# Winter Break Camps in Los Angeles

> Day camps across LA that cover LAUSD’s three-week winter break, grouped by area, with each one’s 2026–27 dates, hours, price, ages, extended care and whether it runs the days around Christmas and New Year’s.

LAUSD’s winter recess runs December 21, 2026 through January 8, 2027, and winter break camps in Los Angeles cover most of it, in three short weeks around Christmas and New Year’s. City recreation centers charge about $120 to $340 a week for ages 5 to 12, with extended care at many. Private camps run about $105 to $180 a day, or $520 to $895 for a week of sports, theater, art, coding or outdoor camp. Nearly all close December 25 and January 1, and many also close December 24.

By Summerground, updated October 18, 2026.

## At a glance

- LAUSD is out December 21, 2026 through January 8, 2027. Most camps run three short weeks: Dec 21–24, Dec 28–31 and Jan 4–8. Almost none run Dec 25 or Jan 1, and several also close Dec 24.
- City of LA recreation centers are the cheapest full days: $120 to $340 a week for ages 5–12 at Tarzana, Encino, Cabrillo Beach, Loren Miller and Rio de Los Angeles, as posted for 2026–27.
- Private camps on this list charge $105 to $180 a day or $520 to $895 a week. Steve & Kate’s ($129 a day, 8 to 6, lunch included) and AdventurePlex ($57 to $82 a day) sell single days.
- Register early: UCLA’s camp goes on sale October 21, Camp Encino October 19 and Tarzana November 4, and Got Game’s early-bird price ends December 2.
- Where a camp hadn’t posted 2026–27 dates by mid-October, we give last year’s and say so. Check the camp’s page before you plan around it.

## 18 winter break camps in Los Angeles, by area

Grouped by area, starting on the Westside. Dates, hours and prices are as each camp posted them in October 2026; where a camp had only last winter’s page up, we say so. “Extended care” means hours before or after the camp day, usually for a fee. For a summer list for kids who need more support, see our [special needs summer camps guide](https://summerground.com/guides/special-needs-summer-camps-los-angeles).

### Winter break camps on the Westside

Santa Monica, Brentwood, Westwood and Mar Vista. Also on the Westside: Saken Sports Camp at the Annenberg Beach House and Coach Cooper Sports at Barrington Rec Center, which in October still showed last winter’s dates ($115 and $100 a day), and Got Game’s West LA site in Westchester (under central LA, below).

#### 1. Steve & Kate’s Camp, Mar Vista

Mar Vista · 11518 W Pico Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90064

Steve & Kate’s sells day passes, not weeks: buy as many as you want, send your child any day, and unused passes are refunded automatically by January 14, 2027. Campers pick their own activities through the day. The fee covers all hours from 8 to 6, lunch and snacks. The Mar Vista camp is at Citizens of the World Charter School; the same camp runs in Valley Village (closed Dec 24 and 25) and Pasadena (closed Dec 25). It doesn’t run Jan 4–8.

- When: Dec 21–31, 2026, closed Dec 24 and 25; 8 a.m.–6 p.m.
- Cost: $129 a day, lunch and snacks included; unused days refunded
- Ages: 4–12
- Day passes, no weekly commitment
- 8 to 6, no extra charge
- Lunch included
- Closed Dec 24 and 25; no camp Jan 4–8
- Also Valley Village and Pasadena
- Website: https://steveandkatescamp.com/mar-vista-winter-camp/
- Phone: 424-415-7080
- On Summerground: https://summerground.com/mar-vista/steve-and-kates-camp-mar-vista.md

#### 2. Tumbleweed Day Camp Winter Camp

Brentwood · 1024 Hanley Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90049

Tumbleweed’s winter camp is its summer camp in the hills above Brentwood, smaller and without swimming: archery, a ropes course, a rock wall, horseback riding, cooking, hiking, gaga and theme days. Camp is entirely outdoors, with an off-site location near camp for very rainy days. Registration is by the week. There’s no bus, but a Winter Camp Express shuttle stops at Brentwood Science Magnet (9:00/4:00) and Grant Elementary (8:40/4:15). No extended care is posted.

