California has three standout space camps where kids and teens can get their hands dirty with astronomy and rocket science. AstroCamp sits up in the mountains and brings STEM to life, while the California Science Center offers a more urban, science-packed experience.
AstroCamp runs its programs on 80 acres in Idyllwild, California, surrounded by pine and oak trees. This science camp welcomes kids ages 8-17 for one- or two-week sessions focused on astronomy and physical science.
Campers pick from over 40 activities—think rocket launches, telescope nights, and hands-on lab experiments. They get to explore the night sky and also try out mountain adventures like hiking and outdoor challenges.
The one-week sessions stick to ages 8-13 and mix core science labs with classic camp fun. The two-week sessions, for ages 12-17, let older campers build their own schedules from a menu of science and adventure options.
AstroCamp also runs a unique Geek Week for ages 10-17. This one’s a bit different, with creative projects and electives you won’t find in the regular sessions.
Since 1979, AstroCamp has hosted over 14,430 campers. More than 55 counselors and instructors help kids learn telescope operation, rocket building, and astronomy in small groups.
The California Science Center in Los Angeles runs Hands-On Science Camp every summer. Families can pick half-day or full-day options, which makes things easier for busy schedules.
Kids join weeklong sessions packed with scientific discovery and hands-on activities. The program leans heavily into interactive learning, using the museum’s exhibits and lab spaces.
The camp covers all sorts of science, from space to physics to astronomy. Campers get access to the museum’s permanent exhibits and even the planetarium.
Programs split up by age group, so activities match each kid’s stage. The city location means families from all over Los Angeles can get there without much trouble.
Destination Science sets up science camps in lots of California’s biggest cities. These day camps partner with local schools and centers to bring space science right into neighborhoods.
The camp focuses on rocket science basics, astronomy, and the big ideas behind space exploration. Campers get to build and launch model rockets, learning about propulsion and how to calculate trajectories.
Most sessions last a week, with daily activities running 3-6 hours depending on age and location. The curriculum mixes up theory with hands-on engineering.
You’ll find Destination Science in cities across both Northern and Southern California. With so many locations, families don’t have to travel far or commit to overnight stays.
California’s space camps welcome everyone from elementary students to high schoolers. Programs adapt to different learning needs and ages.
Most camps offer both day and overnight options, so families can pick what works best.
Younger kids can start their space journey as early as age 6 at some camps. AstroCamp, up in the San Jacinto Mountains, takes kids starting at 8, with hands-on science and space activities built for young learners.
The Chabot Space and Science Center runs Cosmic Camp-In programs for kids 6 and up. These overnights introduce basic astronomy through fun, age-appropriate activities. Even five-year-olds can join if a parent tags along.
Elementary camps focus on the basics, not heavy engineering. Kids launch model rockets, explore the solar system with interactive exhibits, and use beginner telescopes. It’s more about sparking curiosity than drilling into technical details.
Most elementary programs keep groups small and supervision high. Overnight camps usually stick to a 7:1 student-to-counselor ratio to give younger campers plenty of attention.
Older students get more advanced options at California’s space camps. Kids ages 9-18 can sign up for weeklong programs that dig into aerospace engineering, rocket science, and astronaut training simulations.
AstroCamp keeps things challenging for teens up to 17. They tackle complex rocket builds, use pro telescopes for deep-sky observations, and plan detailed space missions.
Some programs bring in real NASA training elements, adapted for teens. Students might try simulated weightlessness, practice spacecraft navigation, or run through genuine mission scenarios. They learn about orbital mechanics, space tech, and even get a taste of aerospace careers.
Advanced camps often team up with local universities or aerospace companies. Students talk to engineers and scientists, seeing what real space industry work looks like.
California’s space camps come in both residential and day formats. AstroCamp runs as a residential camp in the mountains, so kids stay on-site for one or two weeks.
Overnight camps give campers more time for deep dives—like late-night astronomy and multi-day mission simulations. These longer sessions help kids bond and build teamwork.
Day camps work well for families who want kids home each night. They usually run Monday to Friday in the summer, packing activities into each day.
Some camps even offer family programs, where parents and kids attend together. These need at least one adult (18+) with one child (7-18), so the whole family can learn side by side.
Space camps in California focus on three big hands-on experiences. Kids get to build rockets, dive into astronomy, and try out realistic mission training with advanced simulators.
These activities build real technical skills and spark a love for space.
Campers get to design and build their own rockets from scratch using real engineering principles. The process starts with lessons on aerodynamics—kids learn about thrust, weight, and stability.
