Interesting summer camps in the Bay Area

This is part of our summer camp series. We're lucky that there are tons of summer camp options in the Bay Area. It's impossible for me to cover them all, and there are lots of great websites out there that do. But we can highlight some that look a little different! Please comment below on your favorite camps.

These camps offer after-care, but I didn't put in specifics for that, nor for price since there are so many options available.

Hiller Aviation Camp - San Carlos
This aviation museum offers week-long summer camps in aviation and aerospace. All camps include hands-on activities and flying models, flight simulation sessions, aircraft demos, behind-the-scenes museum gallery explorations, aviation themed games and more.

Schedule: half and full day options
Age: entering grades K-8; high school students can apply to volunteer at camp
When: June 2 - September 5


Theater Camps
Hillbarn Summerstage - Foster City
Your child will be immersed in the performing arts in this camp!

Schedule: 9-1, 9-2, 9-3, 9-4, 12-6 depending on age
Age: ages 4-18; high school students can apply to volunteer at camp
When: June 16 - August 3 - various sessions

Retrodome's The Scene - Santa Clara
The California Academy for the Creative and Performing Arts, along with Guggenheim Entertainment runs this camp at Santa Clara University. If your child loves musical theater, including singing, acting and dancing, this is a great place for him or her!

Schedule: 9-3:30 plus two evenings for Conservatory students, and more evenings/some weekend days for Conservatory PLUS students.
Age: entering grades 3-8 for the Conservatory, and grades 7-12 for the Conservatory PLUS.  high school students can apply to volunteer at camp
When: July 7 - August 1

India Community Center Cultural Camp - Milpitas and Palo Alto
Lots of options for fun camps here, including Bollywood dancing, public speaking, cooking, Hindi camp, engineering, art, math, LEGOs, games, culture and more.
Schedule: 9-3 mostly.
Age: entering grades K-8
When: June 9 - August 29

Avid4Adventure - Corte Madera, Oakland, Berkeley

These week-long camps have the kids doing multiple sports, which might include rock climbing, kayaking, mountain biking and stand-up paddleboarding. Even the little ones get to bike ride and climb the rock wall.

Special for Frisco Kids readers:

The first 50 campers to sign up for East Bay locations get $50 off. Plus you can get an additional $15 off using the code "Frisco Kids" (which is still good even after the first 50 camper bonus is over).

Schedule: 8:45-2:30

Age: Pre-K to 7th

When: June 16 to August 15

Laurel Street Arts - San Carlos

Crafts for boys and girls, and might include mosaics, soap making, glass painting, polymer, pottery painting and glass fusing.

Schedule: half-days

Age: Grades 2-8

When: June 16 to August 29

Other Camp Posts:

Edventure More and Camp EdTech

Cooking camps

Apple camp and more

Saving money on overnight camp supplies