Animals, Nature & Outdoor Camps are a great way to combine learning, fun and fresh air!
Your children can spend time in the woods or on the water learning about the plants and animals of the Bay Area or developing their riding skills at a Horsemanship Camp.
BEan In Nature ~ Los Gatos, Cupertino, & Woodside
Wild Forest Knowledge Camps 3 -16 yrs: Survival Wilderness and Wild Forest Skills; Fairies, Elves & Dragons; Girls Fairy Survival Camp; Leaders In Training-LIT/CIT- 12 to Teen; once a month Teens; Horse Enrichment 101 and Equine Art; Wild Forest Skills, Fishing, Carving Safety, Tree Climbing Safety, Bush Crafts, Medicinal/ Edible Plants, Ninja/LARP Weaponry, Archery, Fire Keeper & Campfire Cook out! Epic dirt time adventures! Professional Outdoor Educators safely teach through inquiry and play-based, child-Nature Led teaching. Early Bird Savings! Refer friends and save! Camps 6/15 –8/7. www.beaninnature.com
City Kid Camp ~ San Francisco
City Kid Camp combines the great outdoors with sports-centric, active play to create lasting summer memories. Open to ages 8-12, we’ll be leading up to 20 kids on trips ’round the city, providing the know-how to safely access the natural beauties of San Francisco – the Presidio, Lands End, Golden Gate Park, Stern Grove, and more. High-character staff specialize in team-building and group play, fostering trust and communication while having fun – at an extremely affordable rate!
Hidden Villa ~ Los Altos Hills
Hidden Villa Summer Camp has been bringing kids together since 1945. Offering Day and Overnight programs for campers in Grades K – 12, we are a farm and wilderness preserve where campers get their hands dirty in garden and farm spaces, care for animals, turn strangers into lifelong friends, practice contributing to an open-minded and diverse community and grow as individuals. Other activities: pool time, archery, high ropes course, backpacking, hiking, cooking and crafts.
Call of the Wild Outdoor Nature Camps ~ Vacaville, Berkeley, Oakland, Los Gatos, Cupertino/Los Altos Hills
At Inspire Active Learning, K-5th graders enjoy forest camps in the summer, fall, winter, and spring. Kids spark a love of nature, hike, explore, read, write, create nature-inspired art, make friends, and play! Academic nature camps blend outdoor education, recreation, and child-centered learning, engaging the whole child – head, heart, and body. Theme weeks: Enchanted Forest Reading, Enchanted Forest Art, Enchanted Vegan Nature, and Enchanted Forest Writing! Discounts and scholarships are available and may be combined.
Kennolyn Day Camp ~ Soquel
Located on 450 acres of privately owned redwood forest in the Santa Cruz Mountains, Kennolyn Day Camp is just a bus ride away with stops in Campbell and Los Gatos. Your child will thrive at this full day, outdoor, authentic camp. And after a day of exploring the fields, pond, and miles of trails, they’ll be happy-tired! Activities include archery, high ropes, climbing, ninja, fencing, swimming, horseback riding, and more! Nurse on duty. 1:4 ratio.
Gaia Guides Kids Camp ~ Alameda
We offer epic outdoor summer adventures for kids ages 6–14 in Alameda. Campers learn kayaking and paddleboarding, explore local marine life, and build confidence, teamwork, and environmental awareness on calm, protected waters. Our safety-focused program creates a supportive environment where kids are challenged and thrive. Our women-owned camp brings over 20 years of locally focused youth outdoor education experience and unforgettable summer days on the water!
Run for Fun Adventure Day Camp ~ Palo Alto
Run for Fun in Palo Alto combines kids’ love for sports, nature, creativity and play. We pride ourselves on offering a highly personalized experience. Our counselors understand the importance of connecting with the campers on both an individual and a group level. Our Summer offerings provide memorable experiences that are safe and allow kids to grow. Summer Highlights Include: Dodgeball, Capture the Flag, Gaga Ball, Crunchy Slime, Tie-Dye, Olympic week. We also offer optional Adventures to Santa Cruz for beach day and Camp Jones Gulch for archery and games in the woods. Learn more here.
YMCA Camp Loma Mar ~ Loma Mar
YMCA Camp Loma Mar, the East Bay’s oldest overnight camp, has provided unforgettable adventures since 1914. Nestled in the Santa Cruz Mountains among towering redwoods, campers enjoy activities like zip lining, archery, swimming, and rock climbing. Our dedicated staff creates a fun, supportive environment where friendships flourish and lifelong memories are made. Open to 2nd–12th graders, Camp Loma Mar offers the ultimate outdoor experience. Financial assistance is available to ensure access for all.
Camp Gold Hollow ~ Nevada City, CA (free bus service from Vallejo)
Traditional overnight camp with innovative programming! Community and belonging are waiting at our little camp nestled among the pines on beautiful Lake Vera. Engaging outdoor activities connect campers with nature (swimming, canoeing, crafts, star gazing, outdoor skills) plus friendships, singalongs, games and fun campy role-models. Run by the experts at Camp Fire, welcoming campers since 1944. Camp Bus from the Bay Area. Camperships available. Kids thrive here!
Peninsula Humane Society Wildlife Camp ~ Saratoga
Spend a week in Saratoga with the Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA for a Wildlife-themed summer camp! Wildlife Camp is designed to engage and inspire campers, while fostering a deep understanding of local wildlife and ecosystems. Camp activities include art projects, animal-themed games, nature crafts, daily activities along our Learning Path with interactive exhibits, and nature excursions.
