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More Monterey-Area Camp Info

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Get the kids ready for a summer filled with fun by choosing camps that are the right fit for your family. Whether your child dreams of diving into the arts, exploring the outdoors, sharpening athletic skills, or discovering a passion for science and technology, the Monterey Bay area has a camp for every interest and age group. Browse our hand-picked recommendations below, and access the entire camp directory at montereybayparent.com/camp-directory/.

ADVENTURES IN WRITING

Authors, teachers, and musicians ​help students discover the joy of writing. This two-week day camp allows elementary students to write, edit, and publish their own eBooks, while middle school campers create blogs. Lessons are delivered through music, with writing skills reinforced through theater-inspired creative activities. Camp runs July 20–31 at All Saints Day School, from 9 am–3 pm, with extended care available. Open to students entering grades 1–8, with sibling and early registration discounts available.

ALL SAINTS DAY SCHOOL

Summer at All Saints offers a wide range of camps for children ages 3 through Grade 8 on its beautiful campus. Programs include Performing Arts & Theater, STEM and Robotics, Art & Ceramics, Cooking, and Academic Enrichment, along with themed Early Childhood camps for ages 3–5. Campers can extend their day with optional Clover Camp from 12–3 pm (ages 5+), offering additional activities and outdoor play.

BIG SURF ADVENTURES SUMMER SURF CAMP

Kids ages 4–17 can ride the waves at Big Surf Adventures’ 3-day or 5-day summer surf camps. Lifeguard-certified instructors provide a patient, supportive environment with a 4:1 student-to-staff ratio, and all surf equipment is included. Two-hour sessions daily.

CAMP SEA LAB

Camp SEA Lab offers marine science summer camps for youth ages 8–16. Programs include three Day Camp themes, three Overnight Camp themes, and the Voyage Seaward sailing and marine science program. Campers explore Monterey Bay through hands-on activities such as snorkeling, tidepooling, kayaking, surfing, dissections, and field experiments led by experienced educators. Scholarships are available for Monterey County residents.

CHARTWELL SCHOOL

Chartwell School’s Summer Program combines academic support with engaging hands-on learning. Students strengthen literacy, math, and STEAM skills while participating in activities that encourage curiosity and creativity. Afternoon options include reading clinic, robotics, sewing, trail biking, cooking, drama and musical theater, inventor’s bootcamp, and outdoor adventure camp.

CITY OF MONTEREY RECREATION

Monterey Recreation offers a variety of summer camps, sports programs, and playground activities for youth of all ages. Popular options include Whispering Pines Day Camp (ages 5–9), Camp Quien Sabe Overnight Camp (ages 7–15), the Summer Fun Playground Program (ages 5–10), and Tiny Tots Summer Camp (ages 3–5). Specialty camps include soccer, flag football, volleyball, gymnastics, dance, art, LEGO® with Play-Well Teknologies, and more. Register online through the Amilia/SmartRec system.

CONNECTIONS RIDING SCHOOL

Connections Riding School & Boarding Stable offers Horse and Pony Summer Camps from June 8–July 31, along with afternoon Pony Camp and new Sun to Soil camps. Horse campers ride trails and obstacle courses, while Pony campers learn grooming, tacking, and riding. Sun to Soil campers explore STEM, art, and outdoor challenges through play-based learning. Camps run Monday–Friday with half-day and full-day options for ages 4 and up.

THE DANCE CENTER

The Dance Center in Carmel offers summer dance camps for both recreational and experienced dancers. Weekly themed camps run June 1–July 31 for ages 2.5–8, with half-day and full-day options. Intensive programs in Ballet/Pointe and Jazz/Contemporary are available for experienced dancers, along with camps in Acrobatics, Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Lyrical, K-pop, Hip-Hop, and Musical Theater for up to GR. 12.

EMMA BARTLETT MUSIC STUDIO SUMMER CAMPS

Emma Bartlett Music Studio offers creative summer music camps including Flip the Lid Piano Camp (June 8–12), Book Blast Camps (June 15–19 and July 20–24), and Composition Camp (July 13–17). Campers build musical skills through games, group activities, and ensemble playing. Each session ends with a performance or recital for families.

FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF MONTEREY

Vacation Bible School at First Presbyterian Church of Monterey is a welcoming summer program where kids explore faith, friendship, and creativity. Each day includes music, storytelling, art, games, and hands-on activities that highlight kindness, compassion, and community.

HIDDEN HILLS

Hidden Hills Ranch offers summer camps focused on outdoor adventure and hands-on learning. Options include Horse and Pony Camps along with themed camps centered on animal discovery, veterinary skills, creative arts, STEM, and outdoor exploration. Camps are available for ages 5 and up. 

JUSTIN RUSSO GOLF ACADEMY

Justin Russo Golf Academy offers summer golf camps for boys and girls ages 7–14. Each day includes instruction, practice, games, and time on the course. Campers build skills while learning proper technique, course management, and golf etiquette.

K LITTLE GLASS SUMMER CAMP

Learn the fundamentals of glassmaking in this week-long camp for ages 9 and up. Campers create their own glass artwork while developing technical skills and creativity in a fun studio environment.

LOS EXPLORADORES SUMMER CAMP

California State Parks presents Los Exploradores de Monterey Summer Day Camp at Monterey State Historic Park for students in grades 3–5. Campers explore Monterey’s cultural and natural history through hands-on activities including crafts, period games, songs, dances, nature observation, and guided tours of historic buildings and gardens.

