Interested in learning about what summer camps are available around San Diego? Many of our museums and cultural institutions are offering fun and engaging summer camps this Summer 2019 for Pre-K through 12th grade students with topics ranging from art and design to culture, science, and nature. Learn everything from building robots, designing CAD models, bringing a museum to life, or catching your first surf! Sign your child up for a stimulating summer with these exciting offerings from our member organizations.
This is an overview of summer camps offered by our member institutions and we encourage you to continue your exploration through visits to organization websites. Camps are subject to change and we strongly encourage readers to check with organizations directly to confirm details such as dates, time, tuition, etc.
Look through our summer camps using these categories below:
Art & Design
Culture & Heritage
Science, Industry & Technology
Wildlife & Outdoors
Overnight Experiences
La Jolla Historical Society
Young Architects Summer Program
Students are introduced to the architectural history of La Jolla, learn space and layout planning, and develop architectural drawing, modeling, and computer skills. Students visit residential buildings in La Jolla that exemplify the work of extraordinary architects from different eras, where they learn on-site recognition of various architectural styles. Students also visit the studio of a local architect and a construction site. Each student is provided a laptop computer with architectural CAD (computer-aided design) software, Sketch-Up, for use during the program. This is the only architectural design and planning summer course available to youth in San Diego County!
Session 1: July 22-26, 2019 | 9:00 a.m.- 3:00 p.m. | Middle School | Tuition $700
Session 2: July 29-August 2, 2019 | 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. | High School | Tuition $750
Space is limited! Register by July 1, 2019.
Lux Art Institute
Lux Art Institute’s summer camps run in weekly sessions.
Session 1: June 24-28, 2019 | 9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.
Session 2: July 8-12, 2019 | 9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.
Session 3: July 15-19, 2019 | 9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.
Session 4: July 22-26, 2019 | 9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.
Session 5: July 29 – August 2, 2019 | 9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.
Session 6: August 5-9, 2019 | 9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.
Tuition: $275 for Lux Members | $350 for guests
Summer Art Camp
Working with the education staff’s teaching artist, students will create a variety of art and craft projects, 2-3 per day, inspired by various movements within art history. Each day students will be introduced to different artists and methodologies that will challenge and enrich their understanding of art and art-making. Materials included. No technical skill is practiced. Open to all proficiency levels. Ten students per classroom.
Ages 4-7
Camp registration deadline: June 15, 2019
STEAM Art Camp
Inspired by the STEAM movement, students will re-engage with the learning process through hands-on art projects that bridge together various disciplines in new and meaningful ways. Students will cultivate an interdisciplinary approach to building, creating, and thinking for the 21st century.
Ages 8-12
Camp registration deadline: June 15, 2019
Youth Studio with Susan Wickstrand
An art-making camp practicing drawing, painting, and mixed media taught by local celebrity artist Susan Wickstrand. Personal imagery will be generated along with introductory projects to ignite the imagination of the students. Professional demonstrations in encaustic, mixed media and painting will be presented to students daily. No experience required. Ten students per week.
Ages 10-15
Camp registration deadline: June 15, 2019
Museum of Photographic Arts
2019 Summer Camps and Intensives
What are your kids doing this summer? We hope they will join us to learn about photography, video, animation, and much more with creative professional artists – right here at MOPA! Camps are designed for kids entering grades 3 through 12, and explore a variety of topics like visual storytelling, animation, and movie making!
Weekly camps from June 17 through August 16 are Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Special early bird pricing through April 30: $275 for members and Balboa Park Explorer Pass holders | $295 for all others
After May 1: $295 for members and Balboa Park Explorer Pass holders | $315 for all others
10% sibling discount | 10% discount for first responder families (email camp@mopa.org for a partner code!)
Limited scholarships are available for families in need. Scholarships are also available for active military families, thanks to a generous donation from Veterans United! (Availability is limited.)
Submit a scholarship application here
*NOTE: Grade categories are used as a guideline to direct parents to camps with appropriate skill levels. We welcome you to register your children in whichever category you think is best! Please email us at camp@mopa.org with questions!
Animation Studio
Campers will create their own characters and animate stories in a series of fun and creative projects with local animator, Steven Topham! Bring your imagination to life.
*All equipment will be provided.
July 15 – 19, 2019 | 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Grades 3-5
Create + Animate: Stop Motion Animation
Create your own movie! Using professional equipment and their creativity, campers will work alongside local animator, Steven Topham, to create a stop-motion animated short from concept through creation. Got ideas? We’ve got the tools to bring them to life!
July 8 – 12, 2019 | 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Grades 6-8
How to “Ruin” a Photo
Using inspiration from contemporary photographers whose work pushes the boundaries of traditional photography, this camp will encourage youth to explore their creativity and rethink what a good photo is. In this camp we will create unusual, odd, accidental, yet beautiful works of photographic art through a variety of experimental techniques sometimes thought to “ruin” photos.