- When: Dec 21–24 and Dec 28–31, 2026 (no camp Dec 25); drop-off 8:45–9:15, pick-up 3:45–4:15
- Cost: $815 a week
- Ages: Pre-K–8th grade
- 100% outdoors; rain site nearby
- Shuttle from two Westside schools
- No camp Dec 25; no camp Jan 4–8
- By the week only
- Website: https://www.tumbleweedcamp.com/wintercamp
- Phone: 310-472-7474
- On Summerground: https://summerground.com/brentwood-la/tumbleweed-day-camp.md

#### 3. UCLA Recreation Winter Camp

Westwood · Sunset Canyon Recreation Center, 111 Easton Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90095

UCLA’s one-week winter camp covers only the last week of the break: arts and crafts, non-competitive sports and field games, polar bear swimming in the heated pool, science activities, and an all-day Disneyland trip on Friday. Campers must be 5 to 12 by September 1, 2026 and in kindergarten through 6th grade. Extended care runs 3:30 to 6 Monday through Thursday for $70 for the week, with none on the field trip day. Lunch isn’t provided. It goes on sale October 21 at noon, and a few need-based scholarships go to UCLA students, staff and faculty.

- When: Jan 4–8, 2027; 9 a.m.–3 p.m. (drop-off 8:30), Friday Disneyland trip 8 a.m.–8 p.m.
- Cost: $895 ($795 UCLA staff, $650 UCLA students); extended care $70
- Ages: 5–12 (grades K–6)
- Jan 4–8 only
- Friday Disneyland trip, 8 to 8
- Extended care to 6, $70 a week
- On sale Oct 21 at noon
- Website: https://recreation.ucla.edu/winter-camp
- On Summerground: https://summerground.com/westwood/ucla-recreation.md

#### 4. Santa Monica Playhouse Winter Break Theatre Workshop

Santa Monica · 1211 4th St, Santa Monica, CA 90401

In four days between Christmas and New Year’s, a small ensemble writes and builds an original play or musical with a theater professional and performs it, live and on camera, on the last day. Days include theater games, voice and movement, acting, writing and costume making. It runs Saturday through Tuesday, so it covers the odd days many camps skip. No extended care is posted. If your school’s break is different, the Playhouse will set up a week for a group of five or more.

- When: Sat Dec 26–Tue Dec 29, 2026; 9 a.m.–3 p.m.
- Cost: $495; 10% sibling discount; financial aid may be available
- Ages: 6–11 (6-year-olds by interview)
- Runs Dec 26–29, including a weekend
- Original play, performed on day four
- Ages 6–11
- 10% sibling discount
- Website: https://www.santamonicaplayhouse.com/winter--spring-break-workshop.html
- Phone: 310-394-9779
- On Summerground: https://summerground.com/santa-monica/santa-monica-playhouse.md

#### 5. Broadway Gymnastic School Winter Camp

Mar Vista · 5433 Beethoven St, Los Angeles, CA 90066

Broadway Gym runs a day-by-day winter camp in its gymnastics gym in Mar Vista: gymnastics, crafts and fitness games from 9 to 3. Last winter it ran every weekday of the break except Dec 24, 25 and Jan 1 at $155 a day, with drop-off at 9 and pick-up at 3 sharp; the form says to ask about before and after care. Campers bring lunch, a yoga mat or towel, a water bottle and closed-toe shoes, and wear their leotard in. In October only the 2025–26 page was up.

- When: Dec 22–Jan 9 in 2025–26, closed Dec 24, 25 and Jan 1; 9 a.m.–3 p.m.; 2026 dates not posted
- Cost: $155 a day in 2025–26
- Ages: 5–12
- Pay by the day
- Last year: closed Dec 24, 25 and Jan 1
- Ask about before and after care
- 2026–27 not yet posted
- Website: https://broadwaygym.com/youth-winter-camp-25-26-registration/
- Phone: 310-302-0035
- On Summerground: https://summerground.com/playa-vista/broadway-gymnastic-school.md

### Winter break camps in the San Fernando Valley

Valley Village, Studio City, Encino and Tarzana. Woodland Hills Recreation Center also runs a city camp Dec 21–Jan 8 (9:30 to 4, with 8 to 6 extended care included) but hadn’t posted prices; Got Game has sites in Encino and Woodland Hills.

