Are you a parent in the Bay Area looking for the perfect winter camp for your child? Look no further! In this comprehensive guide, we’ve curated a selection of trusted resource websites, categorized different types of winter camps, and provided recommendations for long-standing winter camps, all designed to simplify your search for the perfect winter camp experience.

How to Find Winter Camps Near You

Navigating the myriad winter camps in the Bay Area can be daunting, but fear not! We’ve handpicked some invaluable resources to aid your search:

1. Bay Area Parent

Bay Area Parent provides an extensive directory of winter camps, workshops, and classes for kids of all ages. Their search filters allow you to find camps by location, dates, and interests.

2. ActivityHero

ActivityHero is a great resource for finding winter camps in the Bay Area. You can search by location, age group, and specific interests to discover the perfect camp for your child.

3. Bay Area Kid Fun

Bay Area Kid Fun offers lists of fun activities for kids in the Bay area including fun camps, fun events, fun places, and so on. Great resources can be found on this website too.

In the following section, we will explore various types of winter camps available in the Bay Area, along with our specific camp recommendations within each category. Whether your child is passionate about art, sports, STEM, or crafts, you’ll discover the perfect winter camp tailored to your needs, as outlined in the table below:

Recommended Winter Camps by Type

1. Well-Established Winter Camps in the Bay Area

YMCA Camp

• Features and Programs: Y Camp offers a diverse range of winter camp experiences that emphasize outdoor adventures, team-building, and character development. Campers can enjoy activities such as hiking, arts and crafts, sports, and interactive games.
• Price Range: Prices for Y Camp’s winter camps typically range from $88 to $400 per week, with variations based on the camp location and duration.
• Program Dates: Late December to Early January
• Website: https://www.ymcasf.org/camps

Studio4Art

• Features and Programs: With over 22 years of experience, Studio4Art offers fine art classes for children aged 3-15. They specialize in merging traditional and contemporary art techniques, including clay, painting, drawing, mosaics, and more. Studio4Art provides camps, classes, workshops, and parties with a strong emphasis on nurturing creativity. Their approach encourages open-ended artistic expression through a thoughtful curriculum.
• Price Range: The price for Studio4Art’s winter camp varies depending on the specific program, with single-week programs typically starting at $120+.
• Program Dates: Year-round
• Website: https://www.studio4art.net/novato-february-camp/

Peekadoodle

• Features and Programs: Peekadoodle’s Winter Camp is designed for children aged three to five. It offers a diverse range of activities, including art, cooking, and outdoor play, ensuring that young participants have a well-rounded experience. The camp is hosted in a top-notch facility, providing a welcoming and engaging environment for the young campers.
• Price Range: The cost of attending Kidcamp at Peekadoodle varies depending on membership status. Members are charged $215 for the camp, while non-members can participate for $235.
• Program Dates: December 21 to 23 and December 28 to 30, allowing flexibility for parents’ schedules.
• Website: https://www.peekadoodle.com/san-francisco/classes-camps/peekadoodle-kidscamp/

2. Specialized Winter Camps

Studio One Art Center

• Features and Programs: Located in Oakland, Studio One Art Center offers immersive winter camps for children interested in visual arts and crafts. Campers can explore a wide range of artistic techniques and mediums, including painting, drawing, sculpture, and ceramics. The camp provides hands-on art experiences guided by experienced instructors and encourages artistic expression and creativity.
• Price Range: Prices for Studio One Art Center’s winter camps typically range from $150 to $350, depending on the duration and materials provided.
• Program Dates: Winter Session: 8 weeks | Mondays: 6 weeks (Jan. 8 – Mar 2, no class on 1/15 or 2/19, Registration Opens Monday, October 30)
• Website: https://www.oaklandca.gov/topics/studio-one-arts-center

House of Air

• Features and Programs: House of Air, situated in a historic airplane hangar at the Presidio’s Crissy Field, offers an exciting indoor trampoline park spanning 8,000 square feet. The winter break program caters to children aged seven to 12 and includes trampoline games, activities, and expert-led lessons in flips and tricks. Lunch is provided as part of the program, making it convenient for parents.
• Price Range: The cost of participation varies depending on the selected week: $225 for week one, $350 for week two, and $75 per day for drop-in sessions.
• Program Dates: The sessions are scheduled from December 21 to 23 and December 28 to January 1. Each session runs from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. 
• Website: https://houseofair.com/

3. Sports and Outdoor Adventure Camps

AcroSports

• Features and Programs: AcroSports aims to promote fitness, confidence, and community among children through the exciting world of circus arts. Kids can engage in a variety of activities, such as juggling, clowning, gymnastics, games, and art projects. This program offers a well-rounded experience that combines physical activity with creativity, fostering personal growth and teamwork.
• Price Range: The cost of participation in Winter AcroCamp is $90 per day, providing flexibility for parents to choose specific days that align with their schedule.
• Program Dates: The camp operates on December 21, 22, 23, 28, 29, and 30, with full-day sessions running from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. This schedule allows kids to enjoy a full day of engaging activities in a safe and fun environment.
• Website: http://www.acrosports.org/camps/

Peek-a-Boo Factory

• Features and Programs: Peek-a-Boo Factory is a premier indoor playground and party place designed for parents to allow their children to socialize, learn, and play by creating an environment that emphasizes physical exercise, mental stimulation, and collaborative activities. It caters to children 10 years and under, with a separate area for those aged 3 and under.
• Price Range: $16 per child (no in-and-outs on weekends); $12 per child under 1 year old (free if accompanied by a paid sibling)
• Program Dates: December 21 to 30, with sessions running from 9:30 am to 1:30 pm
• Website:https://peekaboofactory.com/san-francisco/classes-camps/

