Best Summer Ever! Top Kids’ Camps in Greater Santa Barbara

Make the most of their time off with a summer program that’s as entertaining as it is educational.

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Registration for Nature Adventures summer camps at the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History and Sea Center is open now. Camps at these two epic locations feature a variety of weekly themes for your adventurers to dig into like: Under Logs and in the Trees: Bugs All Around Us; Planet Earth & Beyond, the Search for Habitable Worlds; Rocky Shores and Changing Tides; Tar & Stone, Creatures of the Pleistocene; Wild Neighbors: Chaparral Mammals; Titans of the Deep; Secrets of Science & Magic; And more…. Camps are already filling up fast, so be sure to claim your spots soon.

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Pick up a new skill or further develop your existing passion with Ice in Paradise and Santa Barbara Parks & Rec through our ice skating camp! Designed for ages 5–12 and open to all skill levels, these full-day camps (9 a.m.-3 p.m.) combine skating instruction with fun both on and off the ice. Campers enjoy 3-4 hours of daily skating, professional coaching, off-ice activities, games, and arts & crafts. Skaters are grouped by age and ability within their lessons, so beginners and experienced skaters alike can build confidence and improve skills, while making new friends during open skate and play times. With week-long sessions available from mid-June through mid-August, families can choose the schedule that works best. Enjoy a perfect blend of learning and summer fun at Ice in Paradise.

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At Debate Camp, we provide a fun and inspiring space for youth to develop some timelessly-important skills; to hear opposing views and to confidently articulate their ideas well in the company of others. Debate Camp specializes in parliamentary debate, impromptu and prepared public speaking. We ensure that all program areas are highly interactive and suited to a variety of age groups (grades 5 to 10) and multiple ability levels. Debate Camp believes in a well-balanced program where an academic focus is mixed with opportunities for traditional camp games and a fun and inspiring approach to learning.

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At Boxtales, we believe theatre is more than performance—it’s a powerful way for young people to grow. Our camps nurture the whole child, supporting social-emotional development, collaboration, and self-expression in a fun, encouraging environment. Each week is a brand-new adventure, where students explore acting, improvisation, movement, and storytelling through playful, hands-on theatre experiences. From creating characters to building an original piece of theatre, campers are constantly discovering new ways to express themselves. Guided by Boxtales’ professional teaching artists, children build confidence, communication skills, and lasting friendships in a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment. With fresh activities every week and a fun, informal performance to share with families, every camper has the chance to grow, connect, and shine. Whether your child is stepping on stage for the first time or already loves to perform, Boxtales provides a place to be bold, be creative, and be themselves.

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Music Academy of the West – Their Future Starts Here! This summer, the Music Academy is excited to offer an all-new High School Intensive for exceptional instrumentalists aged 14-18. Over two immersive weeks (June 14-25), students will learn from the Academy’s renowned teaching artists and perform with peers equally committed to musical excellence. Highlights include private lessons, chamber music coaching, public performances, college readiness workshops, and more. Plus! They’ll perform in a grand orchestra finale concert conducted by Miguel Harth-Bedoya. Applications are open, and Santa Barbara locals receive a special reduced rate. To learn more, visit musicacademy.org/high-school-intensive now.

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Join us for Summer @ Laguna, a season of learning, adventure, and fun for ages 4-17. From favorites like Arts @ Laguna and Laguna LEGO Masters to new camps, there’s something for everyone. Held on our Hope Ranch and Montecito campuses, each day is guided by Laguna faculty and includes snacks and lunch in a safe, supportive environment. Open to all EK-12 students, come make it your best summer! Questions? Contact Zack Moore at [email protected].

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Santa Barbara Botanic Garden offers a different kind of summer, one shaped by fresh air and the wonder of our natural world. Open to children ages 5 to 12, the Garden’s summer camp program invites young explorers to spend their days outdoors, moving through sunlit trails and shaded groves, guided by educators who bring California’s native landscapes to life. Each session centers on a unique theme, from Nature Superheroes to Forest Fitness, blending science, storytelling, and hands-on discovery. If you’re looking for a summer experience that is active, meaningful, and rooted in nature, this is it. Space is limited, and sessions are filling fast. Register today to secure your child’s spot.

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Adventure Lab @ Crane! Skip the ordinary and enroll your child in an adventure that offers true growth and endless smiles. We’re combining the dedicated, passionate educators of Crane School with the sun-soaked fun of a classic Santa Barbara summer camp. With exciting programs for ages 4 to 14, there truly is something for everyone! Our small-group instruction creates a cozy, supportive atmosphere where every week is a deep dive into your student’s passions—whether your camper is rolling up their sleeves in our Design and Engineering Center, hitting the high notes up on stage, diving into their next creative story, or hiking the local trails. Adventure Lab @ Crane transforms our stunning campus into a three-week hub of creativity and discovery this July. Programs run daily from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.—spaces are filling up quickly, so secure your student’s spot today!

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