Summer camps at the Lawrence Hall of Science provide a unique experience full of scientific discovery and fun, hands-on activities. Our camps take advantage of everything we have to offer, including our interactive Planetarium, Animal Discovery Room, engaging exhibits, and more.
Camps run from June 10 to August 16. Each week offers a new theme to explore. From Investigating Life to Discovering New Frontiers, there’s something for every young scientist to enjoy!
Summer Camp registration is open!
Registrations due by April 30th, 2019. Registrations made after April 30 will be assessed a $25 late fee. For details see Registration Information page.
We recommend that you secure your camper’s spot before April 30. Day-of-Camp registration is not recommended. If you arrive in person to register on the first day of camp, and if space remains, you must bring and show all state-required proofs of immunization for each camper you are registering, and then must complete all forms in person before your camper can be accepted into the camp.
Campers have the following options:
Purchase a Half-Day camp offering, morning or afternoon, including the option of supervised lunch at no additional cost (lunch not provided). You may purchase two half-day camps for a full-day experience. For details and foods to avoid, please review our Registration Information page.
Thank you for your interest in Ages 4 & 5 – Entering K camps!
Campers have the following options:
Purchase from the Full-Day camp offerings. All Full-Day camps include a supervised lunch at no additional cost (lunch not provided by the Hall). For details and foods to avoid, please review our Registration Information page.
Thank you for your interest in grades 1-2-3 Camps!
Campers have the following options:
Purchase from the Full-Day camp offerings. All Full-Day camps include a supervised lunch at no additional cost (lunch not provided by the Hall). For details and foods to avoid, please review our Registration Information page.
Thank you for your interest in grades 4-5-6 Camps!
Campers have the following options:
Purchase from the Full-Day camp offerings. All Full-Day camps include a supervised lunch at no additional cost (lunch not provided by the Hall). For details and foods to avoid, please review our Registration Information page.
Click titles for descriptions, dates, and camp title by ages/grades.
Please Note: When purchasing Marine Biology in Bodega Bay (Saturday, June 15th–Thursday, June 20th) or Forest and Fire Management in Truckee National Forest (Sunday, July 7th–Friday, July 12th), you are registering for an overnight camp. Food and housing will be provided, and a packing list will be shared in advance of the camp week.
Thank you for your interest in Teen Research Camps!
Inventing the Future
Prepare for a future of invention and ingenuity! During “Inventing the Future” themed weeks, campers will exercise their engineering skills in a variety of fun and challenging activities, ranging from robotics to arcade game design.
Add on Extended Care Morning and/or Afternoon Extended Care provides supervised fun activities for campers, plus peace of mind for parents. For your convenience, Extended Care Morning 8–9 a.m. and Extended Care Afternoon 4–5 p.m. options are available for weekly-based purchase. Single-day Extended Care is not available.
Exploring Nature
Delve into nature in your own backyard and beyond! During “Exploring Nature” themed weeks, campers can discover natural phenomena, meet animal friends in our Animal Discovery Room, and learn about habitats and ecosystems.
Add on Extended Care Morning and/or Afternoon Extended Care provides supervised fun activities for campers, plus peace of mind for parents. For your convenience, Extended Care Morning 8–9 a.m. and Extended Care Afternoon 4–5 p.m. options are available for weekly-based purchase. Single-day Extended Care is not available.
Discovering New Frontiers
Blast off to travel and explore the Solar System! During “Discovering New Frontiers” themed weeks, campers will plan and execute their own missions to remote destinations like the Moon, Mars, and the moons orbiting Jupiter as they learn about space travel and challenging conditions in our Solar System.
Add on Extended Care Morning and/or Afternoon Extended Care provides supervised fun activities for campers, plus peace of mind for parents. For your convenience, Extended Care Morning 8–9 a.m. and Extended Care Afternoon 4–5 p.m. options are available for weekly-based purchase. Single-day Extended Care is not available.
Investigating Life
Uncover the phenomena that make up the natural world around us. From microscopic exploration to studies of food and climate science, campers will discover what makes life on Earth possible.
Add on Extended Care Morning and/or Afternoon Extended Care provides supervised fun activities for campers, plus peace of mind for parents. For your convenience, Extended Care Morning 8–9 a.m. and Extended Care Afternoon 4–5 p.m. options are available for weekly-based purchase. Single-day Extended Care is not available.
Solving Mysteries
Become a crime-fighting science detective! During this week, campers will hone their powers of observation as they solve crime, hunt for treasure, or investigate medical mysteries.
