — slightly above the Bay Area median of $450/week, reflecting the concentration of premium STEM programs here. See /research/camps/bay-area for the full regional breakdown and 2026 Bay Area Summer Camp Price Index for what each price tier buys. For the best STEM programs across the entire region in one place, see our Bay Area STEM camps guide.

The challenge for Cupertino parents isn't finding camps — it's filtering them. This guide organizes the top options by category with real pricing, age ranges, and registration details so you can build a summer plan without drowning in browser tabs.


City of Cupertino Parks & Recreation — The Local Foundation

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The City of Cupertino offers camps catering to a wide range of interests: culinary, art, dance, music, education, STEM, nature, and sports. Programs run June 8 through August 7, 2026 at various city facilities, serving ages 3–17.

Cupertino's Rec camps tend to be more affordable than private providers and offer solid variety — from half-day specialty workshops to full-day traditional camps. Registration opens through the city's online portal.

Contact: (408) 777-3120 | recreation@cupertino.gov
Register at: cupertino.gov/Parks-Recreation/Activities/Camps

City Rec is the natural budget-friendly anchor for a Cupertino summer. Many families book two to three weeks here, then fill specialty weeks with Galileo, STEM camps, or sports programs.

Ready to map out your whole Silicon Valley summer in one place? Use KidPlanr — our AI finds camps that match your child's age, interests, and budget, then builds a visual week-by-week summer calendar. Free to try.


Camp Galileo Cupertino — Best STEAM Day Camp

Ages: K–10th grade | Hours: 9am–3pm + extended care | Location: Collins Elementary School, 10300 N. Blaney Ave, Cupertino, CA 95014

Camp Galileo is the gold standard for STEAM day camps in the Bay Area. The Cupertino location at Collins Elementary puts it right in the heart of the city, and the curriculum blends hands-on innovation projects — wearable tech, engineering challenges, stop-motion animation, rocketry — with collaborative outdoor play.

2026 Pricing by Grade:

Grade Level Weekly Cost
K–1st (Nebulas) $549–$619
2nd–3rd (Stars) $529–$599
4th–5th (Supernovas) $529–$599
6th–8th (Meteors) $529–$699
8th–10th (Counselor in Training) $379–$449

Note: Nebulas pricing reflects a higher staff-to-camper ratio. Meteors Go-Kart weeks include a $100 materials fee.

Extended care: AM care (8–9am) $36/week, PM care (3–6pm) $72/week, both $90/week.

Dates: June 15 – July 31, 2026.

Discounts: $50 off per week for early enrollment (by February 28, 2026). Multi-week discount: $25 off each additional week after the first. Six-week bundle saves an additional $100. Sliding-scale financial aid is available at every location.

Register at galileo-camps.com/cupertino.

For more STEM options across the region, see Top STEM Summer Camps in the Bay Area 2026.


Steve & Kate's Camp Cupertino — Best for Schedule Flexibility

Ages: 4–12 | Hours: 8am–6pm | Location: Cupertino, CA

Steve & Kate's is built for working parents who need flexibility. No fixed weekly sessions — you buy day passes and use them whenever your schedule requires. Kids choose their own activities each day: stop-motion animation, sewing, coding, VR, robotics, baking, sports, and water play.

2026 Pricing:

Option Cost
Single Day Pass $129/day
Day Passes (15+) $114/day
Summer Pass (up to 39 days) ~$3,420

All rates include lunch, snacks, and full-day hours (8am–6pm). Unused passes receive an automatic refund by September 2026.

The Summer Pass works out to roughly $88/day — competitive when you factor in included meals and 10-hour coverage. For families with unpredictable schedules, the no-waste refund policy makes this one of the lowest-risk commitments in the South Bay.

Register at steveandkatescamp.com/cupertino.


Lifetime Activities — Best Multi-Sport Camp

Ages: 4–15 | Location: 21111 Stevens Creek Blvd, Cupertino, CA 95014

Lifetime Activities has been running youth camps in Cupertino for over 30 years — one of the longest-tenured sports programs in the South Bay. They offer a focused menu of racquet and court sports that you won't find at general day camps.

Camp Options:

Program Ages Hours
Little Tennis & Rallyers 4–6 9am–10:30am
Little Ballers Basketball 4–6 10:30am–12pm
Little Tennis & Ballers Combo 4–6 9am–12pm
Tennis Improvement & Matchplay 6–15 9am–12pm
Badminton & Table Tennis 6–15 1pm–4pm
Basketball, Chess & Pickleball 6–15 1pm–4pm
All-Day Tennis, Basketball, Chess & Pickleball 6–15 9am–4pm
All-Day Tennis, Badminton & Table Tennis 6–15 9am–4pm

Lifetime Activities is the right call for kids who want focused sport skill development — not just supervised games. Sports camps across the Bay Area average $454/week — Lifetime's half-day programs offer strong value well below that benchmark. For more sports options, see Best Sports Summer Camps in the Bay Area 2026.

