10 Unique Summer Camps in SoCal Your Kid Will Never Forget
Looking for a one-of-a-kind summer camp? We’ve got you covered! From surfing and sailing to lifeguarding and animal care—these camps go beyond the ordinary. Here are some cool and unique camps that kids (and parents) should definitely check out.
Boogie, Surf & Soak Up the Sun
Corky Carroll’s Surf School – Huntington Beach
This one’s all about riding waves and having fun. Boogie Camp is perfect for young beach lovers (ages 5-11) who want to get their feet wet in the world of ocean sports. Campers learn ocean safety, basic paddling, and boogie boarding techniques. Plus, lots of beach games and fun in the sun!
Learn Compassion Through Pets
spcaLA Friends for Life Camp – Long Beach
Campers (ages 9-14) learn to care for animals, understand pet responsibility, and even train shelter dogs. Activities include games, crafts, animal handling, and dog training demos.
Take Flight at Aviation Camp
Aviation Summer Camp – Long Beach, Fullerton & Riverside
Future pilots, this one’s for you! Aviation Camp offers kids (ages 9-15) the chance to explore the science of flight, aerodynamics, airplane design, and even learn to fly a simulator. Get ready to soar!
Shred the Pavement with Skatedogs
XDOGS Multi-Sport Camp – Long Beach
Skatedogs is switching things up this summer with their new XDOGS camp made for kids who can’t get enough of wheels! Whether they’re into skateboarding, roller skating, scootering, biking, or inline skating, campers (ages 5-13) can do it all in one action-packed week.
Sail the Seas Like a Pro
Alamitos Bay Yacht Club – Long Beach
Kids (ages 6-15) get hands-on training in the basics of sailing, boat handling, and water safety. Experienced instructors guide kids through the ropes (literally!) while they learn on the water in beautiful Alamitos Bay.
Build Big Skills at Urban Workshop
Urban Workshop – Costa Mesa
It’s like shop class—but way cooler. At Urban Workshop, kids (ages 10-16) get hands-on with real tools, real materials, and real-world skills. Campers start with the basics and work their way up through projects like woodworking, soldering, 3D printing, leatherworking, and even welding!
Train Like a Junior Lifeguard
Wild Rivers – Irvine
This isn’t your average lifeguard camp. Wild Rivers’ Junior Lifeguard Program blends water park fun with water safety training, leadership skills, and teamwork for kids (ages 6-13).
Plant, Cook & Create
The Ecology Center – San Juan Capistrano
Get your hands dirty and your belly happy at this hands-on farm camp for kids (ages 6-11). Campers help care for chickens, plant seeds, harvest fruits and veggies, and cook fresh meals straight from the farm.
Be a Zookeeper for a Week
The Reptile Zoo – Fountain Valley
Junior Zookeepers (ages 5-12) go behind the scenes to feed, handle, and learn about exotic reptiles and other animals. Campers learn animal care and husbandry in a safe, hands-on setting.
Climb, Zip & Swing All Day
Sender One – Locations in LA & OC
Rock climbing, zip lining, slacklining, and bouldering? Yes, please! Kids (ages 6-13) scale their way through camp while building strength, confidence, and coordination.
Looking for more camps to round out the summer? Visit our CampGuide!
Categories: Blog
This post was written by Alina Na