June 17 – 21, 2019 | 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Grades 8-12
Oceanside Museum of Art
Week At The Living Museum
What happens when paintings come alive? Using improvisation, physical theater games, and storytelling techniques, campers ages 7–15 will create a living museum staged throughout OMA’s galleries. The week will end with a performance that takes the audience on a journey to experience the surprising, hilarious, and moving stories of artwork brought to life.
July 8–12, 2019 | 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Ages 7-12
Tuition: $275 for OMA members, $350 for nonmembers
Sky-High Puppet Masters
Have you ever wanted to be 10 feet tall? Maybe you have an alter-ego with a booming voice that towers over the city. At this camp, campers ages 7–15 create larger-than-life doppelgangers. In the style of Bread and Puppet Theatre and the artwork of Julie Taymor, they will design and create large-scale puppets and masks. Campers will learn how to create these fantastical creatures as well as practice movement and performance techniques.
July 15–19, 2019 | 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Ages 7-12
Tuition: $275 for Museum members | $350 for visitors
DIY Fashion Week
Campers ages 7–15 will dive headfirst into the art of creating fun and fashionable items out of their favorite used clothing. They will explore exciting new ways to upcycle t-shirts, make high-fashion outfits from newspaper, and create fun and funky household items out of a favorite pair of old jeans. Everything from how to use a sewing machine to how to edit a photo will be covered. The week will cap off with a full-scale photo shoot to learn about makeup and styling, choosing a location, how to use natural and professional lights, and how to frame the perfect shot.
July 22–26, 2019 | 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Ages 7-12
Tuition: $275 for Museum members | $350 for visitors
The New Children’s Museum
Camps for Littles
A variety of themed camps offer art experiences and more to create an early foundation for creativity and encourage imagination and self-confidence for our youngest campers in Pre-K through kindergarten.
June 10 – August 16, 2019 | 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. | Pre-k through Kindergarten | Campers can stay for a half-day (morning or afternoon) or sign up for a full-day of fun. No camps during Comic Con week, July 15-19.
Tuition: $150 for The New Childrens’ Museum members: $150 for 5 half-days, $280 for 5 full days of fun | $165 for nonmembers: $165 for 5 half-days, $315 for 5 full days of fun
Pre-K through Kindergarten
Registration deadline: Until camps start or fill up
Pioneer Camps
Adventure is upon you! Explore fun activities from art making to dancing to cooking, paired with fun trips to the Museum’s galleries where campers will be able to enjoy and play in the installations.
June 10 through August 16, 2019 from 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. | No camps during Comic Con week, July 15-19.
Tuition: $280 for The New Childrens’ Museum members | $315 for nonmembers
Grades 1-3
Registration deadline: Until camps start or fill up
Explorer Camps
Make a new discovery every day of the week! Work directly with artists to explore the Museum and learn new techniques and innovative approaches to art making.
July 1-3 and 5, 2019 (no camp on July 4) from 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. | July 29 through August 2 from 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
Tuition: $280 for The New Childrens’ Museum members | $315 for nonmembers
Grades 4-6
Registration deadline: Until camps start or fill up
The San Diego Museum of Art
2019 Summer Youth Art Programs
Designed for elementary, middle, and high school students, Summer Youth Art Programs give students the opportunity to learn from artist-educators while enjoying the Museum and the bounty of Balboa Park. Summer Camps and Teen Studios include art instruction, studio activities, lunch and snack breaks, and visits to the Museum to see current exhibitions.
Summer Camps (Grades 1-5):
July 22-26, 2019 | 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
July 29-August 2, 2019 | 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Teen Studios (Grades 6-12):
August 5-9, 2019 | 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
August 12-16, 2019 | 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Tuition: $275 for SDMA members | $315 for nonmembers
Camp registration deadline: Until sold out
Splash, Swish, Swirl!: An Art Exploration
Explore the elements of art through a variety of multimedia projects inspired by works on view at the Museum. From the Art of the 20th Century galleries to outdoor sculpture, learn about master artists and play art games.
July 22-26, 2019 | 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Grades 1-2
Making Multiples: Exploring Printmaking
Discover ways to produce art in multiples by exploring a variety of printmaking techniques. Explore the galleries while learning about master printmakers. Design and print your own personal t-shirt.
August 5-9, 2019 | 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Grades 6-8
Expanding Your Portfolio
Take your artwork in new directions by meeting with other teen artists and creating a portfolio for submission to fine arts colleges. View masterworks from around the world in the Museum and discover new art forms while receiving expert guidance on how to develop and expand your portfolio.
