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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Students explore the world of Arduino circuits, robotics, and code, wiring and coding bots to control motors, lights, and sensors.
Berkeley, CA 94704
Master robotics design and functional programming using Micro:bit sensors and LEGO complex machines.
130 Memorial Pkwy
Advanced lab where campers program with Micro:bit and build complex LEGO machines using sensors, motors, and circuitry.
2465 Bancroft Way
Hands-on engineering where campers craft BattleBots, work with sensors and microcontrollers, and learn about autonomous driving.
9500 Gilman Dr
Explore robotics engineering by programming Dash Robots to complete narrative-based challenges.
130 Memorial Pkwy
Campers dive into robotics engineering and narrative-based challenges using Dash Robots and the Path App.
2465 Bancroft Way
Youth learn rock climbing techniques with sessions held at local parks; shuttle service provided from the RSF or Marina meeting points.
124 University Ave
Youth learn rock climbing techniques with sessions held at local parks; shuttle service provided from the RSF or Marina meeting points.
124 University Ave
A Hebrew immersion day camp bridging the gap between Israel and Berkeley, featuring sports, swimming, cooking, and arts fully immersed in Hebrew language.
1414 Walnut St
An immersive Hebrew language day camp for rising K-4th graders, featuring Israeli culture, cooking, music, and nature activities led by Hebrew-speaking specialists.
1414 Walnut St
Focuses on the building blocks of dramatic writing—character, plot, dialogue, and conflict—to help students craft and develop their own scripts for movies or plays.
2121 Berkeley Way
A 5-day music camp exploring Taylor Swift's music from all stages of her career, culminating in a live performance. Students will participate in rehearsals, practice time, and fun music-based activities.
1313 Gilman Street
Explores sci-fi and climate fiction genres to understand race, migration, and politics while writing about our hopes and fears for the future.
2121 Berkeley Way
Our Basic Sea Kayaking Camp teaches campers the basics of sea kayaking, including paddling techniques, equipment, safety procedures, and rescue skills at the Berkeley Marina.
124 University Ave
Our Basic Sea Kayaking Camp teaches campers the basics of sea kayaking, including paddling techniques, equipment, safety procedures, and rescue skills at the Berkeley Marina.
124 University Ave
Hands-on science and ecology activities, including canoeing, birdwatching, and fort building at the shoreline.
160 University Ave
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
Campers explore and learn about the Big Sur redwoods, Mendocino coast and Sierra Nevada mountains.
2434 McKinley Ave.
A high-energy skateboarding program located at the Golden Bear Recreation Center's skate park, grouped by age and skill level.
Sports Lane
A high-energy skateboarding program located at the Golden Bear Recreation Center's skate park, grouped by age and skill level.
Sports Lane
Build skateboarding skills and learn new tricks with guidance from experienced instructors.
Berkeley, CA 94704
Teens mentor youth while learning how to be a camp counselor in a skateboarding environment.
Berkeley, CA 94704
Brushstrokes teaches pottery, sculpting, fusing glass, painting, and more in inspiring outdoor settings.
745 Page Street
We are a Dance studio located in Berkeley where we offer Ballet/Pointe/Jazz/Tap/Hip Hop/Modern/Contemporary/Contemporary Ballet/Gymnastics/Competitive Team/ Repertoire/Choreography/Anatomy/ Ballet workout . We teach from ages 3 to adults
1539 Shattuck ave
Steve & Kate's Camp in Berkeley. Self-directed day camp where kids choose from coding, sewing, filmmaking, sports, baking, and more. Flexible scheduling with drop-in options.
We are a Dance studio located in Berkeley where we offer Ballet/Pointe/Jazz/Tap/Hip Hop/Modern/Contemporary/Contemporary Ballet/Gymnastics/Competitive Team/ Repertoire/Choreography/Anatomy/ Ballet workout . We teach from ages 3 to adults
1539 Shattuck ave
Children 18 and younger can pick up a free lunch and snack at several locations in Berkeley throughout the summer. Children who are 18 years old or younger are invited to eat free in Berkeley. The City of Berkeley, in collaboration with the State of California Department of Education, will offer free summer lunches and snacks to all Berkeley children at locations across the city.FREE LUNCH OFFERED JUNE 9–August 1No program June 20 and July 4Note: All meals must be eaten on site
Children 18 and younger can pick up a free lunch and snack at several locations in Berkeley throughout the summer. Children who are 18 years old or younger are invited to eat free in Berkeley. The City of Berkeley, in collaboration with the State of California Department of Education, will offer free summer lunches and snacks to all Berkeley children at locations across the city.FREE LUNCH OFFERED JUNE 9–August 1No program June 20 and July 4Note: All meals must be eaten on site
Register your child for summer programs at the Berkeley Marina. The City of Berkeley runs summer recreation programs for children aged 5-12 out of the Berkeley Marina’s Shorebird Nature Center.Shorebird Nature STEM CampCome join us for an exciting week-long camp at the Shorebird Park Nature Center and the Adventure Playground! Within this STEM-based camp, participants will become true environmental scientists and develop a deeper sense of nature appreciation as they explore themes around local wildlife and bay ecology at the Berkeley Waterfront.
At Berkeley’s Summer Playground Programs, children ages 5-12 can enjoy supervised time outdoors at one of Berkeley’s parks. Sign your child up for a Summer Playground Program to give them some summertime playground fun. Children ages 5-12 will enjoy a variety of activities such as games, arts and crafts, sports, swimming, and making new friends, all while being supervised by trained City of Berkeley staff.
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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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