SUMMER CAMPS · PARENTING · LOS ANGELES
The LA Summer Camp Cheat Sheet Every Busy Mom Needs
By Renee Vancans
50+ Los Angeles camps — organized, researched, and ready for you to download for free
Let's be honest: figuring out summer camp in LA is practically a part-time job.
You've got kids who need to be somewhere fun and safe while you're managing work, life, and everything in between. You've got a city bursting with options — beach camps, STEM camps, theater camps, horse camps, language immersion camps — and approximately zero time to research all of them from scratch. Every year.
That's exactly why I put together The LA Summer Camp Cheat Sheet (Busy Mom Edition). It's the guide I wished existed when I was first navigating the LA camp world, and now I'm sharing it with you completely free.
What's Inside the Guide
This isn't just a list. It's 50+ camps, organized into categories so you can find what actually fits your kid:
Arts & Performance — theater, dance, music, film, and more
STEM & Science — coding, robotics, hands-on science
Nature & Outdoor — hiking, beach, animals, sleepaway adventures
Language Immersion — Spanish, Mandarin, and more
Jewish & Cultural camps
General / Info
Location and neighborhood
Age ranges
Day camp vs. sleepaway
Schedule and session lengths
Approximate cost
Direct clickable links to register
Why I Made This
As a mom in Los Angeles, I know how overwhelming the camp search gets. Registration for the best camps opens in January and February — sometimes earlier — and if you miss the window, you're scrambling. I've been there.
I spent weeks building this resource so you don't have to. I combed through dozens of LA camps, verified the details, and organized everything into one clean, easy-to-use PDF you can refer back to all season long.
Think of it as your camp-planning shortcut. The kind a well-connected mom friend would hand you over coffee.
A Few Camps Worth Highlighting
With 50+ options it's hard to pick favorites, but here are a few that stand out:
Best for the Outdoorsy Kid
Cali Camp (Topanga Canyon) — 9 weeks of nature and adventure in the mountains above Malibu. Transportation is included in the price, which is a rare and wonderful thing.
Hawks LA — Hiking and nature exploration at different parks around LA. Perfect for kids who want to be outside all day.
Best for the Performer
Act One Theater Camp (Glendale) — Three 3-week sessions with extended care available. Kids work toward a real performance at the end.
Drama Maniacs (Glendale/Burbank area) — Great value with sibling discounts and multi-week pricing. Runs all summer.
Best Budget-Friendly Option
Burbank Parks & Rec — At just $220/week, this is one of the best deals in the city. Covers art, sports, and nature. Fills up fast — pre-register in March!
LA Boys & Girls Club — Sliding scale pricing up to $220/week depending on income. An incredible option for families who need flexibility.
Best for the STEM Kid
Galileo Summer Camp — Multiple LA locations, innovation-focused, week-long sessions all summer. One of the most popular in the city for a reason.
California Science Center Camp (South LA) — Half-day and full-day options, discounts for members. Right next to the Space Shuttle!
5 Things Every LA Camp Mom Should Know
The best camps fill up fast — often by February or March. Don't wait until spring. Register early.
Many camps offer them but don't advertise it upfront. A quick email can save you hundreds. Always ask about sibling discounts.
Transportation, snacks, and extended care can add up. A few camps (like Cali Camp, Camp Kinneret, Tumbleweed) include transportation in their fees. Check what's included in the price.
Boys & Girls Club, Girl Scouts, and others offer sliding scale pricing or need-based assistance. It never hurts to ask. Financial aid exists!
Looking for winter break or spring break coverage too? Several camps on the list offer sessions outside of summer — check the guide for details. Some camps run year-round.
Ready to stop researching and start planning?
Download The LA Summer Camp Cheat Sheet (Busy Mom Edition) — completely free. 50+ camps, all in one place, every link clickable.
Already grabbed the guide? Share it with another LA mom who needs it! The more moms who have this, the better — we're all just trying to figure this out together.
About the Author
Renee Vancans is an LA-based mom, real estate agent and the co-founder of Vancans Group at Compass. She created this guide to help busy LA parents navigate the overwhelming world of summer camp planning, because every mom deserves a shortcut. If you like how she researches camps, imagine how she searches for homes.