Educational Kids' Camps in Los Angeles: 22 Camps Where Kids Learn While Having Fun!
Educational kids' camps in Los Angeles are the secret weapon of school breaks: your child builds a robot, studies sharks or shoots a short film, then comes home convinced it was just a really fun week. The best ones are run by places LA kids already love, like the Natural History Museum, the LA Zoo, LACMA and the Aquarium of the Pacific, plus clever coding and robotics studios all over town.
Here's the bottom line. Winter break camps with 2026 dates are open now at LACMA, Rolling Robots, theCoderSchool Pasadena and Mad Science, and summer 2027 registration starts rolling out this fall, beginning with iD Tech on Nov. 8. Below are 22 camps by subject, with ages, dates, prices and the registration dates worth putting on your calendar.
Key Takeaways
Winter break: LAUSD's break runs Dec. 21, 2026, to Jan. 8, 2027, and LACMA, Rolling Robots, theCoderSchool Pasadena and Mad Science already have camp dates posted.
Summer 2027: iD Tech opens public registration Nov. 8, 2026, NYFA has posted its kids' film camp weeks, and most museums share their dates in early 2027.
Ages: Programs start at age 3 with a grown-up and go all the way through the teen years.
Cost: Most museum and STEM day camps ran about $400 to $600 a week in 2026, members often save $25 to $50, and 826LA's writing camp is free.
Book early: Favorites like LA Zoo's Zoo Camp and Kidspace's summer weeks sold out in 2026.
Educational Winter Break Camps in LA: 2026–2027 Dates at a Glance
LAUSD's winter break runs from Monday, Dec. 21, 2026, through Friday, Jan. 8, 2027. These educational camps already have dates posted, and you'll find full details on each one below.
LACMA Winter Art Camp: Dec. 28–31, 2026, for ages 6–8, and Jan. 4–8, 2027, for ages 9–12.
Rolling Robots: Dec. 21–23 and Dec. 28–30, 2026, in West LA, Pasadena and Rolling Hills Estates.
theCoderSchool Pasadena: Dec. 21–24 and Dec. 28–31, 2026, plus one-day camps on Jan. 18 and Feb. 15, 2027.
Mad Science: Dec. 21–23, 2026, in Hermosa Beach and El Segundo, plus Feb. 17–19, 2027, in Hermosa Beach.
Discovery Cube Los Angeles: Winter camp details are coming soon, so keep an eye on its website.
Need Thanksgiving week coverage too? Discovery Cube, Columbia Memorial Space Center, Rolling Robots and theCoderSchool Pasadena all run camps the week of Nov. 23, 2026. See our Thanksgiving break camps guide for even more ideas.
Museum, Zoo and Science Camps in Los Angeles
These camps take kids behind the scenes at LA's favorite museums, gardens and aquariums. Most haven't posted summer 2027 dates yet, so we share what last summer looked like to help you plan, plus when to watch for registration.
900 Exposition Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90007
Ages: Kindergarten through 5th grade
Dates: Summer 2027 dates TBA, with registration opening in early 2027
Hours (2026): 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., with extended care until 5 p.m.
Campers explore the museum's real research and collections, from creepy-crawly bugs to dinosaurs, and spend time outdoors in the Nature Gardens. It's a dream week for kids who already know every fossil in the Dinosaur Hall.
Parent Tip: Extended care cost $75 a week in 2026. Weekly prices for 2027 aren't posted yet, so join the museum's email list to catch registration.
700 Exposition Park Dr. Los Angeles, CA 90037
Grades: Pre-K through 8th grade (Pre-K classes are parent-and-child)
Dates: Summer 2027 dates TBA; 2026 camp ran from mid-June to early August
Hours (2026): Half-day classes from 9 to 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 to 3 p.m., or a full day with supervised lunch
Kids choose from more than 25 classes in subjects like chemistry, earth science and space science, so your budding astronaut and your kitchen chemist can each find a perfect week. Extended care is available for K–8 campers.
Parent Tip: Pricing for 2027 isn't posted yet, so check the Science Center's website in the spring.