#### 6. Camp Wildfolk Winter Camp

Valley Village · 12020 Burbank Blvd, Valley Village, CA 91607

Wildfolk runs all three weeks at its East Valley camp. Free-Range campers (grades 1–5) split time between their grade team and activity hubs like crafts, robotics, sports and drama; Film Makers write, shoot and edit short films that screen at week’s end; week 3 adds Fiber + Felt and Tinker Explorers. Young Folks is for Pre-K, TK and kindergarten, age 4 and up. Weeks 1 and 2 are sold as one four-day-week pair; single days are offered if space permits. Camp hours aren’t on the page; afternoon extended care exists but not on Dec 24 or 31.

- When: Dec 21–24, Dec 28–31 and Jan 4–8; no camp Dec 25 or Jan 1; no afternoon care Dec 24 or 31
- Cost: $520 for weeks 1 and 2 together (grades 1–5); $140–$150 a day if space; week 3 $630–$660
- Ages: 4–14 (Pre-K–5th grade camps; grades 7–11 as Guides-in-Training)
- All three weeks
- Pre-K to 5th grade, plus teen GITs
- Film, fiber arts and robotics tracks
- Closed Dec 25 and Jan 1
- Website: https://www.campwildfolk.com/winter
- On Summerground: https://summerground.com/valley-village/camp-wildfolk.md

#### 7. Tarzana Recreation Center Winter Camp

Tarzana · 5655 Vanalden Ave, Tarzana, CA 91356

A City of LA Recreation and Parks camp with themed weeks (Frosty Fiesta, Frozen Kingdom, a New Year’s Eve party, Time Travelers) and a field trip on January 6 to Kid’s Worlds and a Hollywood adventure: camp games, arts and crafts, cooking and sports. No camp Dec 25 or Jan 1. Extended care runs 8 to 6. Campers bring lunch and wear a camp shirt daily; an afternoon snack is provided. Online registration opens November 4 at 9 a.m. The deposit is non-refundable and refunds carry a 15% fee. The center is cashless (Visa or Mastercard).

- When: Dec 21–24, Dec 28–31 and Jan 4–8, 2026–27; 9 a.m.–4 p.m.; extended care 8 a.m.–6 p.m.
- Cost: $270 a 4-day week, $340 for Jan 4–8; $45 registration fee, $50 deposit a week
- Ages: 5–12
- Extended care 8 to 6
- Field trip Jan 6
- Closed Dec 25 and Jan 1
- Registration opens Nov 4
- Website: https://recreation.parks.lacity.gov/sites/default/files/reccenter/tarzana-recreation-center/media/winter-camp-26-tarzana-5.pdf
- Phone: 818-343-5946
- On Summerground: https://summerground.com/tarzana/los-angeles-recreation-and-parks-tarzana.md

#### 8. Camp Encino (Encino Community Center)

Encino · 4935 Balboa Blvd, Encino, CA 91316

The city’s Encino camp runs all three weeks with a trip each week: Winnetka Bowl and the movies, the Aquarium of the Pacific, and John’s Incredible Pizza. Days are sports, arts and crafts, science, games, cooking, dress-up days and contests. Camp is closed Friday Dec 25 and Friday Jan 1. Extended care runs 7:30 to 6. Cheaper non-trip options are posted ($230 for four non-trip days in week 3; $210 for any three non-trip days). Campers bring lunch and wear the camp shirt daily. Registration opens October 19.

- When: Dec 21–24, Dec 28–31 and Jan 4–8, 2026–27; 9 a.m.–4 p.m.; extended care 7:30 a.m.–6 p.m.
- Cost: $250 a 4-day week with trip, $270 for Jan 4–8; $35 registration; $30 deposit a week
- Ages: 5–13
- Extended care 7:30 to 6
- A field trip every week
- Closed Dec 25 and Jan 1
- Ages 5–13
- Website: https://recreation.parks.lacity.gov/sites/default/files/reccenter/encino-community-center/media/winter-camp-26-27.pdf
- Phone: 818-995-1690
- On Summerground: https://summerground.com/encino/los-angeles-recreation-and-parks-encino.md

#### 9. Color Me Mine Studio City Winter Camp

Studio City · 11959 Ventura Blvd, Studio City, CA 91604

A paint-your-own-pottery studio’s art and academics workshops, sold by the week, the day or the half day (9 to noon or noon to 3). Campers bring lunch and snacks. The page lists Dec 28 through Jan 1 as a camp week; call to confirm whether it runs New Year’s Day. Book at least 48 hours ahead; payments are non-refundable, but a cancellation becomes studio credit good for 90 days. No extended care is posted.