August 5-9, 2019 | 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Grades 9-12
Japanese Friendship Garden
Japanese Friendship Garden Summer Camp
The Japanese Friendship Garden in Balboa Park will have professional instructors offering demonstrations and lessons for Japanese cooking, Karate, Chanoyu (tea ceremony), Ikebana (flower arrangement), traditional folk dances, Kokedama and much more. Other camp activities include arts & crafts, traditional games and storytelling.
Session 1: July 8-12, 2019 | 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Grades 1-2
Session 2: July 15-19, 2019 | 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Grades 3-5
Session 3: July 22-26, 2019 | 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Grades 6-8
Tuition: $110 JFG Member | $130 nonmember
Camp registration deadline: July 31, 2019
JFG Wa-Shokuiku (Cooking) Summer Camp
Wa-Shokuiku is a unique food education program in which American students will learn about Japanese food and food ways through hands-on activites
This program will:
– Expand students’ palates by teaching how to prepare tasty and healthy dishes using washoku preparation techniques.
– Include discussion about manners, respect towards food and its producers and simple relevant Japanese vocabulary.
– Introduce food related concerns, such as obesity and waste while discussing do-able Japanese inspired daily actions
Session 1: July 15-19 | 9:00 – 10:30 a.m.
Grades 6-8
Session 2: July 15-19 | 11:00 a.m.– 12:30 p.m.
Grades 3-5
Tuition: $175 for JFG Members | $200 for nonmembers
Camp registration deadline: July 31, 2019
Fleet Science Center
The Fleet turns curious kids into happy campers! Our science-themed summer camps provide exciting experiments, intriguing investigations and fantastic fun. (Oh—and don’t tell the kids, but they’ll be learning a lot, too!) We have something for all ages, from Pre-K through 8th Grade. Extended Day Services Available! Want more time at camp? The Fleet Science Center now offers extended day services! Early drop off is available from 8:00–9:00 a.m. and late pick up is from 4:00–5:00 p.m.
Wizards’ Workshop
Use science to simulate the magic of your favorite sorcerers from books and movies. We’ll mix up chemical concoctions and perform super science spells that are sure to amaze your friends and family. You won’t believe your eyes!
July 15–19, 2019 | 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Tuition: $150 for Fleet members | $165 for nonmembers
Grades 1-2
Camp registration deadline: July 12
Women Scientists in Action
Girl power! Join us for an all-new “science sampler” just for girls. Each day we’ll explore a new field of science. You’ll interact with local women scientists, participate in incredible hands-on experiments and investigate careers in science.
July 22–26, 2019 | 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Tuition: $150 for Fleet members | $165 for nonmembers
Grades 5–8
Camp registration deadline: July 19, 2019
ThoughtSTEM Computer Science Camps
ThoughtSTEM shows kids how fun computer science and technology can be! Kids will work collaboratively and creatively in fun, interactive programming environments at ThoughtSTEM Computer Science camps at the Fleet.
All camps fall between July 8—August 9, 2019 and run either in the morning from 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. or in the afternoon from 1:00-4:00 p.m. Is your child a fan of Harry Potter, Marvel superheroes, Minecraft, Fortnite, Pokémon, Mario, or Lord of the Rings? We have just the camp for them!
Tuition: $205 for Fleet members | $220 for nonmembers
Grades 3–6
Camp registration deadline: Friday before each camp week
San Diego Air & Space Museum
Astronauts in Training
Explore the planets, learn survival strategies, build robots, rovers and rockets! This is one adventure you don’t want to miss! Let the training begin at the San Diego Air & Space Museum.
July 15 – 19, 2019 | 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Grades 1-2
Tuition: $135 for SDASM members | $145 for nonmembers
Girls in Engineering
Engineer your way to a brighter future by creating products related to aerospace, electrical, and civil engineering. Get engineering advice from local female experts, and hands-on experience building water rocket launchers and soldering your own jewelry.
July 22 – 26, 2019 | 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Grades 3-8
Tuition: $155 for SDASM members | $165 for nonmembers
Aviation Simulation
Master the basics of flight, navigation, and instrumentation on our computer simulators! We’ll even try out other simulators—including our cool motion- based MaxFlight® FS2000—later in the week. With instruction by actual pilots, this camp is great for the future aviator!
July 29 – August 2, 2019 | 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Grades 5-12
Tuition: $135 for SDASM members | $145 for nonmembers
San Diego Automotive Museum
Automotive Summer Camps
Learn about car culture, design and engineering. Create car designs and make your own models. Investigate engine technologies from different eras. See classic cars up close and personal with local car owners. Learn how to identify cars from various decades. Explore alternative automotive technologies past, present and future
Session 1: July 15 – 19, 2019
Session 2: July 29 – Aug 2, 2019
Session 3: Aug 12 – 16, 2019
9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Grades 4-6
Tuition: $125
Camp registration deadlines: July 5, July 19, August 2
San Diego Children’s Discovery Museum
Enjoy summer at the Museum with under the sea adventures, outer space journeys, dinosaur excavations, and other fun expeditions. Little Explorers Summer Camp offers Half-Day (9:00 a.m.-12:00 noon) or Full-Day (9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.) options, with an additional option to stay for lunch and play on Half-Days. These camps are for students starting Kindergarten-third grade.
