Fun Kid-Friendly Events for Kids

In sunny San Diego, summer is the time to be outside enjoying life. At least, that's how it was 10 years ago. In this day and age, kids find their iPads more exciting than their baseball gloves. Getting your little one out in the sun is no easy task, and many of the times that's because they don't like what they're doing. To make it easier on you parents, FINE has listed the best day camps for your youngster to truly experience the Southern California childhood.

Junior Lifeguard Camp

This is one of the most coveted camps for ages 7 to 17. Before schools lets out, Junior Lifegaurds is the talk of the playground. The typical day at camp includes free swim, ocean safety, and fitness regimes. As junior guards participate in free swim, they enjoy floating amongst the fishes and paddling with water toys. Your child will enjoy some vitamin D while learning ocean safety. Among this training, they will learn things like CPR, first aid, and wave education. Snorkeling, kayaking, paddle boarding are only a few of the fun field trips your group will be embarking on. With locations in La Jolla, Ocean Beach, and Coronado, whatever your zip code be, there is a beach for you!

Reuben H. Fleet Center Science Camp

For the future astronaut, Science Camp is offered at the Reubin H. Fleet Center weekly and daily. Your youngster can choose between superhero science, where your child will learn about the science behind super powers. The second option offered is Space Camp, here your child will learn about the solar system and astronomy. Lastly, is the Modeling Mindcraft. This last camp offers a twist to the video game Mindcraft. A typical day includes space exploration and discovery lessons, as well as interactive activities with fellow peers. 

Digital Media Academy

At University of California San Diego your child can experience a college campus along with some of the finest instructors. This is offered for ages 6–17, from June 27th to August 12th. Enjoy app development, animation, photography, or more at this camp. If your youngest wants to be the future anchor of Good Morning America, this is the place to be. If they enjoy playing with a camera or using apps, this is the camp for them. Stray away from the health and technological road; this camp works with the creative mind.

Carlsbad Art Farm

This camp is offered to kids from 2nd to 8th grade, June 13th to August 12th. In oceanfront Carlsbad there lies an art farm embarking on creative adventures, animal research, and eco education. Get your child out in the sun and learn how to draw and paint. Classes are taught by local artists. Not only is there artwork, but the Art Farm offers ten acres of wide open terrain to run and play in until sunset. They consider themselves a "national park and zoo combined." All finger painters and doodlers are welcome!

North Coast Rep Summer Camp

In Solana Beach, ages 4 to 22 gather in high spirits to enjoy the fine art of theatre. There are a variety of groups to choose based on age group. "Broadway Babies" is a program catered towards infants and toddlers. This is a half day camp that teaches techniques in acting, storytelling, improvisation, and ensembles. The final play will be showcased on the last day of camp. "Willy Wonka Kids" is the next level camp promoted to ages 5-13. Here, children develop skills for auditioning, singing, dancing, and characterization. Laramie Project at Canyon Crest Academy is a play adapted for ages 13-22. This is a play filled with tragedy, and confusion. At North Coast Rep they obtain advanced attributes for the stage. So come on down and break a leg!

Watersports Camp at the Mission Bay Aquatic Center

Mission Bay holds an array of water activities for all ages. Have a little fish on your hands who can't get enough of the sea? Bring them down to the sand and have them learn specialized sports like surfing, wake boarding, sailing, kayaking, windsurfing, and paddling. The Aquatic Center is sponsored by the Peninsula Family YMCA. They hold true their morals of safety and kid-friendly activity.

Belmont Park

Have a little daredevil on your hands? What screams kid-friendly more than an amusement park? At historic Belmont Park, kids are encouraged to play and live like a kid. The Adventure Camp and Flow Camp are two sessions you can sign your little ones up for. At the Adventure Camp ages 6-12, they have your kids participating in mini golf, rock climbing, bike riding and park rides. So much to do, so little summer. At the half day Flow Camp, your little surfer will learn how to ride the waves at Belmont Park's very own simulated wave maker. 

Safari Park Summer Camps

Sleep under the stars, among the Amazon trees at camp Roar and Snore at the Safari Park. Experience the animals in their habitats and learn about our ecosystems and the creatures of our earth. You can even embark on this adventure with your entire family. Enjoy guided tours and private encounters with giraffes and every animal you can dream about!