Register: CourtReserve or call (408) 777-3169 | lifetimeactivities.com/cupertino/camps


STEM4Kids — Best for Coding and Robotics

Ages: 5–15 | Area: Cupertino, San Jose, Los Gatos

STEM4Kids runs coding, robotics, computer science, and digital art camps where students build and program robots, design and code games, and construct engineering models. Programs are organized by age and skill level, from intro courses for kindergartners to advanced Python and AI tracks for teens.

Their Cupertino location puts them right in the middle of Silicon Valley's tech corridor, and the instructor quality reflects the local talent pool.

Register at stem4kids.co/cupertino.


Camp Integem Cupertino — Best for AI and Augmented Reality

Ages: 5–18 | Area: Cupertino, San Jose, Sunnyvale

Camp Integem runs courses in AI, Augmented Reality (AR) coding, robotics, 3D design, drone technology, game development, and animation. Students are grouped by age: 5–8, 8–10, 10–14, and 14+. The teen program covers college-level coursework in Interactive AR Animation.

Use code FUN26 at checkout for savings. Register at camp.integem.com.

Contact: (408) 459-0657


iD Tech at West Valley College — Best for Teens

Ages: 7–19 | Location: West Valley College, Saratoga (near Cupertino)

iD Tech is the nation's largest tech camp brand, and their West Valley College location is one of the closest options for Cupertino families. Weeklong programs cover coding, game development, robotics, AI, machine learning, and creative design. The teen-focused tracks (ages 13–19) are especially strong — offering real programming languages (Python, Java, C++) and industry tools, not just drag-and-drop interfaces.

iD Tech also runs at Santa Clara University for additional schedule flexibility.

Register at idtech.com.


Quick Comparison: Cupertino Summer Camps at a Glance

Camp Ages Cost/Week Category Financial Aid?
City of Cupertino Rec 3–17 Varies General/Specialty Contact city
Camp Galileo K–10th $379–$699 STEAM Yes
Steve & Kate's 4–12 ~$570–$645 (5 days) Flexible/Self-directed No
Lifetime Activities 4–15 Contact for pricing Sports (tennis, basketball, chess) No
STEM4Kids 5–15 Contact for pricing Coding/Robotics No
Camp Integem 5–18 Contact for pricing AI/AR/STEM No
iD Tech 7–19 ~$1,099+/week Coding/Tech Yes

Planning your Cupertino summer? Search 48 tracked Cupertino camps by age, interest, and budget on KidPlanr. Cupertino averages $486/week — see the 2026 Bay Area Camp Price Index for how that compares to San Jose ($467/wk) and Palo Alto ($485/wk). Free to explore.


Nearby South Bay Camps Worth Knowing

Cupertino's neighbors add significant options within a short drive.

Sunnyvale (47 camps in KidPlanr database)

Sunnyvale has one of the largest camp markets in the South Bay. Notable options include Camp Galileo (Sunnyvale location), Code For Fun (ages 5–12, coding and STEM), Destination Science (hands-on science camps ages 5–18), French American School of Silicon Valley (language immersion ages 3–12), Maker Nexus (makerspace camps ages 6–17), and Applied Computing Foundation (coding and robotics ages 6–14). The YMCA runs summer sports camps, and BASIS Independent offers a structured day camp for ages 5–12.

Santa Clara (38 camps in KidPlanr database)

Santa Clara adds iD Tech at Santa Clara University (ages 7–19), Stratford School Summer Camp (ages 3–14, STEM/arts/sports), Young Art (ages 4–18, art and 3D printing), Bach to Rock (music camps ages 1–18), and Bronco Kids All Sports Camp at SCU (ages 6–12). Club SciKidz runs hands-on STEM camps across multiple Silicon Valley locations including Santa Clara.

Saratoga

Walden West Outdoor School (ages 5–12) runs nature and outdoor science camps on a beautiful campus. Garrod Farms (ages 8–15) offers horseback riding and ranch camps. Montalvo Arts Center (ages 5–12) runs arts, culinary, and music camps in a stunning setting. Camp Galileo also has a Saratoga location.


Registration Tips: What Cupertino Parents Need to Know in 2026

1. City Rec camps start June 8 — earlier than most private camps. If you need early-June coverage, Cupertino Rec is your best option. Most private camps (Galileo, Steve & Kate's) don't start until mid-June.

2. Galileo runs through July 31 at Cupertino. That's a full two weeks longer than the San Mateo location (July 24). Plan accordingly — you may have more Galileo weeks available here.

3. STEM camps are abundant but fill fast. Cupertino's tech-family demographic means coding and robotics camps have high demand. Register early for STEM4Kids, Camp Integem, and iD Tech.

