Summer Day Camps for Nature Lovers

Can you believe summer is right around the corner? We already have some extra-special plans in the works, among them a week of summer camp. At 6 ½ years old, the big explorer isn’t heading to sleep away camp anytime soon, so we’ve opted for day camp instead.

I’ll admit I was a little overwhelmed when I started my research. There’s something for everyone these days – from cooking and computers to sports or learning a new language.

Of course, I focused my search on the more outdoorsy options. Here’s what I’ve discovered for the nature lover in Los Angeles and beyond.

For animal lovers: Zoos & aquariums
Zoo and aquarium summer camps often allow behind-the-scenes exposure to favorite creatures. Adventures often focus on one type of animal or one theme – like the Pacific Ocean or big cats.

In the Los Angeles area: Zoo Camp at the Los Angeles Zoo, the Children’s Programs at the Aquarium of the Pacific and STAR Eco Station summer camps

For dinosaur fans & budding naturalists: Natural history museums
Museum camps of any sort tend to be hands-on, interactive and focused on the museum’s content – in this case dinosaurs and natural history. This summer, the big explorer will be playing paleontologist for a week, where he’ll learn what it’s like to uncover and study fossils.

In the Los Angeles area: Adventures in Nature at The Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County

For kids who love to pick their own food: Farms
A week playing on the farm is perfect for kids who enjoy picking food from the garden or spending time with farm animals. I’d love for my kids to learn how to milk a cow or see a sheep get sheared – and bring home fresh fruit to boot!

In the Los Angeles area: Farm Camp at Underwood Family Farms

For kids who love gardens: Arboretums & botanical gardens
Explore plants, chase bugs, plant a tree, paint, draw, create and more. Some facilities may also teach kids about the connection between the garden and cooking. Not to mention the opportunity to explore the grounds.

In the Los Angeles area: Summer Nature Camp at The Arboretum, Descanso Discoveries Camp at Descanso Gardens and Explorers Summer Day Camp at The Huntington

For kids who want to be out in the field: Nature centers & local mountain organizations
Day camps run by local mountain organizations and nature centers often take to the trails, fields, marshes or whatever location is nearby. Kids can learn about native plants, flowers, birds and wildlife in the outdoor classroom.

In the Los Angeles Area: Discovery Nature Camp offered by the Mountains Restoration Trust