Top 10 Summer Camps in San Mateo

Are you looking for the top 10 summer camps in San Mateo for your children? Then, dear parents, you are browsing the right page. As parents, we always want the best for our little ones, the best school, the best food, the best comfort, and even the best holiday camp every year. So, in today’s blog, we will help you choose the best holiday camp experience for your child with a list of the top 10 options. Summer camps are very important for children, and since we are talking about your children, the summer camp experience must be unforgettable.

Importance of Summer Camps in San Mateo in 2025

Summer camps in San Mateo provide children with what nothing else can. That is, unforgettable fun, friendships, and lifetime memories. Children also learn new skills, get a hands-on approach to various topics, and become more confident and independent. One step at a time. Children engage in various activities at such camps. From sports and games to art and science, there is always something exciting to explore. So, you must send your kids to summer camps every year.

Read Also: Top 10 Reasons Why Our Summer Camp in San Mateo Is Every Kid’s Favourite

Top 5 Easy Steps to Choose the Top Summer Camp in San Mateo

Choosing the best summer camp for your child may seem like a tiring task. However, it only takes a few steps. You just need to consider a few things, and you will pick the best camp experience in San Mateo for your little one in no time.

1. Check the Activities

The various summer camps in San Mateo offer various activities such as games and art, leaving nothing behind. However, your decision must be entirely according to your kid’s likes.

2. Check the Camp Type

Another thing as a parent is to consider the camp type. How long can your child stay away from home? Based on this, you need to choose between overnight camps, day camps, and half-day camps.

3. Check the Timings

This is the most important. If the timings of the camp are colliding with your daily schedule, then you will have to cook something up to convince your children to choose another camp of their liking.

4. The Fee Matters

Mostly, summer camps in San Mateo are affordable. However, you should still ensure to choose a budget-friendly camp. You already know why.

5. Ask Other Kids

If you are having doubts about whether to choose a particular top summer camp in San Mateo or not, then your best option is to ask other kids who have been there before. This will clear all your doubts about the environment, child safety measures, and other enquiries you may have.

Read Also: Summer Camp vs. Staying Home: Which is Better for Your Child?

Best 10 Summer Camps for Children in San Mateo

Are you looking for the best summer camps in San Mateo in 2025 at an affordable cost? No worries. We have listed the top 10 summer camps in San Mateo for you. Based on our experience with kids, we carefully made the list to only include the most fun and kid-safe programs for you.

• KidSmart Academy
• Camp Galileo
• Safari Run
• Dragonfly Designs
• Next Level Sports
• CAM Edu
• The Coder School
• The Camp Couture
• Steve & Kate’s Camp
• Marvegos

1. KidSmart Academy

Kidsmart Academy provides the best summer camp experience in San Mateo, and it couldn’t get any better than what they offer at KidSmart Academy. Not only do the kids have loads of fun, but the environment is also child-friendly, ensuring the best enjoyment, friendships, and lifetime memories. What makes the program unique is that:

• Many camps are offered in LEGO science, Spanish, and more to always keep kids interested.
• Children get a hands-on experience with the various topics they learn at school and after-school.
• They offer free pick-up and drop-off facilities, so you don’t have to worry about your child at all.  
• Camps on various themes, such as aviation adventure, Stars Spangled Banner, and water wonders.

Here are some fun activities you can expect.

• Lego robotics
• Mad science
• Canvas art
• Craft
• Puppetry
• Cooking
• Drama
• Music
• Storytelling and more

Address: 3080 La Selva Street, 2^nd Floor, San Mateo

Days & Timings: Weekly (8:30 AM to 5:00 PM)

2. Camp Galileo

Camp Galileo is one of the best summer camps in San Mateo that claims and aims to bring out and amplify the innovator in every kid. They use state-of-the-art tools available to provide kids a hands-on experience, combined with summertime fun. Plus, they are conveniently located in the Laurel Elementary School. Activities include:

• Silly skits
• Pie throwing
• Face painting
• Various STEAM activities and more

Address: Laurel Elementary School, 316 36^th Avenue, San Mateo 

Days & Timings: Monday-Friday (9:00 AM to 6:00 PM)

3. Safari Run

Inspired by and for children, this summer camp in San Mateo is also an indoor playhouse. Safari Run is known for 2 things. Fun play structures and enjoyable parties for little ones. Plus, they also provide seasonal camps in summer, winter, and spring, along with fitness classes. Here are the fun activities you can expect.

• Science and the kitchen play
• Fun space exploration in a play structure
• Fun trips
• Scavenger hunt
• Fun activities in the play structure and more

Address: 341 N Amphlett Blvd, San Mateo

Days & Timings: Monday-Friday (10:00 AM to 1:00 PM, 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM)

4. Dragonfly Designs

Dragonfly Designs is all about art. So, if your little ones love art and creativity, then you should enrol them in this summer camp provider in San Mateo and San Francisco. Plus, they also provide various after-school programs for children’s care and growth. Here are some fun activities to expect.