- When: Dec 21–24, Dec 28–Jan 1 and Jan 4–8 as posted (closed Dec 25); 9 a.m.–3 p.m.
- Cost: $800 a week; $180 a full day; $450 a half-day week; $90 a half day
- Ages: 6 and up
- Half days from $90
- Closed Dec 25
- Non-refundable; credit if you cancel
- Book 48 hours ahead
- Website: https://studiocity.colormemine.com/weekly-winter-camp/
- Phone: 818-762-4434

### Winter break camps in Pasadena

Steve & Kate’s also runs its Pasadena camp at Walden School Dec 21–31 (closed only Dec 25), with the same hours and price as Mar Vista, below. Drawn2Art Pasadena has a half-day Winter Clay Camp Dec 21–23 (9 to noon, $250, ages 6 and up).

#### 10. Launch Sports Winter Camps

Pasadena · Surf Center, 325 N Altadena Dr, Pasadena, CA 91107

Two four-day weeks at an indoor sports facility in Pasadena: a Soccer Camp (ball mastery, small-sided games, shooting) and a Multi-Sport Camp for kids who like variety. Each is capped at 20 campers a week. You register for three or four days of a week, not single days, and each week separately; a second week for the same camper is $10 off. There are no refunds; a change or credit can be requested more than 72 hours before camp. No extended care is posted for winter.

- When: Dec 21–24 and Dec 28–31, 2026; full day 9 a.m.–3 p.m., half day 9–noon
- Cost: Full day $250 for 4 days or $205 for 3; half day $200 or $175
- Ages: Mainly 5–12
- Indoor, 20 campers per program
- 3- or 4-day weeks, no single days
- No camp Dec 25 or Jan 1
- No refunds; credits over 72 hours out
- Website: https://launchsports.org/services/winter-2026/

#### 11. theCoderSchool Pasadena Winter RoboCode Camp

Pasadena · 319 S Arroyo Pkwy, Pasadena, CA 91105

A four-day robotics-and-coding camp the week before Christmas at theCoderSchool’s Pasadena shop, run by its Code Coaches with a low student-to-coach ratio. Camps run 9:30 to 3:30 with breaks and walks outside; kids bring lunch and a water bottle and demo their work at the end. Optional after care runs until 6 for $30 a day. Cancel 21 or more days before camp for a full refund. The listing doesn’t post an age range; ask which ages this session suits.

- When: Dec 21–24, 2026; 9:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m.
- Cost: $560 for 4 days; after care to 6 p.m. $30 a day
- Dec 21–24 only
- After care to 6, $30 a day
- Full refund 21+ days out
- Bring lunch
- Website: https://www.thecoderschool.com/locations/pasadena/camps/
- Phone: 626-345-5875
- On Summerground: https://summerground.com/pasadena/thecoderschool-pasadena.md

#### 12. Theatre 360 Winter Break Camp

Pasadena · 2623 E Foothill Blvd, Ste 104, Pasadena, CA 91107

Theatre 360’s winter camp builds a mini-musical in four days and shows it to family on the last day. Last winter the show was You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown, which the studio calls an ideal first musical, and camp ran the Friday after Christmas and Monday through Wednesday, Dec 29–31, for $425. In October only the 2025 page was up, with no ages or extended care posted, so check back for the 2026 show and dates.

- When: Dec 26 and Dec 29–31 in 2025; 9 a.m.–3 p.m.; 2026 dates not yet posted
- Cost: $425 in 2025
- Four days between the holidays last year
- Ends in a performance
- 2026 dates not yet posted
- Website: https://www.theatre360.org/upcoming/winter-break-camp-2025
- Phone: 626-577-5922
- On Summerground: https://summerground.com/pasadena/theatre-360.md

### Winter break camps in the South Bay and Long Beach

Manhattan Beach, San Pedro and Long Beach. The Torrance-South Bay YMCA’s Howard Wood and Seaside sites list winter day camp Dec 21–24 and Dec 28–31, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., for ages 4–11 (TK–5th grade), closed Dec 25; prices weren’t posted and registration hadn’t opened in October.

#### 13. AdventurePlex AdventureCamp

Manhattan Beach · 1701 Marine Ave, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266

Beach Cities Health District’s camp at its AdventurePlex play center: rock climbing, arts and crafts, the play structure and Sports Court games, with a separate program for 4- and 5-year-olds. Camp runs 8 to 4, with extended hours 7 to 8 and 4 to 6 for about $20 more. You book by the day, and a lunch option is available. Residents of Redondo, Hermosa and Manhattan Beach pay the lower rate. In October its calendar listed Winter Break Camp for Dec 21–24; check for later weeks. Days sell out.

