2025 Orange County summer camps offerings will be much more varied than in the past few years. In fact, I came up with a list of 22+ summer camp possibilities! Camp providers in Orange County offer a number of OC summer camps with outdoor themes for families looking to enroll their kids in options to keep them active and learning outdoors this summer.

Scroll through the list and descriptions below to see which ones fit your family:

1. Inside the Outdoors Summer Day Camp at Shipley Nature Center in Huntington Beach
2. Environmental Nature Center Summer Nature Camp in Newport Beach AND Environmental Nature Center at Tucker Wildlife Sanctuary in Modjeska Canyon
3. Camp Pinniped at Pacific Marine Mammal Center in Laguna Canyon
4. Sea & Sage Audubon Center Summer Nature Camps at San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary in Irvine
5. Starr Ranch Junior Biologists Summer Camp near Coto de Caza
6. O.A.K.S. Day Camp at Oak Canyon Nature Center in Anaheim Hills
7. Earthroots Field School Summer Camps at Big Oak Canyon in Trabuco Canyon
8. Ocean Institute Summer Camps in Dana Point
9. Camp Discovery at the Cube in Santa Ana
10. Camp James at Newport Dunes in Newport Beach
11. Camp Coastal Wild at Crystal Cove State Park in between Newport Beach and Laguna Beach
12. Camp Newport in Newport Beach
13. YMCA Summer Day Camps and even overnight sleepaway camps (multiple locations)
14. Junior Gardeners Summer Camp at Sherman Library & Gardens in Newport Beach
15. Adventure & Discovery Camps in the City of Aliso Viejo
16. KG Beach Camps at Dana Point Harbor in Dana Point
17. Rancho Mission Viejo Reserve Summer Day Camp
18. Bolsa Chica Conservancy Summer Curiosity Club
19. Art & Wilderness Institute Adventure Weeks
20. The Ecology Center Grow-Eat-Make
21. Irvine Ranch Outdoor Education Center Adventure Camps
22. El Jardin Summer Camp
23. The Youth Center Camp S.H.A.R.K. in Rossmoor
24. Links to various sailing and watersports camps

Summer camps are for school-age children from ages 6 to 18 (with most the most options falling into the 6-10 year old range). I've updated my list of summer nature camps for kids with themes like science, animals, the ocean, engineering, birding, and even water sports. Please go ahead and email me if you know of camps I might have missed.

If you value OUTDOOR SUMMER CAMPS, please make sure you sign up for this special time outdoors. Your kids will make memories for a lifetime and the organizers will continue to offer the camps as long as there is a demand.

Prices range from $180 per week to $660 per week. Pay attention to the daily hours or total hours per week, because some camps might cost more, but only be 4 hours long -- while others cost less and cover 5 hours or 8 hours per day. Do the math to figure out the hourly cost when you are comparing programs based on dollars.

Orange County Outdoor Summer Camps

#1 - Inside the Outdoors* , part of the Orange County Department of Education, offering an in-person classic Summer Day Camp experience for one week in June and during each week of July at Shipley Nature Center in Huntington Beach. 2025 Camp Themes: Naturalist Academy, Crittertopia, Hike Through the Galaxy, Adventures in the Wild, and Eco-Explorers.

Experience unique activities that incorporate science, fun, learning, and being outdoors​.  Summer Day Camp is geared toward campers age 6 to 12 years old, with leadership and camp opportunities for campers age 13-17. 

Each week of summer camp will have themed daily activities that are science/nature based that also include a daily nature journal prompt and a take-home craft.  

*Disclosure: I used to work managing their social media & content strategy from September 2017 through May 2023 during the school year.

#2 - Environmental Nature Center in Newport Beach - Camps are split into different age groups. Little Naturalists Camp is for preschoolers age 4. Nature Adventure Camp is for ages 5-8 and campers ages 9-13 get Science Explorer Camp. This year’s themes are: Plant Power, Nature Detectives, Water Wonders, Amazing Animals, Sensory Exploration, Nature Creativity, Science Superstars, and Legends & Lore.

The Environmental Nature Center also has a relatively new campus in Modjeska Canyon at the Tucker Wildlife Sanctuary. They are offering Wilderness Adventure Camp from that location, as well! It's only for kids ages 6-9 years old with similar camp themes as above.

#3 - Camp Pinniped is returns Summer 2025 after a break in 2024 since the center was undergoing renovations and upgrades. Pacific Marine Mammal Center in Laguna Canyon. Camps are in July and August. Camp Pinniped for 8 to 11 year olds is held at the Pacific Marine Mammal Center on Laguna Canyon Road for M-Th and then Fridays are at an off-site location. "Campers learn how our animal care team rehabilitates our seal and sea lion patients through a series of mock activities including weighing fish, preparing fish smoothies, cleaning pens, and learning the art of marine mammal rescue."