5333 Zoo Dr. Los Angeles, CA 90027
Ages: Zoo Camp for kids entering Pre-K (age 4) through 4th grade; Zoo Camp Academy for 5th through 8th grade
Dates: Summer 2027 dates TBA; 2026 ran weekly from June 15 to July 31, plus an Academy week in August
Hours (2026): 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., with extended care from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Cost (2026): Zoo Camp $450, or $400 for members; Zoo Camp Academy $550, or $500 for members
Campers meet keepers, catch the World of Birds Show, take guided tours and get hands-on with animals at Muriel's Ranch. There's even a “Splash Safari” water day to cool off.
Parent Tip: In 2026, registration happened on a single day through an online virtual queue, and camp sold out. Become a member before spring and be online the minute registration opens.
1600 Ocean Front Walk Santa Monica, CA 90401
Ages: Elementary-age kids (grade ranges vary by session)
Dates: Winter break 2026–27 and spring break 2027 dates TBA
Campers get the aquarium to themselves before it opens to the public, with up to 25 kids and a 6:1 ratio. Expect microscope work, hands-on animal studies and a beach cleanup.
Parent Tip: Last winter's camp ran $330 a week or $85 a day, which makes it one of the more affordable ocean camps around.
11800 Foothill Blvd. Sylmar, CA 91342
Grades: Kindergarten through 5th grade
Dates: Monday, Nov. 23, and Tuesday, Nov. 24, 2026 (one-day camps); winter camp coming soon
Hours: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Cost: $80 a day, or $75 for members
Each day has its own engineering challenge. On Nov. 23, kids design wind-powered creations in Wind Works, and on Nov. 24 they build a model town and test it against simulated floods in Erosion Engineers. Campers also spend at least an hour a day exploring the museum floor.
Parent Tip: Discovery Cube is preparing its winter camp page now, so check back for holiday break dates.
480 N. Arroyo Blvd. Pasadena, CA 91103
Ages: 5 to 8
Dates: Spring break 2027 camp dates and registration arrive in January 2027; summer 2027 TBA
Hours (summer 2026): 8:45 a.m. to 3 p.m., with extended care until 5 p.m.
Cost (summer 2026): $620 a week, or $595 for members
Kidspace's spring camp, Down on the Farm, digs into soil, plants and pollinators. Last summer, each week explored a different national park with live animals and water-play days, so it's ideal for kids who learn best by getting a little muddy.
Parent Tip: Summer 2026 sold out with a waitlist, so watch for the January announcement.
1151 Oxford Road San Marino, CA 91108
Grades: Rising kindergarten through 8th grade, in four age groups
Dates: Summer 2027 dates TBA; 2026 ran three weeks in July
Hours (2026): 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Cost (2026): $430 per session
Campers mix art, history, botany and science inspired by The Huntington's collections. Think wet felting, garden games, a visit to the Japanese Heritage Shōya House and behind-the-scenes time with curators.
Parent Tip: With a 1 p.m. pickup, this camp pairs nicely with an afternoon at the pool.
301 N. Baldwin Ave. Arcadia, CA 91007
Ages: 5 to 10
Dates: No winter camp this season; spring break 2027 dates coming soon; summer 2027 TBA
Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Cost (summer 2026): $450 a week, or $425 for members
Weekly themes mix garden exploration, art, science and cooking, so kids spend their days outdoors learning about plants, animals and the natural world.
Parent Tip: Construction at Baldwin Lake means no autumn or winter camp this season, so plan on spring break instead.
3720 Stephen M. White Dr. San Pedro, CA 90731
Ages: Ages 3 to 5 with a parent, up to 12th grade
Dates: Summer 2027 dates TBA; 2026 classes ran from June to August
Hours (2026): Most classes run 9 a.m. to noon
These short summer classes are grouped by grade. The youngest scientists come with a parent, grades 3 and 4 hold hermit crabs and go crab fishing, and grades 5 and 6 study fish up close with a dissection and fish printing.
Parent Tip: Registration is by phone at (310) 548-7562, so call as soon as summer classes are announced.
100 Aquarium Way Long Beach, CA 90802
Ages: 3 to 12 (ages 3 and 4 attend with an adult)
Dates: Summer 2027 dates TBA
Hours (2026): 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. for ages 7 to 12; shorter morning programs for younger kids
Cost (2026): $450 a week, or $400 for members, for the full-day camps
Each day pairs two ocean topics, like cephalopods and jellies or shark senses and conservation, plus animal feedings and aquarium tours. Kids ages 10 to 12 can choose Coastal Explorer, which includes a whale watch.
