(Updated on March 28, 2019)

It takes a lot of time to find the right camps and they can be really expensive. As a parent myself, I’ve done a lot of camp research and here are my five favorite affordable local camps in San Francisco.

Kid Stock, San Francisco & Marin
Offering 3-week long sessions
Full-day Approx. $1000 ($310 per week)
This musical theatre fills up every year. Kids build confidence, participating in workshops of song, dance, drama and art, all culminating in an original musical performance.

Mariposa Kids, the Mission District
Offering weekly programs through June, July and August, Full day 8:30am-6pm,
$285-$425 (STEM) 5 Days, $285 for 3 Days
Mariposa’s Summer Adventure camp is back! Includes weekly themes of Art, Food,  Museums, Wheels and STEM Camp weeks with Engineering for Kids

Maritime Summer Camp, San Francisco Maritime National Historic Park
Weekly program, 9am-3pm $300
Kids have a chance to experience San Francisco Bay through the eyes of a Sailor and a Scientist. Campers explore all the different activities the Park and the surrounding SF waterfront have to offer. Campers will also get to row and sail the many small craft in the park and learn the basics of marine biology including water quality tests, species identification, clam dredging, & tide pooling.

AYSO Soccer Camp and Training, various locations in Bay Area (Menlo Park, San Jose, San Carlos etc.)
Weekly program, Under $200 per week
AYSO Soccer Camps provide a variety of week long programs including half-day (3 hrs), full-day (6 hrs, ages 8+) and mini (1.5 hrs) for both individual players and teams ages 4-18 years. The camp’s success is due to offering a quality program in a safe, educational and fun environment. Working alongside our camp provider, UK International Soccer, AYSO deliver these programs through professional coaches that are trained and certified according to AYSO philosophies and standards, including Safe Haven.

Achievers, Fremont
Weekly themes, 9am – 3pm, and 8am-6pm Approx. under $350 per week
Achievers traditional camp runs throughout summer with a new theme every week. Children will participate in hands-on activities, arts & crafts, games and learn fun facts related to the theme of the week. All activities are designed in line with different age group and learning capabilities; both physical and mental. This camp aims for children to open up, learn new skills, work independently as well as in team, in a pressure free & secure setting.

You’ll also find camps offering sale prices on ActivityHero.  Share with a friend to get a camp coupon toward your next purchase.

Considering Overnight Camp?

For an affordable overnight camp near San Francisco in the Santa Cruz Mountains, Camp Harmon is a great option. Try out their Discovery Camp for new campers. Kids enjoy swimming, hiking, shooting archery, acting, singing, dancing, roasting marshmallows and more!