Sea Lion Science Lab is for ages 12-14 years old. The descriptions says that: "Tweens gain daily hands-on experience in animal husbandry while working alongside our rescue and rehabilitation team. Participants will learn about the ecology and behavior of various pinnipeds we care for at our facility from PMMC scientists. In addition, they will work on hands-on activities that look at the internal anatomy of sea lions, measure fish otoliths, and analyze harbor seal features. The group will spend one day out in the field with our researchers to conduct marine mammal observations to learn about research methods and techniques our scientists use to collect data."

The program for 15-17 year olds is a Marine Mammal Rehabilitation and Research Lab that runs only in one week from July 28th-August 2nd on M-F from 8am-2pm.

#4- Sea and Sage Audubon Summer Nature Day Camps at San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary (Registration opened February 1st, 2025!) - These camps sell out quickly! These very popular camps are for the 7-8 year olds in Fledgling Bird Camp (introduces youngsters to familiar backyard birds and birds of freshwater marshes), 9-10 year olds in Marsh Bird Camp (covers all aspects of marsh bird life), and 11-12 year olds in Coastal Bird Camp (focuses on shorebirds of freshwater and saltwater marshes).  Older campers (13-16 year olds) will be able to take Advanced Bird Camp which "explores more advanced topics, specific bird families, and habitats." Check the dates to make sure they work with your schedule. 2025 Registration Flyer.

#5 - Starr Ranch Junior Biologists Summer Camp for kids ages 8 to 16 to "join the Starr Ranch scientific team to experience how biologists study wild animals and their habitats." There is an email address listed to contact for more information.

#6 - O.A.K.S. Day Camp at Oak Canyon Nature Center in Anaheim- “Campers will have the opportunity to experience themed art, nature, Native American traditions, games, and more. Participants must bring their own snacks and lunch.” Online registration link for "Day Camp" for 5-11 year olds is on the information page. Camps are listed as "Day Camp" under the Oak Canyon Nature Center. Day camps have themes like: Shark Week, Wild Western, Super Sleuth, Mad Scientists, Pirate Adventure, Diggin' Up Dinosaurs, Star Wars, Harry Potter, Super Hero, Carnival in Bloom.

The city also offers "Wilderness Survival Camp" for 12-15 year olds. "Campers learn how to build shelters, hone their archery skills, and learn basic first aid in these weeks of survival fun!" The Wilderness Survival Camps have themes with Wilderness Survival as the focus in these different environments: Desert Terrain, Mountain Terrain, and Wetlands Terrain.

Registration is already open on the City recreation site, the registration link will take you to 2025. Go ahead and click the online registration links on their page and it will bring you to the right place.

#7 - Earthroots Field School has these offerings for summer.

• Forest Kindergarten Summer Camp - 4-day camp (3-6 year olds with attending parent/caregiver)
• Ancestral Skills Camp - 4-day camp (8-14 year olds)
• Land Detective Summer Camp - 4-day camp (6-10 year olds)

All the info on the Earthroots Field School website!

#8 - Ocean Institute has incredible camps for ages 5-17 which include time on boats and lots of marine science and research. Also options for high school students to be involved in the Counselors-in-Training Program. Registration is open. Themes and camp names are based on ages: Sea Squirts (ages 5-6), Neptune's Mysteries (ages 6-7), Buccaneer Adventures (ages 7-8), Ocean Discovery (ages 8-9), Shipwreck Hunters (ages 9-11), Coastal Explorers (ages 11-13), and Marine Science Internship Academy (ages 14-17).

#9 - Camp Discovery at the Cube is offering science-themed summer camps for kids in two age groups:

• K-2 (Extreme Animals) - SOLD OUT
• Grades 3-5 (Cosmic Explorers)

Members pay slightly less for summer camps.

#10 - Camp James at Newport Dunes for children ages 5-13 runs from 9am-4pm. The website describes it as: "a traditional style day camp offered in a natural, outdoor environment. Our goal is to expose children to a wide variety of activities as well as provide abundant opportunities for campers to increase their skill development each year they return for another summer session." Here is a list of all the activities at Camp James. They are American Camp Association (ACA) Accredited. There is also a 10% sibling discount.

#11 - (No dates for 2025 yet!) Camp Coastal Wild at Crystal Cove State Park -- Camp is only one week at the start of summer where Crystal Cove State Park Naturalists and Lifeguards run a one week unique summer camp that blends the backcountry and the coastal areas of the park. Children ages 7-11 spend 2+ hours engaged in nature activities including: hikes, bird walks, and/or tidepool exploration. After lunch, campers enjoy 2 hours of coastal activities with Park Lifeguards (could include: volleyball, boogie boards, water play.) 

#12 - Camp Newport offers a summer day camp at Marina Park (MP) / Newport Elementary School (NEL) and the Community Youth Center (CYC) camp where campers walk to Corona Del Mar Beach. It's for campers entering grades 1-7. 2025 registration is open.

#13 - YMCA of Orange County has all sorts of camps. The Day Camp has its own information page. There are also sleepaway camps called Camp E.L.K. (Wrightwood) and Camp Oakes (Big Bear) with lots of outdoor activities in our local mountains. Financial assistance available for Y camps.