Parent Tip: In 2026, members got a one-day head start on registration in March, and most weeks sold out.
12400 Columbia Way Downey, CA 90242
Grades: 1st through 4th grade
Dates: Monday, Nov. 23, to Wednesday, Nov. 25, 2026; summer 2027 TBA
Hours: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Cost: $150, or $135 for members
Kids make pumpkin slime, cyanotype prints and homemade butter during Thanksgiving week. Last summer, the center ran LEGO SPIKE coding and engineering and astronaut training weeks, so keep it on your summer list too.
Parent Tip: The 1st and 2nd grade group is already full, so 3rd and 4th grade families should grab a spot soon.
STEM, Coding and Robotics Camps in Los Angeles
For kids who'd rather build a robot than buy one, these camps turn screens into creative tools. Expect hands-on building, real coding languages and plenty of proud “look what I made” moments at pickup.
Los Feliz: 4155 Russell Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90027 Westwood: 1403 Fairburn Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90024 Culver City: 3430 McManus Ave., Culver City, CA 90232 Encino/Sherman Oaks: 15520 Ventura Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 91436 Pasadena: 651 Orange Grove Blvd., Pasadena, CA 91103 Manhattan Beach: 80 N. Morningside Dr., Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
Grades: Kindergarten through 8th grade at most sites
Dates: Summer 2027 dates TBA; early enrollment is open now
Hours: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., with extended care from 8 to 9 a.m. and 3 to 6 p.m.
Galileo is a maker camp at heart. Last summer, younger kids tinkered in the Inventor's Garage, while older campers built pinball machines, remote-control robots and even go-karts using real hand tools.
Parent Tip: Early enrollment locks in Galileo's lowest summer 2027 price, so it pays to sign up before the holidays.
UCLA: 351 Charles E. Young Dr. W., Los Angeles, CA 90095 Caltech: 1200 E. California Blvd., Pasadena, CA 91125
Ages: 7 to 17 (overnight Teen Academies for ages 13 to 18)
Dates: Summer 2027 weekly sessions; public registration opens Sunday, Nov. 8, 2026
Hours: Day camp check-in 8:30 to 9 a.m., pickup 4:30 to 5 p.m.
Cost: Camps start at $1,179 at UCLA and $1,279 at Caltech
Kids spend a week on a real college campus learning Minecraft modding, Roblox coding, Python and AI, 3D modeling and printing, or VEX robotics. Teens can go deeper in two-week overnight academies.
Parent Tip: Popular courses fill first, so have your top two choices ready on Nov. 8 and ask about the multi-session discount.
West LA: 2951 S. Sepulveda Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90064 Pasadena: 50 N. Hill Ave., Suite 101, Pasadena, CA 91106 Palos Verdes: 704 Bart Earle Way, Suite 201, Rolling Hills Estates, CA 90274
Ages: 5 to 15
Dates: Monday, Dec. 21, to Wednesday, Dec. 23, and Monday, Dec. 28, to Wednesday, Dec. 30, 2026; Thanksgiving camp Nov. 23–25, 2026
Hours: 9 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4 p.m., or a full day from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Little ones start with Jr. Robot Builders for ages 5 and 6, while older kids take on Battle Robot Building, 3D printing design and Minecraft Build & Design. Book a morning and an afternoon class for a full, robot-packed day.
Parent Tip: In summer, Rolling Robots adds pop-up camps in Santa Monica, Playa del Rey, Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach and San Marino.
Santa Monica: 2411 Wilshire Blvd., Santa Monica, CA 90403 Pasadena: 319 S. Arroyo Pkwy., Suite 5, Pasadena, CA 91105
Ages: 7 and up
Dates (Pasadena): Dec. 21–24 and Dec. 28–31, 2026; one-day camps on Jan. 18 and Feb. 15, 2027
Hours (Pasadena): 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., with aftercare until 6 p.m.