Each rocket project takes a few days. Campers pick engines, design fins, and figure out the best launch angles. They even use software to predict flight paths before building.
Construction Materials:
On launch day, everyone heads out to a safe range (with NASA-style safety rules). Campers track their rockets with telemetry gear and check out the flight data afterward.
Some rockets reach over 1,000 feet! If a launch fails, campers troubleshoot and tweak their designs for next time.
Astronomy workshops let campers use pro telescopes to study planets, stars, and galaxies at night. They learn about planetary motion, the life of stars, and how to spot exoplanets.
Campers use spectrometers to analyze starlight and figure out what stars are made of. Advanced sessions even cover radio astronomy—kids build simple receivers to pick up signals from Jupiter or track satellites.
Key Learning Areas:
Workshops often tie into current space missions. Campers track the International Space Station and sometimes talk to amateur radio operators on board.
Data analysis is a big part, too. Campers process their findings using the same software as real astronomers.
Mission control simulations put campers in roles like flight director or mission specialist. They follow NASA training protocols and face real-life space emergencies, like Apollo 13’s oxygen crisis or tricky orbital maneuvers.
Simulators come with tons of buttons and displays—campers learn to read telemetry and make tough calls under pressure.
Simulation Categories:
Some advanced programs run multi-day missions, with teams working in shifts around the clock. Campers experience the teamwork and fatigue of real mission control.
A few camps even use VR headsets for spacewalk training. Campers practice tool use and navigation in simulated zero gravity.
California space camps don’t just stick to rockets and stars—they bring in the latest tech and robotics, too. Campers play with AI, build robots, and use 3D modeling software like the pros.
Students dive into artificial intelligence programming at some of the state’s top camps. Camp Integem, for example, teaches AI coding with real space data and mission scenarios.
Campers write code to help autonomous spacecraft navigate or control robotic arms on space stations. They pick up Python, machine learning basics, and neural network design.
Lab Gear:
Advanced students build AI systems to predict orbits or calculate Mars mission fuel needs. They test their code against real mission data. The skills here actually prep them for aerospace careers.
Robotics programs at space camp focus on building machines for tough environments. Teams design Mars rovers or robotic arms for space station tasks. Most use VEX Robotics kits.
Students build robots that can handle rough terrain, like the moon’s surface. They program wireless controls and test their creations on challenge tables. Engineering lessons cover motor control, sensors, and solid design.
Popular Challenges:
Some camps even run underwater robotics, simulating weightlessness. Campers build submersibles to practice the kind of precise movements needed for spacewalks.
Campers get a taste of professional 3D modeling software for spacecraft design. They use CAD programs just like NASA engineers.
Projects include building Mars habitat modules and designing life support systems. Campers model heat shields, landing gear, and crew quarters. Each design has to meet real engineering and safety standards.
Students print their models using 3D printers that mimic space manufacturing. They test and tweak their designs based on how they hold up.
The curriculum covers materials science, too. Campers learn how space conditions—like extreme temps and radiation—affect materials. They choose the right stuff for their models and think about what’d actually work in zero gravity.
California space camps make science real for students. Instead of just reading about rockets or space missions, kids actually launch rockets, try spacecraft simulations, and get their hands dirty in labs.
They face the same scientific principles that drive real space missions. Along the way, they build critical thinking skills through teamwork and problem-solving.
Space camps in California throw students right into hands-on physics. They don’t just learn about rockets—they build and launch their own, experimenting with thrust, aerodynamics, and trajectory.
Newton’s laws of motion? Students see them in action, not just on paper.
Engineering challenges keep things interesting. Campers design and test landing systems using stuff you’d find at home.
They figure out shock absorption and structural strength by making protective shells for Mars lander models. It’s messy, it’s fun, and it’s surprisingly challenging.
AstroCamp gets even more technical. They run welding workshops and electricity experiments that dig into electromagnetic principles—think satellite communications and navigation.
Students pick up real-world skills with tools and concepts straight from aerospace manufacturing.
With 3D printing technology, campers quickly prototype their own rocket parts or spacecraft components. They see firsthand how engineers develop, test, and tweak new tech.
Robotics programs add another layer. Campers build and program rovers, guiding them through obstacle courses that mimic planetary surfaces.
These camps don’t stop at physics. They dive into chemistry and biology, especially how things behave in zero gravity environments.
Students run experiments with combustion, crystallization, and mixing solutions under different conditions. It’s pretty wild to see how even simple reactions change in simulated space.