#14 - Sherman Library and Gardens offers a Junior Gardeners Summer Camp for kids ages 7-10 years old for one weeks in June. This summer's theme is: The Quest for Shermies Badges. There is a small discount for Garden members. The description says: "Are you the ultimate transformer, like our official otter mascot Shermie?  Every day offers a new adventure inspired by our gardens.  Become a nature detective, a chef, an artist, and more.  Sharpen your skills and discover new talents.  If you tackle each day’s challenge, Shermie will award you a badge.  Dare to collect all 5!." Registration is open.

#15 - Aliso Viejo is offering a Camp AV at the ranch for kids ages 5-12 years old with lots of outdoor activities along with some Adventure & Discovery Camps. They boast over 200 camp options (of course, not all of them are outdoors). Check the summer camp brochure. 10% off your camp fees when you register by May 1st!

#16 - KG Beach Camps at Dana Point Harbor - Half day camps for kids ages 4-6 called Mini-Minnows. All day camp Beach Safari Camp (6-9 years old) and H2O Adventure Camp (9-13 years old) all at the harbor with: tidepool walks, beach games, crafts, swimming, whale watching, and more.

#17 - Rancho Mission Viejo Reserve Summer Day Camp - Runs for 3 weeks in June. For 2025, the camp day is designed for 6-11 year olds and runs from 9am-2pm. Themes this year are: Outdoor Explorers, Nature Artists, and California Animal Adventures.

#18 - Bolsa Chica Conservancy Summer Curiosity Camp - This science-based camp offers 10 sessions during summer 2025. All are designed for campers ages 6-10. Days run Tuesday-Friday from 8:30am-4:30pm. The description is for a "fun & creative outdoor camp" with activities like nature walks, outdoor games, drawing & painting, science exploration, and animal appreciation." Themes are: Wetlands Around the World, Scaly Superheroes, Amazing Aerialists, Earth & Easel, Salty Scientists, Mammals & Me, Shark Bite, Sea & Sketch, Wet Watery Wonders, and Bolsa Chica Junior Naturalist. There are session descriptions and registration on the website.

#19 - Art & Wilderness Institute Kids Adventure Summer Camps - Please click over to the website to explore. They also have school year programs.

#20 - The Ecology Center Grow-Eat-Make Summer Camps - these camps are for 7-12 year olds is described as an "immersive camp offer[ing] hands-on learning in regenerative farming, farm-to-table cooking, and nature-based creativity. Campers will explore environmental stewardship, teamwork, and the rhythms of farm life—all while having fun in our vibrant children’s garden and food forest." Available 8 separate weeks over summer at The Ecology Center in San Juan Capistrano. Registration opens April 1st.

#21 - Irvine Ranch Outdoor Education Center is located on a property reached through Irvine Regional Park. It's known as a Cub Scout / Boy Scout camp, but in the summer it opens up for summer camps. They offer a Junior Adventure Camp (ages 6-10) and Adventure Camp (ages 11-17). It's billed as an active camp with rock wall climbing and even swimming. Note: This camp has archery and bb guns targets activities. Here's their video teaser.

#22 - Summer Spanish El Jardin Camp "Alrededor del Mundo/Around the World" at the Farm & Food Lab in Irvine is for ages 4-12 in a small group. Description of the program: "Travel around the world with El Jardin as we explore the most famous Spanish countries and their unique animals, flowers, foods, music, dance, art, currency, and famous places." Runs 2 weeks in July. Early bird discounts.

#23 - The Youth Center Camp S.H.A.R.K. in Rossmoor, CA - Their website description says their camp "offers a wide range of activities, arts & crafts, sports, science, field trips, and more. Our camp keeps kids on-the-go and engaged in activities that are designed to entertain, educate, and exercise their minds and bodies." There are sessions for 8 weeks of summer. Registration opens April 1st.

#24 - For sailing and watersports, we have OC summer camps in Dana Point Harbor and Newport Harbor. Try Westwind Sailing or Dana West Youth Sailing in Dana Point Harbor and Newport Sea Base or Orange Coast College's School of Sailing and Seamanship in Newport Harbor. Pirate Sports Paddle also offers a kids camp in Newport Dunes (offering private group option). Children must be able to pass a swim test to participate in these programs.

BONUS IDEAS

• Take the Bus!  OCTA Youth Ride Free* (for kids ages 6-18)
• Surf Camp
• Junior Lifeguards
• Camp Build-a-Fort for Laguna Hills residents (Registration usually opens in early May for residents and mid-May for non-residents)
• Skate Coastal happens at Volcom Skatepark in Costa Mesa and is taught by "industry-known, career skateboard instructors." It's $400 per week, but they've supplied me with a "ocplayparks" discount code for 10% off. All levels welcome -- ages 4-12.

*Disclosure: I should disclose that I personally know many of the organizers of the other camps from my history of writing about outdoors in Orange County.  I contracted to do social media for Inside the Outdoors Foundation for the 2017-18, 2018-2019, 2019-2020, 2020-2021, 2021-2022, and 2022-2023 school years. As always, my opinions are all my own and you shouldn't take my word as an endorsement of any organization. I'm just providing info and you can make your own choices! 

Originally posted in March 2012.