Camp Tawonga Winter Camp

• Features and Programs: Camp Tawonga, situated in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, offers a family-friendly winter camp experience. Activities include snowshoeing, sledding, and community-building in a beautiful mountain setting.
• Price Range: Prices for Camp Tawonga’s winter camp vary based on the program and accommodations. Please check their website for details.
• Program Dates: Year-round
• Website: https://tawonga.org/programs/weekend-family-programs/winter-camp/

CuriOdyssey

• Features and Programs: CuriOdyssey’s winter camp program in San Mateo is tailored for first through third graders, offering an engaging and educational experience. Children will have the opportunity to build, explore, and learn through activities like rock climbing, forensic science, rope ladder construction, and live animal encounters. The program is scheduled for December 21, 22, and 23, providing a range of exciting activities to keep young learners entertained and enriched.
• Price Range: For members, the cost of participation in CuriOdyssey’s winter camp is $99 per day, while non-members can join at a rate of $129 per day. This pricing structure offers flexibility for families to choose the days that best suit their schedule and budget.
• Program Dates: Late December to Early January
• Website: https://curiodyssey.org/

4. STEM-Focused Winter Camps

Camp Brainy Bunch

• Features and Programs: Camp Brainy Bunch’s winter camps emphasize academic enrichment in subjects like public speaking, writing, and critical thinking. These programs are designed to boost students’ confidence and intellectual skills. Campers engage in activities such as debates, creative writing, and problem-solving challenges.
• Price Range: Prices for Camp Brainy Bunch’s winter camps typically range from $350 to $550 per week.
• Program Dates: Year-round, Late December to Early January
• Website: https://www.campbrainybunch.com/

The Tech Interactive Winter Camps

• Features and Programs: The Tech Interactive in San Jose hosts winter camps that focus on robotics, engineering, and hands-on science activities. These camps aim to inspire a love for STEM subjects in young learners. Campers have the opportunity to build robots, conduct science experiments, and explore cutting-edge technology.
• Price Range: The cost of The Tech Interactive’s winter camps varies, but it generally falls in the range of $400 to $600 per week.
• Program Dates: November 25 to January 15
• Website: https://www.thetech.org

Legarza Kids Camps 

• Features and Programs: Legarza Kids Camps offers an exciting winter camp experience with a strong emphasis on STEM education. Their winter programs provide campers with the opportunity to explore the fascinating world of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Participants engage in hands-on learning experiences, fostering essential STEM skills while having a blast.
• Price Range: $195-$425
• Program Dates: Late December to Early January, 9AM-4PM
• Website: https://www.legarzasports.org

Steve & Kate’s Camp (PreK – G7)

• Features and Programs: Steve & Kate’s Camp is a highly popular winter camp that offers creative and diverse programs. They encourage kids to choose activities they’re interested in, including arts, technology, sports, and performing arts. The camp emphasizes learning through exploration and play.
• Price Range: Abount $115 per day
• Program Dates: Dec 26 – Jan 5
• Website: https://steveandkatescamp.com/sf-noe-valley-winter-camp

Chabot Space & Science Center Winter Camp

• Features and Programs: Located in Oakland, Chabot Space & Science Center hosts winter camps that delve into space exploration, astronomy, and science. Campers engage in interactive science experiments and stargazing.
• Price Range: Prices for Chabot’s winter camps range from $300 to $350 per week.
• Program Dates: All year round, Wednesday-Sunday: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. First Friday of the Month: 6-10 p.m. Monday-Tuesday: Closed.
• Website: https://chabotspace.org/

5. Arts and Crafts Winter Camps

The Painter’s Pot

• Features and Programs: The Painter’s Pot in Richmond provides a creative and productive camp experience for children. Kids can engage in various artistic activities, including crafting beautiful pottery, working with clay and glass, playing games, enjoying storytelling sessions, and even watching a movie.
• Price Range: Participation in each winter session at The Painter’s Pot costs $50 to $300. This fee covers the camp experience and the materials required for various art projects, providing an all-inclusive and convenient option for parents.
• Program Dates: The camp offers two winter sessions, one from December 21 to 23 and another from December 28 to 30, ensuring plenty of opportunities for fun and creativity. Both winter sessions at the camp run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., offering full-day programs for children. This schedule allows kids to immerse themselves in creative activities while providing working parents with a convenient timeframe.
• Website: https://thepainterspot.com/

The Crucible Winter Camp

• Features and Programs: The Crucible in Oakland offers kids aged 8-18 a unique winter camp focused on industrial arts and craftsmanship. Campers explore welding, ceramics, and other hands-on arts and crafts projects.
• Price Range: Prices for The Crucible’s winter camp vary based on the program and materials provided, ranging from $400 to $900.
• Program Dates: Year-round
• Website: https://www.thecrucible.org/classes/youth-classes/

Children’s Creativity Museum Winter Camp

• Features and Programs: Located in San Francisco, the Children’s Creativity Museum hosts winter camps that encourage creative exploration through technology, art, and hands-on activities.
• Price Range: Prices for the Children’s Creativity Museum’s winter camps typically range from $375 to $475 per week.
• Program Dates: Year-round
• Website: https://creativity.org/programs/wintercamp/

For further insights and information on planning an enriching winter camp experience for your child, we invite you to subscribe to our updates and explore the following articles:

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We’re dedicated to providing you with valuable resources to make the most of your child’s winter break adventures. Stay connected with us for all your parenting needs.