Waterfront Park
The new multimillion-dollar, 12-acre park promises soak-happy fun with towering splash fountains in the middle of downtown.
Free, co.san-diego.ca.us
Insect Festival
Little ones can practice bug collecting, insect-themed arts and crafts, and even taste cooked mealworm larva (eww!) at the San Diego Botanic Garden’s two-day fest.
July 12–13, free for members; free with admission for non-members, sdbgarden.org
San Diego Zoo Summer Camps
Everyone from kindergarteners to high school seniors can take a walk on the wild side in a variety of five-day camps that dig into animal behavior, behind-the-scenes zoo secrets, scavenger hunts, and more.
June 23–August 22, $212+, sandiegozoo.org
Tiger Trail
Cats aren’t known for swimming, but at the new Safari Park exhibit, watch as the endangered Sumatran tigers show off their hydrophilic skills, and learn how the fierce animal lives in Indonesia’s diverse island conditions.
$36+ (admission), sdzsafaripark.org
Flow Camp
It’s every kid’s dream to play at an amusement park for a whole week. In this camp, they’ll finesse their flowboarding skills with Belmont Park’s signature FlowRider, and have access to park rides, laser tag, rock climbing, mini golf, and more.
June 16–August 15, $299, belmontpark.com
LEGOLAND Chima Water Park
The Carlsbad resort recently gave its water park a refresh with a new theme pegged to the Chima LEGO TV series. Cool down in the wave pool, water slides, build-a-boat stations, and a lush tropical forest.
$82+ (admission), legoland.com
Sea Days at Birch Aquarium
This monthly exploratory event teaches kids about the wild, wacky, and wonderful world of oceanography, with hands-on activities and chats with Scripps scientists.
May 17–August 16, $11+ (admission), aquarium.ucsd.edu
Summer C.A.M.P
The Museum of Contemporary Art’s creative program invites six-to-12-year-olds to channel their inner Picassos at their weeklong workshops led by contemporary artists. This year’s themes include mixed media and sculpture.
July 28–August 15, $90-$390, mcasd.org
Theatre Arts School of San Diego
Thespian kids will thrive as they learn proper theatrical techniques in a non-competitive environment.
Prices range from $195–$397, theatreartssd.org
Lux Art Institute
This popular six-week Summer Art Camp for kids is back to help your mini artists hone their creative skills. Each week has a different discipline, like drawing, book arts, mixed media, and sculpture.
Prices start at $170, luxartinstitute.org
iD Tech
Calling all future Steve Jobs! These summer programs at UC San Diego and CSU San Marcos are perfect for programmer-wannabes.Code.org’s Hour of Code includes one-on-one instruction and an emphasis on 21st-century skills like problem-solving and creativity, as students program games, animations, and more.
Prices vary, idtech.com
Summer Guide: For Kids
Legoland Water Park