Add on Extended Care Morning and/or Afternoon Extended Care provides supervised fun activities for campers, plus peace of mind for parents. For your convenience, Extended Care Morning 8–9 a.m. and Extended Care Afternoon 4–5 p.m. options are available for weekly-based purchase. Single-day Extended Care is not available.
Ever wonder what makes your toys work? As young inventors, campers will explore what makes machines do what they do. Together we will investigate the inner mechanics of toys and build new toys of our own. Each day will include a chance to take toys apart, figure out how they work, and make new ones. Campers will experience the engineering design process as they imagine, build, test, and improve their inventions. This program is specifically designed for young campers to join for morning, afternoon, or all day and to engage in activities and projects that interest them. Bring your curious minds and creative imaginations to create a toy of your own!
Member: $265 / Non-Member: $315 Half Day (Morning or Afternoon)
To make it a full day, purchase both AM and PM camp. Supervised lunch period included.
June 10–14 A.M.— 9 a.m.–12:30 p.m. P.M.— 12:30–4 p.m.
July 15–19 A.M.— 9 a.m.–12:30 p.m. *FULL P.M.— 12:30–4 p.m.
Grade: Entering Grades 1-2-3
Length: Full Day Camps
Are you ready to “level up”? As arcade makers, campers will design and build classic (non-electronic) arcade games. Together, we will investigate how things roll, fly, slide, collide, and more. Each day, campers will use their ingenuity to design, build, and test creative contraptions, using a variety of materials. Through a week of fun and games, campers will gain a better understanding of force, trajectory, and motion, as well as how to innovate through the engineering design process. Join us to create and play in our very own arcade full of games!
Grade: Entering Grades 4-5-6
Length: Full Day Camps
Can you imagine a city of the future built for water, not for land? As city engineers, campers will build a model home and city designed for life directly on San Francisco Bay. Together, through hands-on exploration and collaboration, campers will learn about various aspects of engineering and sustainable design so that they can create a city on the bay. Campers will gain a better understanding of sustainable building techniques, renewable energy, and the unique challenges of living on or in water. Join us to create and take home your own model home built for future Bay Area living!
Theme: Entering Grades 7-8-9
Length: Full Day Camps
Are you ready to design and program a robot? We will use LEGO® MINDSTORMS NXT, a cutting-edge robotics kit, to explore robotic design and programming. Campers will face new and increasingly complex challenges—from designing a vehicle that can navigate a maze in record time, to building a robot capable of moving an object, to creating fantasy creatures that interact with one another. We look forward to seeing your unique design!
Ever wonder where the field mouse, the ring-necked dove, or the tortoise sleep at night? As young explorers, campers will find out more about the homes and habitats of wildlife. Together we will explore, investigate, and discover what animals need so they can live and make their homes in the natural world around us. Campers will get up close to nature outdoors, visit the Animal Discovery Room, and make hands-on animal habitat models. We’ll fine-tune observational skills and learn how similar human needs are to those of our animal friends. This program is specifically designed for young campers to join for morning, afternoon, or all day and to engage in activities and projects that interest them. Join us as we create miniature habitats to take home and share the stories of the animals that live in them!
Member: $265 / Non-Member: $315 Half Day (Morning or Afternoon)
To make it a full day, purchase both AM and PM camp. Supervised lunch period included.
June 17–21 A.M.— 9 a.m.–12:30 p.m. P.M.— 12:30–4 p.m.
July 22–26 A.M.— 9 a.m.–12:30 p.m. P.M.— 12:30–4 p.m.
Grade: Entering Grades 1-2-3
Length: Full Day Camps
Do you remember the famous road trip/family game called Animal, Vegetable, or Mineral? As nature investigators, we will use the same lens to meet bugs, birds, plants, and rocks that are right here in our East Bay backyard. Together, we will use our senses and creativity to explore the natural world around us. Each day will include time outdoors, firsthand observations of plants and animals, opportunities to think scientifically, and hands-on creative projects. Campers will gain a better understanding of the natural world and learn how to observe and explain it to others. Join us to create and take home your very own field guide to use on your next outdoor adventure!
Grade: Entering Grades 4-5-6
Length: Full Day Camps
Are you ready to investigate the mysteries of the natural world? As nature detectives, campers will explore natural phenomena found locally and beyond. Together, we will investigate, discover, and create stories about nature’s mysteries. Campers will use their senses, inquisitive minds, and creativity. Each day will include time outdoors, collaborative science investigations, and stories from naturalists around the world. Campers will gain a better understanding of the natural world and will learn how to observe and explain its phenomena. Join us to create and take home your very own graphic novel about one of nature’s intriguing mysteries!