4. Mix sports and STEM for balance. Lifetime Activities half-day programs pair perfectly with morning STEM camps. A morning coding session + afternoon tennis/basketball makes for a well-rounded day.

5. Steve & Kate's fills June-August gaps. Their flexible day passes fill gaps between specialty camp weeks without committing to a full session.

6. Check Sunnyvale and Santa Clara too. Both cities are 5–10 minutes from most Cupertino neighborhoods and have camps (47 and 38 in our database respectively) not listed under Cupertino. Search by zip code rather than city name. See the 2026 Bay Area Summer Camp Price Index for how Cupertino's $486/wk average compares to Sunnyvale ($419/wk) and Santa Clara ($492/wk).

For a full Bay Area registration timeline, see When to Register for Summer Camps in the Bay Area.


Parents in Cupertino and Silicon Valley also search for:
- "coding camps for 6 year olds in Cupertino 2026"
- "robotics summer camp near Apple Park for elementary kids"
- "affordable summer camps Cupertino under $400 a week"
- "STEM camp for toddlers and preschoolers near Cupertino"
- "AI and augmented reality camps for teens Silicon Valley"
- "summer camps Cupertino with extended care 8am to 6pm"
- "Camp Galileo Cupertino vs iD Tech West Valley — which to choose"
- "free or low-cost summer programs Cupertino 2026"

Looking for camps in nearby cities? See our guides for San Jose and Palo Alto. For the full regional STEM picture, see Top STEM Summer Camps in the Bay Area 2026.


Frequently Asked Questions

When do Cupertino summer camps open registration in 2026?

City of Cupertino Recreation camps run June 8–August 7, 2026, registering through cupertino.gov. Camp Galileo, Steve & Kate's, STEM4Kids, Camp Integem, and iD Tech are currently accepting registrations. Cupertino's tech-focused demographic drives high STEM camp demand — check availability now for popular programs. See When to Register for Summer Camps in the Bay Area for regional timelines.

What's the average cost of summer camp in Cupertino?

KidPlanr tracks 48 Cupertino camps averaging $486/week — slightly above the Bay Area median of $450/week, reflecting the STEM-heavy program mix. The range runs from affordable City Rec programs to $529–$619/week for Camp Galileo and $1,099+/week for iD Tech. See the 2026 Bay Area Summer Camp Price Index for a full city-by-city comparison.

What STEM camps are available in Cupertino in 2026?

Cupertino has high STEM camp density per capita. Camp Galileo focuses on STEAM for grades K–10. STEM4Kids runs coding and robotics. Camp Integem covers AI, AR coding, and 3D design for ages 5–18. iD Tech at West Valley College offers advanced tech tracks for ages 7–19. See Top STEM Summer Camps in the Bay Area 2026 for the full regional picture.

Are there affordable summer camps in Cupertino?

Yes. City of Cupertino Recreation camps are the most affordable option. Camp Galileo offers sliding-scale financial aid at every location. Lifetime Activities half-day sports programs run lower costs than full-day camps. Nearby Sunnyvale and Santa Clara offer additional budget-friendly options. See Summer Camp Financial Aid and Scholarships in the Bay Area 2026 and Free & Low-Cost Summer Camps in the Bay Area 2026.

Which Cupertino camps cover the full workday?

Steve & Kate's runs 8am–6pm with lunch and snacks included. Camp Galileo runs 9am–3pm with optional extended care 8am–6pm ($36–$90/week). Lifetime Activities all-day sports camps run 9am–4pm. City Rec hours vary by program — confirm extended care at registration.

How does Cupertino compare to San Jose and Palo Alto for summer camps?

Cupertino ($486/wk avg) sits between Santa Clara ($492/wk) and Palo Alto ($485/wk) on price — all above San Jose ($467/wk). Cupertino has fewer total camps than San Jose but higher STEM program concentration per capita. Geographically, Cupertino borders Sunnyvale, Santa Clara, and Saratoga, providing access to 100+ camps within 10 minutes. See Best Summer Camps in San Jose 2026 and Best Summer Camps in Palo Alto 2026.


Building a summer in Cupertino doesn't have to mean 15 browser tabs and a spreadsheet. Try KidPlanr — our AI matches your child to Silicon Valley-area camps by age, interest, and budget, then lays the full summer out week by week so you can see exactly where you stand. Free to start.


Looking for camps in nearby cities? See Best Summer Camps in San Jose 2026 and Best Summer Camps in Palo Alto 2026.

Need help covering the cost of camp? Our Summer Camp Financial Aid and Scholarships in the Bay Area 2026 covers every scholarship, subsidy, and sliding-scale program available.

Planning across the full Bay Area? See Top STEM Summer Camps in the Bay Area 2026 and When to Register for Summer Camps in the Bay Area.

Want to understand Cupertino's pricing in regional context? See the 2026 Bay Area Summer Camp Price Index.

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