Biology gets its moment, too. Campers grow plants in different light and air setups, watching how microgravity messes with roots and growth.
Astrobiology experiments are a favorite for the science-curious. Students culture extremophile bacteria in salty or hot conditions, connecting their work to real Mars research and the hunt for life beyond Earth.
They also run chemical analysis labs, using spectroscopy and chromatography to identify mystery substances. These are the same techniques planetary rovers use to analyze Martian rocks.
Food science sneaks in, too. Students whip up freeze-dried meals and test preservation methods, learning how astronauts stay healthy on long trips.
Teamwork drives a lot of the action at space camps. Students tackle collaborative problems that feel like real mission control scenarios.
Teams get complex challenges that demand coordination across different scientific areas. Communication skills grow as students explain tricky concepts to teammates with different backgrounds.
Mission simulation exercises give everyone a specific job. One camper leads as flight director, while others handle propulsion, life support, or navigation.
It’s a crash course in how space missions need a whole crew of experts working together.
Hands-on science competitions add some pressure. Teams race to solve engineering problems, working against the clock with limited supplies.
These challenges force quick thinking and creativity—skills that matter in any scientific field.
Design-build-test cycles show campers how the aerospace industry tackles problems. Teams build prototypes, test them, and make changes based on what works (or doesn’t).
Students learn to communicate their technical ideas clearly, especially when defending design choices during competitions or presentations.
California’s space camps don’t just stick to STEM—they mix in artistic expression and creativity, too.
Students make galaxy-inspired art, design spacecraft models, and try animation techniques that pull directly from space exploration.
The San Diego Air & Space Museum runs Junior Artists and Astronomers programs. Here, students whip up cosmic-themed art.
They create Galaxy Tiles with mixed media, echoing nebula shapes. Clay and paint come together for Textured Lunar Landscapes that look like the moon’s surface.
Celestial Slime projects bring science into the mix. Kids play with colors that represent different planets, then take home Nebulae Jars filled with swirling, layered materials.
AstroCamp in Idyllwild blends art and astronomy. Campers paint constellation maps and build 3D solar system models.
They design mission patches, just like real astronauts wear.
Rocket decoration workshops let students personalize their creations. Some programs even have campers sketch what they see through telescopes, building both artistic and scientific observation skills.
Digital art is making its way into more space camps. Students use animation software and game design platforms to bring their space stories to life.
They create animated sequences showing rocket launches or planetary missions. Tablet apps help them draw astronauts, alien worlds, and space stations.
Some camps teach stop-motion animation with clay rockets and planets. Campers produce short films about their camp adventures.
Game design workshops are a hit, too. Students build educational space games that teach orbital mechanics or mission planning.
They learn user interface basics while creating games about Mars colonies or asteroid mining.
AstroCamp doesn’t just stick to the basics—they offer programs that go deeper for kids who want more than the usual summer camp fare.
These specialty sessions dive into creative tech and advanced science exploration, perfect for young space enthusiasts.
Geek Week at AstroCamp stands out as the most creative, hands-on program they offer. It runs for a full week and welcomes ages 10-17 who love mixing science with imagination.
Campers spend the week building rockets, designing space habitats, and making digital content about space.
Popular Geek Week Activities:
This session draws campers who already know what they love from previous summers. Small groups mean instructors get to know each student and help them dig into their favorite topics.
Multi-day projects are common. Campers might design and test model spacecraft, or create interactive exhibits about space science.
AstroCamp weaves Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math into its core programs.
The two-week sessions for ages 12-17 offer the deepest STEAM experience available here.
Campers pick from over 40 specialized activities before they arrive. This lets them focus on what excites them while still getting a taste of everything.
Core STEAM Components:
Campers see how different fields connect. One project might have them calculate rocket paths, build launch systems, and document everything digitally.
Instructors guide campers through tougher challenges as the weeks go by. This approach builds both technical skills and the confidence to tackle big problems.
California space camps usually open registration in late February. If you’re a member, you can get in even earlier.
Scholarships and member perks can help families save money.
California Science Center opens member pre-sales on February 19 at 11am and closes them February 25 at 5pm.
General enrollment starts February 26 at 11am for summer space programs.
AstroCamp’s timeline is a bit different, usually opening registration in early spring. Their camp runs from June to August for ages 8-17.
Important dates:
Popular programs fill up fast. Parents should get applications ready and log in right when enrollment opens.