Theme: Entering Grades 7-8-9
Length: Full Day Camps
Did you know that “python” is not just the name of a type of snake? Python is also a computer programming language that (among many things) enables the interpretation and visualization of data. Each day, campers will engage in challenges designed to help them learn Python and to analyze data related to the environment and climate on a global scale. Campers will gain skills and a brief knowledge of programming, then will learn how these skills can be useful in data analysis. Students will create and present their own data visualization of a global phenomenon on the Hall’s Science On a Sphere® (SOS) exhibit.
Neil Armstrong did it, Michael Jackson did it—are you too ready to moonwalk? As young discoverers, campers will design, plan, and execute their mock mission to explore the Moon. Together we will build and launch rockets, explore the invisible force of gravity, and discover what we need to survive on our Moon. Campers will learn about space, and will gain a deeper understanding of the relationship between Sun, Moon, and Earth. This program is specifically designed for young campers to join for morning, afternoon, or all day and to engage in activities and projects that interest them. Join us this summer for a voyage you’ll never forget!
Member: $265 / Non-Member: $315 Half Day (Morning or Afternoon)
To make it a full day, purchase both AM and PM camp. Supervised lunch period included.
June 24–28 A.M.— 9 a.m.–12:30 p.m. P.M.— 12:30–4 p.m.
Grade: Entering Grades 1-2-3
Length: Full Day Camps
Are you curious about space travel in our Solar System? As space explorers, campers will design a spacecraft to land on and explore one of Jupiter’s moons! Together we will design and test the launch rocket, landing system, and rover for exploring its surface. Campers will brave the erupting volcanoes of Io or drill into Ganymede’s underground ocean. Students will gain a deeper understanding of our Solar System, Jupiter and its moons, spacecraft engineering, and more. Come blast off with us this summer!
Grade: Entering Grades 4-5-6
Length: Full Day Camps
Could you survive subzero temperatures, dust storms, and a harsh alien atmosphere on Mars? As space travelers, you will design a space station to support life on the planet by developing and testing systems for providing oxygen, water, and warmth. You’ll use what you learn about Mars—engineering in space, chemistry, and other disciplines—to help you succeed in this design challenge. Come explore this new frontier with us this summer!
Theme: Entering Grades 7-8-9
Length: Full Day Camps
Are you interested in learning how to program computers for real-life applications? As nanosatellite programmers, campers will learn to program a live satellite in a low-Earth orbit. Together we will design and program the nanosatellite to navigate and conduct scientific investigations that collect information about our planet. Join our space program this summer! No prior coding experience required.
Have you ever wondered what things are made of? As young investigators, campers will find out more about the micro-universe of matter. Together we will investigate, experiment, and discover matter’s “gooey states.” Come prepared to reveal the unseen ingredients of the world around us and see how they interact. Each day will include hands-on experiments and visits to the museum floor. Campers will gain a basic understanding of states of matter, transitions, and chemical reactions. This program is specifically designed for young campers to join for morning, afternoon, or all day and to engage in activities and projects that interest them. Whatever "state" you’re in now, we hope to see you at camp this summer!
Reduced Price for 4-day camp week with no camp the day of July 4th
Member: $212 / Non-Member: $252 Half Day (Morning or Afternoon)
To make it a full day, purchase both AM and PM camp. Supervised lunch period included.
July 1–5 A.M.— 9 a.m.–12:30 p.m. P.M.— 12:30–4 p.m.
Member: $265 / Non-Member: $315 Half Day (Morning or Afternoon)
To make it a full day, purchase both AM and PM camp. Supervised lunch period included.
August 5–9 A.M.— 9 a.m.–12:30 p.m. P.M.— 12:30–4 p.m.
Grade: Entering Grades 1-2-3
Length: Full Day Camps
What are the best ingredients to fuel our growing bodies? As food engineers, campers will create a health bar that will provide them with the nutrients they need to grow as they participate in physically active games and sports. Together, we will investigate what the body needs for energy and growth, then build a bar that is good for both our health and our taste buds. Each day we will try various ingredients, investigate what the body does with them, and examine how we benefit from them. From these activities, campers will gain an understanding of body systems, nutrition, and food science. They will come up with their very own recipe and make plenty of tasty health bars to share. If that sounds like food for thought, come join us this summer!
Reduced Price for 4-day camp week with no camp the day of July 4th
Member: $424 / Non-Member: $500 July 1–5
9 a.m.–4 p.m.