• Jewelry making
• Beading
• Creative art activities
• Mixed media activities
• Miniature clay activities and more

Address: San Mateo

Days & Timings: Monday-Sunday (8:00 AM to 9:30 PM)

5. Next Level Sports

If your child loves sports and games, then Next Level Sports is the place for her to be. Various engaging sports and fun activities are offered, including flag football, basketball, and volleyball. It’s all about fun and fitness there. Fun activities include:

• Flag football
• Volleyball
• Basketball and more

Location: 400 S El Camino Real Suite 1150, San Mateo

Days & Timings: You need to contact them to enquire. 

6. CAM Edu

CAM Edu is the top summer camp in San Mateo for the STEAM enthusiast in your child. They also provide child tutoring and after-school programs. So, if you are looking for these services as well, you should give them a chance. Timings are also convenient for you and your kid. Some fun activities your child can expect include:

• STEM
• Chinese
• English
• Arts
• Technology and more

Address: 801 S B  St, San Mateo

Days & Timings: Monday-Saturday (9:00 AM to 6:30 PM)

7. The Coder School

If your child has an interest in coding and technology from an early age, then this is the right place for them to be. The experts teach coding to every child in a personalized way. Trust us, their practical approach and creative teaching style make even something as boring as programming enjoyable for children.  Fun activities include:

• Python startup
• WebRox
• Game development
• Minecraft Edu and more

Address: 22 17^th Avenue, Ste E, San Mateo 

Days & Timings: Mon-Thurs (3:00 PM to 8:00 PM), Fri (3:00 PM to 7:00 PM), Sat (10:00 AM to 5:00 PM)

8. The Camp Couture

If your kid is passionate about sewing, then The Camp Couture is worth it. The supervisors there are experts in all types of sewing art. As per our experience, your child will learn a lot, have lots of fun, and unlock the door to various opportunities there. Activities include:

• Alterations
• Custom sewing
• Custom interior design
• Costume sewing and more

Address: 1628 Palm Ave, San Mateo

Days & Timings: Wednesday-Friday (2:00 PM to 6:00 PM), Tuesday (11:00 AM to 5:00 PM), Saturday-Sunday (10:00 AM to 3:00 PM)

9. Steve & Kate’s Camp

Since this summer camp in San Mateo began, it has always provided children with the choice to select the activities they like every year. There is a range of options, including sewing, gaming, stop-motion animation, and water play. So your little one is bound to find something she finds enjoyable. Activities include:

• Sewing
• Stop-motion animation
• Coding and gaming
• Sports and recreation
• Water play and more

Address: 2701 Hacienda St, St. Gregory School, San Mateo

Days & Timings: Monday-Friday (8:00 AM to 6:00 PM)  

10. Marvegos

The camp teaches your little ones drawing, painting, and more to help them hone their creativity and learning skills. Plus, the program offers a safe atmosphere for children to experiment and explore. Some fun activities include:

• Portrait and life drawing
• Digital art
• Fun children’s parties and more

Address: 1212C W Hillsdale Blvd, San Mateo

Days & Timings: Monday-Friday (9:00 AM to 4:00 PM)

Conclusion

So, now you know where to send your children this summer. We always wish the best for our little ones. That is, the best school, the best learning, the best food, and even the top summer camps in San Mateo. To help you out, we listed the best summer camps in the Californian city for you. At KidSmart Academy, we nurture your kids in the most fun and creative ways, providing not only the best summer camp experience but also the best after-school program. Enrol now to provide complete holistic growth and development to your little ones.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q. Why is Summer Camp Important for Kids in San Mateo?

Ans. Summer camps in San Mateo provide children with what nothing else can. That is, unforgettable fun, friendships, and lifetime memories. Children also learn new skills, get a hands-on approach to various topics, and become more confident and independent. One step at a time. Children engage in various activities at such camps. From sports and games to art and science, there is always something exciting to explore. So, you must send your kids to summer camps every year.

Q. What is Done in Summer Camp?

Ans. Some of the activities offered at a summer camp in San Mateo include:

• Outdoor adventures
• Sports and games
• Creative arts and crafts
• Nature exploration
• Language learning activities

Q. Which is the Most Popular Summer Camp Activity?

Ans. We would pick the scavenger hunt activity as our answer. The reason behind it is that you can make it as simple or as challenging as possible. Furthermore, it enhances the out-of-the-box and thinking beyond the obvious skills in children. 

Q. What is the Best Age to Go to a Summer Camp?

Ans. The best age to send your kids to a summer camp in San Mateo is when they are 4-5 years old. However, it’s not the only deciding factor. The thing is that your children can only go to a summer camp when they are ready for it and are willing to enjoy a new experience. 

Q. Which are the Top Summer Camps in San Mateo 2025?

Ans. We handpicked and listed the top 10 summer camps in San Mateo for your kids below.

• KidSmart Academy
• Camp Galileo
• Safari Run
• Dragonfly Designs
• Next Level Sports
• CAM Edu
• The Coder School
• The Camp Couture
• Steve & Kate’s Camp
• Marvegos