Cost (Pasadena): $520 to $560 for four-day winter camps; $130 for one-day camps
Pasadena's winter lineup includes 3D printing, Robo-Code with mBot robots (block coding for younger kids and Python for ages 10 and up), Scratch game design and Python Start-Up. In Santa Monica, the summer Coder School Clubhouse mixes coding games, robots, electronics and website design.
Parent Tip: Robo-Code campers can take their robot home for an extra fee, which makes a pretty great holiday gift.
Campuses in Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, Encino, Studio City, West Hills, Glendale, La Cañada Flintridge, Pasadena, El Segundo, Redondo Beach and Palos Verdes (see the website for each campus address)
Ages: 5 to 11
Dates: Summer 2027 dates TBA
This summer science and engineering camp has run themes like Robot Olympic Challenge, Jedi Engineering and Movie Maker STEM Lab, so kids build, test and tinker all week long.
Parent Tip: Early sign-ups get special savings, and several campuses offer extended care.
Studio City: Bridges Academy, 3921 Laurel Canyon Blvd., Studio City, CA 91604 La Cañada: La Cañada Presbyterian Church, 626 Foothill Blvd., La Cañada Flintridge, CA 91011 Pasadena: Pasadena Foursquare Church, 174 Harkness Ave., Pasadena, CA 91106
Grades: Pre-K through 8th grade
Dates: Winter and spring break camps at Lake Avenue Church in Pasadena (dates TBA); summer 2027 TBA
Hours: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., with pre-camp from 8 a.m.
Campers pick a new science adventure each week, from Advanced Robotics with LEGO Spike and Adventures in Minecraft to AI and coding or designing mobile apps.
Parent Tip: Club SciKidz usually offers early-bird discounts from October through January, so register early.
Hermosa Beach and El Segundo (through each city's recreation department)
Grades: Kindergarten through 6th grade
Dates: Nov. 23–25, 2026; Dec. 21–23, 2026; Feb. 17–19, 2027 (Hermosa Beach)
Hours: 9 a.m. to noon in Hermosa Beach; 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in El Segundo
Expect fizzing, flying, hands-on science. Winter camp is Fungineering, Mix-Ups & More in Hermosa Beach and Secret Agent Lab in El Segundo, and February's Wings & Things is all about flight.
Parent Tip: Prices are set by each city, so register and pay through the City of Hermosa Beach or the City of El Segundo.
Art, Film, Writing and Language Camps
Learning isn't only about science. These camps build creativity, communication and confidence, whether your kid dreams of painting, writing, speaking French or directing their first movie.
5905 Wilshire Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90036
Ages: 6 to 8, and 9 to 12
Dates: Journeys Around the World (ages 6–8): Monday, Dec. 28, to Thursday, Dec. 31, 2026. New Art for a New Year (ages 9–12): Monday, Jan. 4, to Friday, Jan. 8, 2027
Hours: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Cost: $400, or $360 for members (ages 6–8); $500, or $450 for members (ages 9–12)
Younger artists explore patterns, crafts and textiles from cultures around the world and make clay sculptures inspired by ancient traditions. In the ages 9–12 camp, kids paint, sculpt and work with textiles, and tour LACMA's galleries for inspiration.
Parent Tip: Registration is open now on a first-come, first-served basis and closes 10 days before each session. Pack a nut-free lunch, since campers eat outdoors.
Echo Park: 1714 W. Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90026 Mar Vista: 12515 Venice Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90066
Ages: 826LA's programs serve ages 6 to 18
Dates: Summer 2027 dates TBA; 2026 ran in June in Echo Park and July in Mar Vista
Hours (2026): 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. or 2 to 4 p.m.
Cost: Free
Young writers dream up stories, build dioramas and share their work in a museum-style showcase. Last summer's camp was all about sea creatures, with a field trip to Cabrillo Beach.
Parent Tip: Fill out 826LA's interest form so you hear first when 2027 dates are announced.
10390 Santa Monica Blvd., Suite 300 Los Angeles, CA 90025
Ages: 5 to 11
Dates: Summer 2027 dates TBA; 2026 ran eight weeks, from June 15 to Aug. 7
Hours (2026): Drop-off 8:55 to 9:30 a.m., pickup by 3 p.m.
Mornings are French lessons in speaking, reading and writing, and afternoons switch to theater, cooking, gardening and science experiments. Themes change every two weeks, from the regions of France to a medieval castle.
