Watch CBS News

Best Summer Educational Programs For Kids In The Bay Area

(credit: Thinkstock)

While many look forward to the relaxing summer months with a sense of anticipation, some parents dread the challenge of finding activities to fill those long days when the kids are out of school. One way to keep kids busy is by providing them a bit of educational enrichment disguised as fun. The Bay Area has a number of summer programs that provide education and enrichment in a wide variety of areas. Programs are available that focus on everything from science and technology to academics and art. Here are five of the Bay's best offerings for kids' summer educational programs.

Junior Academy
California Academy of Sciences
55 Music Concourse Dr.
San Francisco, CA 94118
(415) 379-8000
www.calacademy.org/junior-academy

Heavily attended by adults and children alike, the California Academy of Sciences is San Francisco's most well-known museum of science and natural history. This institution is dedicated to educating the public, and has a regular program for specifically designed for young children. The Junior Academy is geared towards kids ages 18 months to 5 years old, and is a weekly science-based interactive workshop. Kids and their caregivers will enjoy a variety of activities including games, projects and stories. The Junior Academy workshops have ever changing themes that run in six week series, and tickets can be purchased either per workshop or for an entire series.

Urban Adventure Camps
5701 Cabot Drive
Oakland, CA 94611
(510) 339-0676
www.urbanadventurecamps.com

The Oakland-based Urban Adventure Camps runs day camps designed to help kids explore their interests, learn about the city they live in and become more independent. Each camper will have the opportunity to explore different sites around the Bay Area, as well learn how to navigate the public transportation system. During the summer months, camps run weekly, and sessions are designed around a wide range of topics from biology and the natural sciences to art and technology. Each camp session includes visits to top Bay Area attractions, museums and more.

The Roleplay Workshop
4014 Piedmont Ave.
Oakland, CA 94611
(510) 654-3582
roleplayworkshop.com

The Roleplay Workshop provides year-round educational enrichment to children using an out-of-the-box approach. The Workshop employs a storytelling game that is interactive and teaches students everything from problem solving skills and responsibility to science and math. During the summer months, The Roleplay Workshop offers day camps for students 12 and up, as well as week-long overnight camping trips for Workshop veterans. Programs are also available for adults and special needs children.

Art Attack!
1812 C Magnolia Drive
Burlingame, CA 94010
(650) 552-0001
artattack911.com

Located in Burlingame, Art Attack is an art studio that offers fine art classes and summer camps. Going beyond basic single-medium art instruction, Art Attack camps offer a well-rounded art education and that includes field trips, guest artists, career exploration and an art show. Hands-on instruction covers everything from oil painting and drawing to fine arts and crafts. Each weekly camp session is designed around a theme such as animals, dessert or the beach. Camps are geared towards kids ages 7 and over.

TechKnowHow
553 Pilgrim Drive, Suite D
Foster City, CA 94404
(650) 638-0500
www.techknowhowkids.com

Based out of San Mateo, TechKnowHow runs summer camps for kids interested in technology and robotics. These hands-on camps provide tech education in a fun and approachable manner through the use of a variety of mediums. Campers will have the chance to do anything from programming and coding to creating motorized LEGO projects. Camps are designed for kids ages five through fifteen and are held in several Bay Area locations.

Joanna Metheny is a freelance writer covering all things South Bay. Her work can be found on Examiner.com.

 

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.