Explore Space
3…2…1…BLAST OFF! Build rockets, dive into the exciting history of space exploration, create galaxy art, and uncover your inner astronaut.
Week 1: June 24–28, 2019 | Half-Day (9:00 a.m.-12:00 noon) or Full-Day (9:00 a.m.-4:00 pm)
Grades: Entering Kindergarten-entering Third Grade
Tuition: $135-270 for members | $150-300 for nonmembers
Explore Under the Sea
Engineer devices that float, paint ocean creatures, uncover sunken treasures, and discover mysteries of the deep blue sea!
Week 2: July 8-12, 2019 | Half-Day (9:00 a.m.-12:00 noon) or Full-Day (9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.)
Grades: Entering Kindergarten-entering Third Grade
Tuition: $135-270 for members | $150-300 for nonmembers
Explore Coding and Engineering
Build robots, design tall buildings, speak the language of computers using coding, and gain hands on experience as a problem solver!
Week 3: July 15-19, 2019 | Half-Day (9:00 a.m.-12:00 noon) or Full-Day (9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.)
Grades: Entering Kindergarten-entering Third Grade
Tuition: $135-270 for members | $150-300 for nonmembers
San Diego Model Railroad Museum
Model Railroading Camp
Explore the multitude of disciplines required to build a model railroad. Working from a track plan, campers will construct an operational, themed scale model, from track laying, ballasting, scenery construction, and circuitry. Campers will investigate and apply design principles, research unusual railroad cars, and learn why engineers use arches in the construction of railroad bridges.
Session 1: End of 1st-End of 4th grade | June 17-21, 2019 | 9:00 a.m.- 12:00 p.m. | Tuition $195
Session 2: End of 4th-End of 8th grade | June 24-28, 2019 | 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. | Tuition $195
Session 3: End of 4th-End of 8th grade | July 8-12, 2019 | 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. | Tuition $325
Session 4: End of 5th-End of 9th grade | July 22-July 26, 2019 | 9:00 a.m.- 3:00 p.m. | Tuition $325
Session 5: End of 1st-End of 4th grade | July 29-August 2, 2019 | 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. | Tuition $195
Space is limited. Please register by June 10, 2019.
Birch Aquarium
Summer Learning Adventure Camp
From the classroom to the seashore, the aquarium’s accredited week-long camps invite young ocean enthusiasts, ages 4-15, to investigate marine habitats, create ocean art projects, learn about diverse careers in oceanography, and combine science with water sports, all while making new friends and memories.
Campers age 4-7 explore Birch Aquarium, make ocean crafts, and dive into science experiments. For ages 8 and above, campers are eligible to attend both aquarium-based and off-site camps. Off-site camps meet at the beach, where snorkeling, surfing, and boogie boarding are interwoven with opportunities to enter Scripps Institution of Oceanography laboratories, speak with scientists, and get a close up view of world-class oceanographic experiments. There’s always something new to inspire and explore with Summer Learning Adventure Camp!
Birch Aquarium’s Summer Learning Adventure Camps are designed to support inclusive and collaborative learning, promote exploration and discovery, and empower campers to reach their full potential. Thanks to the generosity of Scripps Oceanography supporter Ellen P. Lehman, we are able to offer summer camp scholarships for campers needing assistance. Scholarships are awarded based on need and applications must be submitted online for each child.
Living Coast Discovery Center
Summer Camps on San Diego Bay
Through animal encounters, games, arts & crafts, outdoor exploration, role play, and career exploration, the world of our amazing native wildlife comes to life! Our Wildlife Day Camps are a fun and interactive way to educate kids about wildlife, conservation, and science.
June 10 – July 26, 2019 | 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Ages 4-18
Tuition: $87-260
Maritime Museum of San Diego
Family Overnight
Saturday, June 22 at 2:30 p.m.
Guests will embark on an imaginary voyage to relive the lives and times of the emigrant passengers in The Great Age of Sail.
Normally provided as the Maritime Museum of San Diego’s Living History program, primarily serving elementary school classes, this is a rare opportunity for families wanting to participate in this exciting experience. Instructors will be in character and in costume, teaching various activities such as moving cargo and raising sails. Accommodations aboard Star of India are 19th-century and likened to a camping trip.
Tickets: $75 per participants (ages 5 and up)
Includes meals and accommodations. Adults must accompany youth under 18.
This trip goes from Saturday, June 22 at 2:30 p.m. to Sunday, June 23 at 9:00 a.m.
Space is limited. Please register before June 22, 2019.
