335 camps found • Ages 3–19 • Prices from $100/week
Berkeley's summer camp ecosystem is one of the most intellectually varied in the Bay Area, shaped by UC Berkeley's presence, a strong progressive community ethos, and the Tilden Regional Park system in the hills. Families in Berkeley tend to be highly engaged with camp selection, and the market reflects that — you'll find programs here that simply don't exist elsewhere in the region.
UC Berkeley is the defining anchor. The university runs summer programs through Lawrence Hall of Science — one of the Bay Area's premier science education institutions — with camps for ages 5–17 spanning biology, physics, engineering, and environmental science. The Cal Sports Camps program uses university athletic facilities to run one of the strongest youth sports camp lineups in the East Bay, including swimming, soccer, gymnastics, and basketball. Registration for Lawrence Hall and Cal Sports camps opens in early January and competes with parents from across the East Bay.
Tilden Regional Park defines Berkeley's outdoor camp scene. The Little Farm, Tilden's steam train, and the park's extensive trail network serve as the backdrop for nature-based camps from providers who have operated in these hills for decades. Environmental Volunteers and several other East Bay Regional Park District programs use Tilden for summer programming. The Tilden Merry-Go-Round area near the Environmental Education Center is a reliable hub for younger kids' nature camps.
In the Elmwood and Rockridge neighborhoods (Berkeley-Oakland border), families have strong access to arts programs — ceramics, printmaking, figure drawing, and theater. The Berkeley Rep Theatre runs summer theater programs that are among the most competitive in the Bay Area for serious young actors. The Berkeley Art Center also runs seasonal programs.
Berkeley's independent school community (The Crowden School, Black Pine Circle, Crestmont) runs summer programs open to outside families, often with an arts or Montessori focus that's harder to find in more suburban markets. The Berkeley YMCA's Camp Lair O' the Bear in the Santa Cruz Mountains is a beloved week-long residential option for older kids.
Financial aid is more broadly available in Berkeley's camp ecosystem than almost anywhere else in the Bay — a reflection of the community's values. Many providers don't advertise this prominently, so ask directly when you inquire about a program.
Last updated: 2026-05-03
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Investigate the fascinating organisms of bay and ocean habitats, test water salinity, and learn about marine plastic pollution through field trips and cleanup projects.
1771 Alcatraz Ave.
Investigate the fascinating organisms of bay and ocean habitats, test water salinity, and learn about marine plastic pollution through field trips and cleanup projects.
1771 Alcatraz Ave.
Explore the unique habitats of the San Francisco Bay, including the intertidal rocky shore, dock-side ecosystems, sandy beaches, and mudflats through hands-on investigations and field trips.
1771 Alcatraz Ave.
Explore the unique habitats of the San Francisco Bay, including the intertidal rocky shore, dock-side ecosystems, sandy beaches, and mudflats through hands-on investigations and field trips.
1771 Alcatraz Ave.
Multi-sport day camp in Berkeley. Basketball, soccer, baseball, flag football, swimming, and team sports.
Berkeley Day Camp is a summer camp for children 5-13 years old that takes place in Shorebird Park (Berkeley Waterfront/Berkeley Nature Center). Register your child for a fun and exciting outdoor summer camp experience. Berkeley Day Camp is one of the best traditional outdoor day camps in the Bay Area. It is a fun, engaging and exciting experience as campers explore shoreline habitats, canoe, make arts and crafts and play at the acclaimed Adventure Playground and go on special adventures. Many of our former campers are now part of our awesome team of staff, providing a safe environment for children to spend their summer days at play.
Berkeley Day Camp is a summer camp for children 5-13 years old that takes place in Shorebird Park (Berkeley Waterfront/Berkeley Nature Center). Register your child for a fun and exciting outdoor summer camp experience. Berkeley Day Camp is one of the best traditional outdoor day camps in the Bay Area. It is a fun, engaging and exciting experience as campers explore shoreline habitats, canoe, make arts and crafts and play at the acclaimed Adventure Playground and go on special adventures. Many of our former campers are now part of our awesome team of staff, providing a safe environment for children to spend their summer days at play.
Weekly themed sessions featuring shoreline exploration, crafts, hiking, and play at Adventure Playground.
Berkeley, CA 94704
Designed for grades 9-10, this program offers leadership experience supporting younger campers during themed weeks.
Berkeley, CA 94704
An online summer program for math-loving rising 2nd-5th graders featuring problem-solving, hands-on activities, strategy games, and academic discovery.
Berkeley, CA 94704
A joyful and rigorous six-week full-scholarship program that uses dance as a vehicle for developing self-esteem, creative expression, and critical thinking skills for middle school students.