Most camps want full payment or a deposit when you register. Some do offer payment plans if you need them.
The California Science Center takes scholarship applications starting February 26.
Scholarship funds are limited, so applying early is important.
Discounts you might see:
AstroCamp and other private camps offer need-based financial aid. You’ll need to submit income information with your application.
Some camps partner with local groups to sponsor students. Check with your school or community organizations for extra funding options.
California Science Center members get early access to registration. Members can sign up a whole week before everyone else.
Membership perks:
Annual memberships often pay for themselves if you’re planning more than one week of camp.
Members get email updates about registration dates and new programs. This heads-up makes summer planning a bit less stressful.
Camp Tech Revolution offers similar perks at their university-based California locations. Their membership covers multiple STEM programs, not just space camp.
California has space camps all over—from Los Angeles to the Bay Area.
You’ll find both summer mountain retreats and city-based day camps.
AstroCamp is the big name in Southern California residential camps. It’s tucked away in Idyllwild-Pine Cove at 26800 Saunders Meadow Rd.
They serve ages 8-17 with one- and two-week programs.
Campers build and launch rockets, run Mars lander simulations, and stargaze with real telescopes. They also get to try welding, electricity experiments, and magnetism activities.
AstroCamp’s got American Camp Association accreditation, too.
With over 60 activities, they blend space science with outdoor adventure. Summer months are packed, especially during their “Geek Week” for ages 10-17.
Mad Science runs day camps all over Los Angeles and Orange County, aimed at ages 5-11.
They host programs at community venues, making hands-on science accessible for younger kids.
Orange County science camps offer shorter, local experiences for families who want something close to home.
Destination Science brings STEM camps to locations across Northern California.
Their summer programs weave space themes into a broader science curriculum.
Hands-on experiments and space exploration activities keep students engaged. Multiple Bay Area sites make it easy for families to find a convenient spot.
Most Northern California camps run as day programs. Campers get to build rockets, study planets, and try out space technology activities that fit their age.
Programs focus on learning by doing. Kids experiment, ask questions, and get a real feel for what space science is all about.
Bay Area space camps bring together urban convenience and solid STEM education. You’ll find programs at different spots around the Bay, running during summer and school breaks.
Local science camps mix space themes with other science topics. Kids get to do astronomy observations and space mission simulations, all while sticking close to home.
Most of these camps run shorter sessions than the big residential ones. Because they’re day camps, students dive into space learning but head home each night.
With several venues, families can pick what fits best for them. These programs tweak the space curriculum for city life but still keep things hands-on and engaging.
Space camps in California stick to daily schedules that mix hands-on science with classic camp fun. Mornings usually start with learning, afternoons bring adventures, and evenings feature astronomy activities that stick in your memory.
Most California space camps kick off the day at 7:30 AM with breakfast and a group meeting. Campers get their schedules and get ready for what’s next.
From 9:00 AM to noon, campers tackle core science projects. They might build and launch rockets, mess around with robotics, or try out space mission simulations. At AstroCamp in Idyllwild, there are more than 60 activities, like welding or cosmic lander challenges.
Lunch is a chance to relax and hang out. Afterward, from 1:30 PM to 5:00 PM, the afternoon blends outdoor adventures with more science.
Rock climbing, mountain biking, and archery are all on the table. Some camps throw in cool stuff like 3D printing or even Dungeons & Dragons. The California Science Center lets families mix and match activities based on what they like.
Before dinner, campers get some free time to explore or play games. Evening activities start up after dinner at 6:00 PM.
When the sun goes down, California space camps really come alive with astronomy. Most programs schedule telescope time and stargazing after dark.
The Chabot Space and Science Center runs overnight camp-ins with planetarium shows and telescope viewing. Campers can crash indoors or sleep under the stars.
Campfires give everyone a chance to swap stories about their discoveries. Some nights, you might find space trivia games or astronaut movies.
AstroCamp mixes things up every night—maybe a night hike, outdoor games, or a special talk about space. Lights-out usually falls between 9:30 PM and 10:30 PM, depending on age.
Counselors keep an eye on things but let campers bond and talk about the day. If you’re an early riser, some programs even offer morning astronomy before breakfast.
Space camps offer real benefits that go well beyond just a fun week away. Students get hands-on STEM skills by trying astronaut training, meet others who share their interests, and sometimes even find their future career path in aerospace or tech.
Space camps throw students into STEM through real spacecraft simulations and mission scenarios. Campers use gear similar to what astronauts use on the International Space Station.