Parent Tip: Prices aren't posted, so contact the Alliance for rates.
3300 W. Riverside Dr. Burbank, CA 91505
Ages: 10 to 13 (teen programs for ages 14 to 17)
Dates: July 5–9, July 19–23 or Aug. 2–6, 2027
Cost: $1,225, or $1,025.50 with early-bird pricing
Kids rotate through jobs as assistant director, camera operator and actor to make a short silent film, which is screened at the end of the week. NYFA also offers one-week acting for film and 3D animation camps for the same ages.
Parent Tip: Early-bird pricing is available now, and campers bring their own lunch.
When Does Summer Camp Registration Open in LA for 2027?
Summer feels far away, but the most popular educational camps fill months ahead. Here's when to be ready:
iD Tech: Public registration opens Sunday, Nov. 8, 2026.
Camp Galileo and NYFA: Early-bird pricing for summer 2027 is available now.
Club SciKidz: Early-bird discounts usually run from October through January.
Kidspace: Spring camp details arrive in January 2027.
Natural History Museum: Registration opens in early 2027.
LA Zoo and Aquarium of the Pacific: Both opened registration in March in 2026, and Aquarium members got first access.
How to Choose the Right Educational Camp
A great camp is one your kid can't stop talking about at dinner. Keep these tips in mind as you compare:
Follow the spark: Pick a camp that builds on something your child already loves, whether that's animals, Minecraft, art or storytelling.
Check the ratio: Small groups mean more hands-on time. Heal the Bay keeps camp at a 6:1 ratio, and theCoderSchool camps run about 6:1 too.
Do the membership math: Members save $25 to $50 a week at places like the LA Zoo, Kidspace and the Aquarium of the Pacific, and the savings add up fast if you book more than one week.
Ask about pickup times: Many camps end at 3 p.m., but the Natural History Museum, LA Zoo, Camp Galileo and theCoderSchool offer later pickup.
Look for free options: 826LA's writing camp is free, so it's a wonderful choice for young storytellers.
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Takeaway
Educational kids' camps in Los Angeles turn school breaks into a chance to build, code, create and explore. For winter break, LACMA, Rolling Robots, theCoderSchool Pasadena and Mad Science already have dates posted. For summer 2027, mark Nov. 8 for iD Tech, grab early-bird pricing at Galileo and NYFA, and watch for museum registration in early 2027.
Dates and prices change every year, so always confirm details on each camp's website before you register. With a little planning, your kid could spend next summer building robots, meeting zookeepers or making their very first film.
Frequently Asked Questions About Educational Kids' Camps in Los Angeles
What are the best educational camps for kids in Los Angeles?
Top picks include museum camps at the Natural History Museum, LA Zoo and Aquarium of the Pacific, STEM camps like Camp Galileo, Rolling Robots and iD Tech, and creative options like LACMA's Winter Art Camp and NYFA's kids' film camp. The best fit depends on your child's age and interests.
Are there STEM camps in LA during winter break 2026?
Yes. Rolling Robots runs robotics, 3D printing and Minecraft camps Dec. 21–23 and Dec. 28–30, 2026, in West LA, Pasadena and Rolling Hills Estates. theCoderSchool Pasadena offers coding and 3D printing camps Dec. 21–24 and Dec. 28–31, and Mad Science runs Dec. 21–23 in Hermosa Beach and El Segundo.
When does summer camp registration open in Los Angeles for 2027?
It varies by camp. iD Tech opens public registration Nov. 8, 2026, Camp Galileo and NYFA already offer early-bird pricing, and museums like the Natural History Museum and Kidspace share details in early 2027. LA Zoo's Zoo Camp opened registration in March last year and sold out.
How much do educational camps cost in Los Angeles?
Most museum and STEM day camps ran about $400 to $600 a week in 2026, with member discounts of $25 to $50 at places like the LA Zoo and Kidspace. College-campus tech camps like iD Tech start above $1,100, while 826LA's writing camp is free.
Are there free educational camps for kids in LA?
Yes. 826LA's Write On! summer writing camp in Echo Park and Mar Vista is free, since all of the nonprofit's student programs are free for ages 6 to 18. Join its interest list, because 2027 dates haven't been announced yet.
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