101 Zellerbach Hall #4800, University of California
A leadership development program for rising 8th-12th graders to gain practical theater training and mentorship while assisting with summer musical theater camps.
2640 College Avenue
A fun-filled musical theater adventure inspired by 101 Dalmatians where students rehearse songs and scenes from the classic Disney film while creating crafts and socializing with friends.
2640 College Avenue
A leadership and mentorship program for theater-loving students in grades 8-12 to develop leadership skills while assisting professionals in summer musical theater camp activities.
2640 College Avenue
A one-week intensive focusing on solo and small group musical theater repertoire, allowing actors to hone their solo performance skills and develop cabaret-style show material.
2640 College Avenue
A 4-week intensive youth production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s iconic musical Cats, featuring rehearsals, technical training, and multiple live performances on the Julia Morgan stage.
2640 College Avenue
A weekday summer program where students participate in theater games, crafts, and the staging of a mini musical for a final showing.
2640 College Avenue
A one-week intensive focusing on solo and small group repertoire, where students hone their performing skills for a final cabaret-style show.
2640 College Avenue
A one-week intensive focusing on solo and small group repertoire, culminating in a cabaret-style show on the Julia Morgan stage.
2640 College Avenue
A musical theater camp for rising K-6th graders consisting of games, crafts, and staging a mini-musical. Final invited showings are held at an offsite location for sessions lasting two or more weeks.
2640 College Avenue
A full production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s iconic musical featuring hit songs, cat-tastic costumes, and poetic choreography performed on the Julia Morgan stage.
2640 College Avenue
Designed for dedicated young performers, this camp focuses on the 'triple threat' skills of acting, singing, and dancing through monologue work, vocal lessons, and professional choreography.
2640 College Avenue
A 4-week intensive production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Cats, where students explore feline mischief through music, choreography, and professional staging.
2640 College Avenue
Summer camps provide a range of programs for kids and teens, from athletics to creative arts and outdoor exploration. Berkeley summer camps provide programs for youth ages 3 to 18, with options in sports, arts, science, aquatics, skateboarding, and more. Learn more about our summer camps through the Summer Camp Preview and register through our Recreation Registration Portal.
Campers explore and learn about the Big Sur redwoods, Mendocino coast and Sierra Nevada mountains.
2434 McKinley Ave.
Hands-on vegetarian cooking with knife skills, yoga, mindfulness, and farm-to-table recipes, plus ice cream and chocolate making
2095 Rose St #202, Berkeley, CA, 94709
A comprehensive recreational day camp combining developmental sports, outdoor learning, arts, free play, and group games for ages 7-12. The camp is split into three age groupings, including the 'Cubs' for ages 7-8.
25 Sports Lane
A comprehensive recreational day camp combining developmental sports, outdoor learning, arts, free play, and group games for ages 7-12. The camp is split into three age groupings, including the 'Cubs' for ages 7-8.
25 Sports Lane
Brushstrokes teaches pottery, sculpting, fusing glass, painting, and more in inspiring outdoor settings.
745 Page Street
An exhilarating summer camp focused on elevating basketball abilities, including hand-eye coordination, dribbling, and shooting techniques. Campers nurture teamwork and discipline while boosting overall physical fitness.
Berkeley, CA 94704
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Yes — Lawrence Hall of Science runs one of the Bay Area's top science camp programs for ages 5–17, covering biology, physics, engineering, and environmental science. Cal Sports Camps uses Cal's athletic facilities for swimming, soccer, gymnastics, and basketball. Both open registration in January and fill quickly.
Tilden Regional Park in the Berkeley Hills hosts several nature-based camps through East Bay Regional Park District programs. The Environmental Education Center at Tilden is the main hub. Several independent providers also run trail and wilderness programs in the hills above North Berkeley and Kensington.
Berkeley camp prices range from $200–$350/week for city programs and nonprofits to $500–$700/week for private specialty programs. Lawrence Hall of Science camps run approximately $400–$550/week. Many providers offer financial aid — Berkeley has one of the highest rates of aid availability in the Bay Area.
Berkeley has some of the best arts programs in the East Bay. Berkeley Rep Theatre runs summer intensives for youth actors. The Berkeley Art Center and Crowden School of Music offer summer sessions. The Elmwood and Rockridge areas have several small-batch studio arts programs in ceramics, painting, and printmaking.
Lawrence Hall of Science and Cal Sports Camps open in January — register immediately as they sell out within weeks. City parks programs open in February or March. Independent arts programs vary, but most open January to March. Berkeley is a competitive market; don't wait until spring.
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