The curriculum lines up with national science and math standards. You’ll see kids learning about physics by trying zero-gravity simulators or building rockets from scratch.
They also study space navigation, orbital mechanics, and life support systems. During mock missions, students face tough problems and have to solve them under pressure.
These situations build critical thinking skills that help in school and life. Students figure out how to calculate trajectories, manage resources, and fix technical issues.
Survey data shows the educational impact:
The skills students pick up at space camps give them a leg up in high school and college science. Many say the experience boosts their confidence in math and science.
Space camps gather students from all over the U.S. and more than 70 countries. It’s a great place to make real friends with people who love space and science too.
Team missions are at the heart of the camp. Campers work in small groups to finish simulated space flights or Mars missions, which means they have to communicate and cooperate.
Leadership shifts from person to person during different activities. Students learn to follow directions, give orders, and support their team. The 24-hour setting makes these bonds stronger, especially when you’re sharing meals and living together.
Lots of these friendships last for years. Alumni connect through social media and regional meetups, and sometimes these connections even lead to study groups or future jobs.
The teamwork skills campers develop transfer easily to school projects and clubs. They often go home ready to work better with others and even lead teams themselves.
Space camps have helped launch some pretty impressive STEM careers. Ten alumni have become astronauts for NASA, ESA, or private space companies. Two even work as cosmonauts in Russia.
Here’s what the numbers say:
Campers meet real professionals during visits and talks. NASA engineers, astronauts, and others share their stories and what their jobs are actually like. It makes a space career seem possible, not just a dream.
Exposure to space tech sparks interest in related fields, too. Some alumni go into robotics, programming, or engineering, even if they don’t work directly in space. The problem-solving and tech know-how from camp helps in all sorts of industries.
Camp counselors are often college students or recent grads in STEM fields. These mentors give honest advice about what it takes to work in space-related jobs.
California’s space camps cover a range of ages and activities, and every program has its own registration process and location. Families can find options all over the state, from hands-on STEM camps to astronaut training simulations.
AstroCamp in Idyllwild takes kids ages 8 to 17 for their STEM and adventure programs. The camp is all about hands-on science, astronomy, and outdoor fun.
Traditional Space Camp programs usually serve students ages 9 to 18 for weeklong sessions. Family Space Academy needs at least one adult (18 or older) paired with a child between 7 and 18.
Adult Space Academy is for those 18 and up. These weekend programs let adults try astronaut training and space missions themselves.
To sign up for a California space camp, you’ll need to contact the specific camp directly. AstroCamp runs its own registration for its mountain-based programs.
Family programs require you to register both the adult and child together. Each child must have at least one adult registered with them.
Camps recommend signing up early because spots fill up fast, especially in summer. Some programs are full months ahead of time.
AstroCamp packs in more than 60 hands-on activities, including rocket launches, space exploration simulations, and astronomy. The camp mixes STEM with outdoor adventure in the mountains.
California space camps usually offer astronaut training, space mission scenarios, and spacecraft tech demos. Campers see how science, tech, engineering, and math fit into real-life space work.
Lots of camps include interactive stuff like International Space Station training and moon landing simulations. These activities help kids understand what astronauts really go through.
You won’t find major space camps right in Mountain View. AstroCamp in Idyllwild is the main space camp in California, up in the San Jacinto Mountains.
Families near Mountain View usually travel to bigger space camps in other states. The U.S. Space and Rocket Center in Alabama is the most famous one.
Some Bay Area museums and science centers offer space-themed day programs. These local options give kids a taste of space science, but they don’t include overnight stays.
AstroCamp in Idyllwild is the closest overnight space camp to San Diego. It’s about 150 miles northeast, in Riverside County.
The San Diego Air and Space Museum in Balboa Park has local space education programs. These aren’t overnight camps, but they do offer space-themed learning for families.
If you’re looking for a full space camp experience, you’ll probably need to travel out of state. Most of the big programs are in Alabama, Florida, or nearby areas.
AstroCamp usually kicks off its summer sessions sometime between June and August. If you’re looking for the exact 2025 dates, you’ll need to reach out to the camp administration—they’re the only ones who’ll have the up-to-date scoop.
You’ll find a range of session lengths, from one-week programs to some shorter specialty camps. They run several sessions all summer, so there’s a good chance you’ll find something that fits your family’s schedule or your age group.
If you want your pick of dates or programs, it’s a smart move to register early. These camps tend to announce their schedules months ahead, which gives families some breathing room to plan.