MEARTH SUMMER DAY CAMP

MEarth Summer Camps blend nature, food, and creativity for ages 6–12. Campers spend their days outdoors exploring the environment, harvesting produce from the garden, and cooking with fresh ingredients. Programs encourage curiosity, teamwork, and confidence while fostering an appreciation for the natural world.

MONTEREY BAY AQUARIUM

Kids ages 8–13 can experience the ocean up close in the Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Underwater Explorers program. During this 90-minute experience, participants take a guided surface SCUBA dive in the Aquarium’s Great Tide Pool just off the back deck. No diving experience or equipment is required—just curiosity and a sense of adventure.

MONTEREY PENINSULA COLLEGE SUMMER CAMPS

Monterey Peninsula College offers summer camps for children, pre-teens, and teens on its college campus. Programs include STEM, sports, cooking, crafting, and visual and performing arts led by expert instructors. Camps run June 8–July 24 and provide hands-on learning, skill building, and opportunities to make new friends.

MONTEREY SPORTS CENTER

The Monterey Sports Center hosts camps for children ages 5–12 featuring more than 20 activities using the gymnasium, pools, and nearby Jacks Park. Activities include swimming, WIBIT water obstacle course, basketball, soccer, capture the flag, and more. Ten one-week sessions run June 1–August 7, with early drop-off and late pick-up available.

MONTEREY ZOO

Monterey Zoo summer camp introduces children to wildlife through close animal encounters and hands-on activities. Campers enjoy games, crafts, demonstrations, and educational experiences designed to inspire an appreciation for animals and conservation. Camps run one week for ages 7–12.

PACIFIC GROVE RECREATION

Pacific Grove Recreation offers a wide range of youth camps and activities throughout the summer. Options include Summer Adventure Camps for ages 3–12, golf and soccer camps, STEAM and engineering programs, dance classes, kids yoga, and swim instruction for children ages 6 months–9 years.

PACREP’S PEPPY GARNER & DARNELL WHITT SCHOOL OF DRAMATIC ARTS SUMMER CAMPS

  • Outdoor Forest Theater, Carmel
  • SoDApacrep@gmail.com

The School of Dramatic Arts summer camps provide theater training in a supportive environment where students explore acting, performance, and stage skills. Participants build confidence and creativity while learning to express themselves on stage.

PEAK POTENTIAL ISR

Peak Potential ISR offers one-on-one survival swim lessons using the nationally recognized Infant Swimming Resource method. Lessons focus on self-rescue skills such as rolling to float, maintaining a safe position, and swimming to safety, building water confidence for infants and young children.

POINT LOBOS SUMMER ADVENTURE PROGRAM

The Point Lobos Summer Adventures program is an outdoor day camp for youth ages 8–15 based at Point Lobos State Natural Reserve. Campers hike scenic trails, create nature-inspired art, and take field trips such as rock climbing, whale watching, and kayaking. Sessions run 8–10 days.

RISE LITERACY

RISE Literacy summer camps combine engaging weekly themes with a structured literacy approach. Students receive daily instruction in phonics, spelling, vocabulary, and fluency along with games, crafts, and social activities. Themes include Phonics & Foodies, Space, Oceans, and Kindergarten Readiness.

RISING STAR GYMNASTICS

Rising Star Gymnastics summer camps include gymnastics training, ninja circuits, trampoline, games, relays, crafts, and outdoor play. Junior half-day camps for ages 3–5 run Monday–Thursday, while full-day camps for ages 5–12 Monday–Friday from 9 am–3 pm.

SALINAS SCHOOL OF DANCE

Summer Dance Camp for ages 3–6 features ballet, tap, jazz, folklórico, crafts, and creative play. Campers wrap up the week with a special performance for family and friends.

SALINAS VALLEY HEALTH ASTHMA CAMP

  • 831-257-4760

Open to children ages 6-12 with physician referral. Asthma camp empowers kids to thrive. Activities may include soccer, hiking, swimming and arts and crafts.

SANTA CATALINA SCHOOL

Santa Catalina School offers three exciting summer camps. Summer at Santa Catalina is an all-girls camp for grades 2-9 focused on building confidence and lifelong friendships. Catalina C.U.B. Camp is an all-boys camp for grades 4-8 that fosters courage, unity, and brotherhood. Cougar Camp is a co-ed camp for grades K-6 offered in August. Join us for an unforgettable summer! 

SHORELINE CHURCH DAY CAMP

Shoreline Church presents Illumination Station, a week-long day camp held July 13–17 from 9 am–noon for children in preschool through grade 5. Kids must be at least age 3 and potty trained. Families can receive a 30% early bird discount through April 30 using code earlybird when registering online.

SUMMER AT STEVENSON

Stevenson’s summer programs offer day and overnight camps across its Carmel and Pebble Beach campuses. Programs include arts, STEM, outdoor adventure, performing arts, and sports for grades K–8. Stevenson also hosts Nike Sports Camps in basketball, soccer, lacrosse, volleyball, swimming, water polo, and more.

VENTANA WILDLIFE SOCIETY

Ventana Wildlife Society offers Natural Science Discovery Camp for ages 8–12, where campers explore Monterey Bay and Big Sur through activities like whale watching, kayaking, and tidepooling. The week ends with a Thursday night campout in Big Sur. Younger children ages 4–7 can join Wee Ones in the Woods, a half-day nature exploration program. 

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