Grades 3–5 Camps

Explore Balboa Park  (SOLD OUT)

Monday, June 10 through Friday, June 14, 2024

How lucky are we to live in a city that is home to Balboa Park? Come explore the Park’s gardens, learn its unique history, and discover its natural beauty each day. We’ll visit other museums and take an extra special look at the Nat, the oldest scientific institution in southern California. We’ll hike, create art projects, and uncover the hidden secrets of the Park. Let’s celebrate all things Balboa Park, and be sure to put on your walking shoes!

Monday, June 10 through Friday, June 14 | 9 AM–3PM 
Members $350 | Non-members $375 


Rock On! (SOLD OUT)

Monday, June 17 through Friday, June 21, 2024

Discover the splendor and science found right under your feet! San Diego is one of the most famous gem-producing regions in the world, but where do these minerals come from, and how are they formed? We will answer these questions and more as we explore the dynamic forces that are continually changing Earth. We’ll make art projects, perform experiments, and visit Museum exhibitions like Hidden Gems. Rock on!

Monday, June 17 through Friday, June 21 | 9 AM–3 PM 
Members $350 | Non-members $375 


Paleo FBI (SOLD OUT)

Monday, June 24 through Friday, June 28, 2024

Do you “dig” paleontology? Ever wonder how fossils are formed and found? Then, join the Fossil Bureau of Investigation (FBI). In this camp, we’ll learn and work like real scientists. We’ll travel back to the age of dinosaurs as we unlock fossil mysteries and look at local discoveries uncovered by the Museum’s own paleontology department. We’ll conduct hands-on experiments, make art projects, and take regular trips to the Museum’s exhibitions and Balboa Park.

Monday, June 24 through Friday, June 28 | 9 AM–3 PM  
Members $350 | Non-members $375 


Guardians of the Globe  (SOLD OUT)

Monday, July 8 through Friday, July 12, 2024

Are you interested in protecting, saving, and defending the plants and animals that share our planet? We want you to join the Guardians of the Globe as we investigate and discover solutions to the human impacts that are affecting our world. We’ll conduct experiments, solve challenges, and draw inspiration from the best teacher of all—nature!

Monday, July 8 through Friday, July 12 | 9 AM–3PM 
Members $350| Non-members $375 


I’m an Ologist (SOLD OUT)

Monday, July 15 through Friday, July 19, 2024

Ever wonder what it would be like to be a scientist at The Nat? Spend the week in the shoes of a paleontologist, entomologist, herpetologist, ornithologist, and botanist! Each day, we’ll discover a new natural science, conduct experiments, create crafts, and spend time in our natural world. Who knew science could be so fun?

Monday, July 15 through Friday, July 19 | 9 AM–3 PM  
Members $350 | Non-members $375


Deep Sea Adventure (SOLD OUT)

Monday, July 22 through Friday, July 26, 2024

Dive into a week of ocean discovery. Explore the deep blue and the fascinating creatures, both big and small, found beneath the waves. We’ll spend lots of time in the Museum investigating animals ranging from plankton to the great blue whale. We’ll also delve into marine conservation and how we can protect our great Pacific Ocean. Spend an engaging week conducting experiments, playing games, and making ocean-inspired art.

Monday, July 22 through Friday, July 26 | 9 AM–3 PM
Members $350 | Non-members $375


Wonder Women in Science (SOLD OUT)

Monday, July 29 through Friday, August 2, 2024

Girl Power is the name of the game for this camp, created to celebrate women in science. Join us as we spend the week combining summer fun with natural science exploration. We’ll conduct hands-on experiments, explore the Museum’s science departments, and find inspiration in women scientists past and present who are blazing trails for the female scientists of tomorrow.

Monday, July 29 through Friday, August 2 | 9 AM–3 PM  
Members $350 | Non-members $375


Cold Blooded Critters (SOLD OUT)

Monday, August 5 through Friday, August 9, 2024

Slither your way into an unforgettable week of reptile and amphibian exploration. Dispel common “tall tales” about these fascinating cold-blooded creatures with a visit to the Museum’s Living Lab and basement herpetological collection—where there are over 73,000 fluid-preserved specimens! Investigate these diverse animals as we track them on hikes throughout Balboa Park.

Monday, August 5 through Friday, August 9 | 9 AM–3 PM
Members $350 | Non-members $375