Grade: Entering Grades 4-5-6
Length: Full Day Camps
How prepared do you think we all are for climate change? As environmental engineers, campers will design new, cost-effective methods of purifying water for household use. They will investigate how to obtain clean drinking water from a source of water that is plentiful: the ocean! Campers will examine various methods of purifying water and design a device that will both clean and desalinate (remove salt and other minerals) from the ocean water. Through their investigations, they will gain an understanding of the chemical and physical processes involved in filtering and cleaning water, and will engage in the design process like actual engineers. They will then build prototypes of the components and create a model of their device. Join us this summer in solving a real-life challenge of climate change!
Reduced Price for 4-day camp week with no camp the day of July 4th
Member: $424 / Non-Member: $500 July 1–5
9 a.m.–4 p.m.
Member: $530 / Non-Member: $625 August 5–9
9 a.m.–4 p.m.
Theme: Entering Grades 7-8-9
Length: Full Day Camps
Are you curious to know how the science of genetics can solve real-life mysteries? As DNA decoders, campers will explore the science of genetics, including forensics and genetic modification. Come prepared to use real research techniques and lab equipment. Campers will gain a deeper understanding of DNA and genetics. They will also have a chance to visit a genetics research lab on the UC Berkeley campus. Don't miss out on this unique summer camp experience!
Reduced Price for 4-day camp week with no camp the day of July 4th
Member: $424 / Non-Member: $500 July 1–5
9 a.m.–4 p.m.
Member: $530 / Non-Member: $625 August 5–9
9 a.m.–4 p.m.
What treasures are hidden and ready to be discovered near you? As treasure hunters, campers will look for and uncover clues that reveal treasured ideas in the world of mathematics. Together we will observe the shapes, patterns, and hidden math in the world around us. Come prepared to collect, sort, count, and measure our newly discovered treasures. Each day will include games, puzzles, and treasure hunts, in all sort of mathematical ideas. Campers will gain observational and problem-solving skills. They will solve daily mysteries and share their tales of the treasure they find. Our Pre-K to entering K programs are designed for campers to join for morning, afternoon, or all day long and to engage in activities and projects that interest them. Join the treasure hunt with us this summer!
Member: $265 / Non-Member: $315 Half Day (Morning or Afternoon)
To make it a full day, purchase both AM and PM camp. Supervised lunch period included.
July 8–12 A.M.— 9 a.m.–12:30 p.m. P.M.— 12:30–4 p.m.
August 12–16 A.M.— 9 a.m.–12:30 p.m. *FULL P.M.— 12:30–4 p.m.
Grade: Entering Grades 1-2-3
Length: Full Day Camps
Have you ever wondered what superhero powers it takes to solve crime mysteries? As junior detectives, campers will embody crime-fighting heroes to tackle a range of mysteries. Together we will use detective tools such as footprints, fingerprint patterns, and ink testing to solve all sorts of crimes. Each day includes an introduction to a superpower’s crime-stopping technique that harnesses the power of science, creative stories, and drama to discover a brazen forgery...a secret brave deed...or other scenarios. Join us this summer to sharpen your superhero powers!
Grade: Entering Grades 4-5-6
Length: Full Day Camps
Have you ever wondered how detectives and scientists work together to solve crimes? As crime scene investigators, campers will experience firsthand the science of detective work. Together we will find clues, crack secret codes, consider suspects, make explanations from evidence, and debate “who done it.” Campers will perform their own forensic tests like chromatography to analyze ink, powder, fingerprints, and footprints, on their way to solving playful crimes and mysteries introduced by staff. Campers will thus gain a fuller picture of forensic investigation. We hope you will "take the case" and join us this summer!
Theme: Entering Grades 7-8-9
Length: Full Day Camps
Have you ever wondered how doctors solve medical mysteries? As medical detectives, campers will take on the role of health investigators with a fictitious patient. Together we will explore the human body, use data to diagnose diseases, and prescribe treatment for patients. Each day will include new tools, knowledge, and skills, such as measuring your own blood pressure, heart rate, flexibility, breath flow, and temperature. Campers will learn about the human body and how decisions they make affect their own health and everyday well-being. Join us for a healthy dose of science fun this summer!
