Welcome to Summer 2024!

Exciting explorations, delightful discoveries and wild wonders await your child this summer at the California Science Center’s Hands-On Science Camp. Hands-On Science Camp offers weeklong day camps for children in Pre-K through 8^th grade with more than 25 courses investigating physics, chemistry, biology, space, and Earth sciences. Camp is staffed with trained educators that hold degrees in science and/or education and working professionals from a variety of science fields.

Hands-On Science Camp takes place in the Wallis Annenberg Building for Science Learning and Innovation, which houses cutting-edge classrooms, and the Big Lab, a 32,000-sq-ft learning environment containing four major experimentation platforms for investigation and exploration.

Campers also explore the California Science Center, where they experience the wonders of science through interactive exhibits and live demonstrations in three hands-on galleries-- Creative World, Ecosystems, and World of Life.

Registration Information

Reserve Your Space

For online enrollment and real-time availability, visit the Program Registration page. Register early if possible, as classes fill quickly. If you require assistance, please call 213-744-7444 or email [email protected].

• Member Pre-Sale: February 21-27
• General Enrollment: opens February 28

Scholarships

A limited number of scholarships are available to qualifying families. For more information about eligibility, or to make a contribution to the camp scholarship fund, please visit the scholarship information page or call (213) 744-7444.

Planning Your Schedule

Classes are offered in half-day and full-day options. If selecting half-day classes, you may combine an AM and PM class to create a full-day. Campers must bring their own lunch if attending for full-day.

Extended Care

Campers taking a full-day class or both morning and afternoon classes can sign up for the Extended Day Program. This program allows you to drop off your camper at 8:00 am (one hour before class begins) and pick them up at 5:00 pm (two hours after class ends). 

The Extended Day Program includes creative and fun group activities led and supervised by camp staff. Snacks for the afternoon will be provided. You must register for the entire week--no single days are offered.

Cost per child per week: $110/non-members, $100/members

Confirmation Letter

A confirmation letter will be emailed within 2-3 business days of receiving your completed registration and payment. If you would like to request a confirmation letter via postal mail or did not receive one, please call (213) 744-7444 or email your request to [email protected].

Cancellation and Change Policy

Class cancellations and changes, regardless of reasoning, are subject to the fees and limitations outlined below:

• Any change or cancellation will be subject to a $25 processing fee per class and will be accommodated based on availability.
• Cancellations through May 31 will be subject to a $25 processing fee per class.
• Beginning June 1, cancellations will result in a 50% refund.
• No cancellations or changes will be processed within 14 calendar days of any camp start date.

What to Expect at Camp

First Day of Camp

On the first day, parents, guardians or authorized adults will be required to walk camper(s) to the Big Lab inside the Wallis Annenberg Building to check in with camp instructors. Important contact and emergency information will be confirmed during this check-in.

Parking/Drop-Off/Pick-Up

Details for dropping off and picking up your campers will be communicated via email as your camp dates approach. Please be on the lookout for your reminder email(s) approximately one week prior to camp start date. If you do not receive instructions email us at [email protected] .

Lunch/Snacks/Water

All campers are recommended to bring snacks and water. For campers attending full-day or both AM and PM sessions, a supervised lunch period is included. During lunch time, campers will be supervised by camp staff and taken to their next class. Parents do not need to pick up their camper for lunch if their camper is attending camp for a full day.

Campers must bring their own lunch. Food will not be provided by the California Science Center, and campers will not be permitted to leave camp to purchase lunch. 

Summer Camp Rules

In order to ensure a safe and fun environment for each camper, we ask that you read through the following camp rules with your child. The rules are designed to guarantee the positive learning experience and environment that every child deserves.

Please be respectful of other campers and staff. All campers and staff deserve to be treated with respect and kindness. No verbal or physical abuse will be allowed (examples: fighting, name-calling, and making fun of other campers). 

The Hands-On Science Camp staff are there to reinforce the safety and fun of each camper by ensuring the rules are followed.

Property

Campers bringing personal property to Hands-On Science Camp do so at their own risk. Neither the California Science Center Foundation nor any other camp participant is responsible for lost or damaged property (including but not limited to cell phones, tablets, gaming devices, and any other technology).