Grade: Ages 14–18
Location: Residential camp at UC Davis Marine Labs, Bodega Bay, CA
Are you considering a path toward a science-related field? Gain hands-on field research experience with the Lawrence Hall of Science! This program is open to teens ages 14–18. Marine Biology is a 6-day, overnight program that takes place at the UC Davis Marine Labs in Bodega Bay. Days are packed with a perfect balance of outdoor time (like tide pooling, observing marine organisms, and conducting your own lab-based research in biology and oceanography experiments), and include social downtime with activities to make new friends. You will experience firsthand the investigative work, exciting discovery, and hands-on fun of marine biology. Join us to gain skills, knowledge, and insight into the marine biology field and to add valuable real-life experience to your college application. Space is limited, so register today.
Member: $1,800 / Non-Member: $1,895
June 15–20 (Saturday–Thursday)
Residential, 6 days
Grade: Ages 14–18
Location: The Lawrence Hall of Science at UC Berkeley, CA
Are you considering a path toward a science-related field? Coding is the basis for many science research and development methods—so come learn how at the Lawrence Hall of Science! This program is open to teens ages 14–18. This research camp takes place at the Lawrence Hall, Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–4 p.m., and includes a field trip to UC Berkeley Labs. As scientists and coders, teens will learn how to use various tools to visualize and help them better understand and then make sense of the massive amounts of information we have amassed about our planet. Together we will investigate, code, and interpret data. Each day will include science investigations related to the environment, as well as programming challenges designed to help campers both learn Python and analyze data related to global phenomena. Campers will gain skills and some knowledge of programming, and will learn how these skills can be useful in data analysis. Students will create and present their own data visualization of a global phenomenon on the Hall’s Science On a Sphere® (SOS) exhibit. Make sure to add this valuable real-life experience to your college application! Space is limited, so register today.
Grade: Ages 14–18
Location: Residential camp at UC Berkeley Sagehen Creek Field School, Truckee National Forest, CA
Are you considering a path toward a science-related field? Gain hands-on field research experience with the Lawrence Hall of Science! This program is open to teens ages 14–18. Forest and Fire Management is an immersive 6-day experience with the perfect blend of hands-on research and fun social time to make new friends. This is your chance to experience firsthand the investigative work, exciting discovery, and hands-on fun of Forest and Fire Management. You will observe forest wildlife and organisms, explore fire management practices, and conduct research experiments. Join us to gain skills, knowledge, and insight into the fields of forest and fire management while adding valuable real-life experience to your college application.
Grade: Ages 14–18 Location Change: This research camp takes place at the Valley Life Sciences Building, room 3059, UC Berkeley Campus, Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–4 p.m.
Are you considering a path toward a science-related field? This summer you can join the fun and excitement of hands-on research experience with the Lawrence Hall of Science! This program is open to ages 14–18. This research camp takes place at the Valley Life Sciences Building, room 3059, UC Berkeley Campus, Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–4 p.m., and includes a field trip to UC Berkeley Labs. This is your chance to experience firsthand the excitement of how the natural world inspires innovation in the field of bio design. You will explore the key features of the cute little gecko that give it the ability to seemingly defy gravity, then you’ll investigate the science that enables this, moving on to work on design applications for our modern lives. Join us to gain skills, knowledge, and insight into the field of bio design while adding valuable real-life experience to your college application. Spaces are limited, so register today!
Member: $850 / Non-Member: $945
July 15–19
9 a.m.–4 p.m.
July 22–July 26 *No Longer Available
9 a.m.–4 p.m.
For your convenience, Extended Care Morning and Afternoon options are available for purchase. Campers will take part in fun, supervised before- and after-camp activities.
For Morning Campers
8–9 a.m.
Member: $60 / Non-Member: $60 Entering All Grades Note: Sign-up for Extended Care Morning will end on the Wednesday of the week before the camp begins.
For Afternoon Campers
4–5 p.m.
Member: $60 / Non-Member: $60 Entering All Grades Note: Sign-up for Extended Care Morning will end on the Wednesday of the week before the camp begins.
Campers are responsible for bringing their own snacks and beverages. Please do not bring peanuts and peanut products, out of consideration for the safety of campers with allergies.
Campers may visit exhibits, play games, and participate in outdoor science explorations during Extended-Day.
The Hall is unable to accept drop-in campers on a one-day-at-a-time basis in Extended-Day.
We are unable to prorate any programs; prices for programs during July 4th holiday week are already prorated.
Our need-based financial aid provides opportunities for all young people to attend summer camps. These awards are allocated by the Lawrence Hall of Science Financial Aid Committee, based on requests and availability of funds. The financial aid application for summer 2019 closed on March 15, 2019. Financial aid applicants will be notified of the decision by April 15, 2019.
You can give the gift of science camp this summer! Your donation—of any amount—will help fund a camper in our community whose family could not otherwise afford camp.