- When: Dec 21–24, 2026 posted so far; 8 a.m.–4 p.m.; extra hours 7–8 a.m. and 4–6 p.m.
- Cost: $57 a day for Beach Cities residents, $63 others; $77/$82 with extended hours
- Ages: 4–12
- By the day, from $57
- Extended hours 7 to 6
- A 4–5 group
- Rock climbing
- Website: https://bchd.org/adventureplex/camps/
- Phone: 310-546-7708
- On Summerground: https://summerground.com/manhattan-beach/adventureplex.md

#### 14. Cabrillo Beach Bathhouse Winter Camp

San Pedro · 3800 Stephen M. White Dr, San Pedro, CA 90731

A City of LA camp at the bathhouse on Cabrillo Beach in San Pedro. Each week has a theme and a trip: Snow and Ice with the Cabrillo Marine Aquarium, Winter Olympics with Deane Dana Friendship Park, and a New Year Celebration with a movie. The camp day is long, 9 to 5, and extended care from 8 to 6 adds $20 a week. Weeks skip Dec 25 and Jan 1. You can register by the week or for all three.

- When: Dec 21–24, Dec 28–31 and Jan 4–8, 2026–27; 9 a.m.–5 p.m.; extended care 8 a.m.–6 p.m.
- Cost: $265 a week ($285 with extended care); Jan 4–8 $295 ($315)
- Ages: 5–12
- Camp day 9 to 5
- Extended care $20 a week
- Closed Dec 25 and Jan 1
- Weekly or all three weeks
- Website: https://recreation.parks.lacity.gov/sites/default/files/reccenter/cabrillo-beach-bath-house/media/winter-camp-2026-6.pdf
- Phone: 310-548-7554
- On Summerground: https://summerground.com/san-pedro/los-angeles-recreation-and-parks-cabrillo-bathhouse.md

#### 15. 5-Eleven Hoops Winter Break Camp

Long Beach · Salvation Army, 3000 Long Beach Blvd, Long Beach, CA 90807

Three days the week before Christmas: basketball skills, drills and team games each morning, lunch, then a field trip in the afternoon, starting with a Harbor Breeze sightseeing boat tour from Rainbow Harbor on Dec 21 (the other two trips were still to be announced), and holiday crafts. It takes a wide age range, 7 to 18 and up, and the day is short, 9 to 2, with no extended care posted.

- When: Dec 21–23, 2026; 9 a.m.–2 p.m.
- Cost: $242.80
- Ages: 7–18+
- Dec 21–23 only
- Boat tour Dec 21
- Ages 7 to 18+
- Day ends at 2
- Website: https://5elevenhoops.coursestorm.com/course/2026-winter-break-camp

### Winter break camps in central and East LA

Mid-City, Jefferson Park and the LA River. J Los Angeles on Olympic Boulevard runs a Winter Camp Dec 21–Jan 9 (8 to 5, closed federal holidays) but hadn’t posted ages or prices.

#### 16. Loren Miller Recreation Center Frosty’s Winter Camp

Jefferson Park · 2717 Halldale Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90018

A City of LA camp in Jefferson Park, south of the 10 near West Adams: sports, arts and crafts and games, with a snack provided and no field trips. At $120 a week it’s the cheapest full week here. The flyer marks extended care but doesn’t give the camp hours or the extended hours, so call the center. The city gives full refunds only if it cancels a program, and none once camp has begun.

- When: Dec 21–24, Dec 28–31 and Jan 4–8, 2026–27; no camp Dec 25 or Jan 1
- Cost: $120 a week for weeks 1 and 2, $140 for Jan 4–8
- Ages: 5–12
- $120 a week
- Extended care offered; ask for hours
- Closed Dec 25 and Jan 1
- Snack provided, bring lunch
- Website: https://recreation.parks.lacity.gov/sites/default/files/reccenter/loren-miller-recreation-center/media/26-winter-flyer.pdf
- Phone: 323-734-4386
- On Summerground: https://summerground.com/mid-city/los-angeles-recreation-and-parks-loren-miller.md

#### 17. Rio de Los Angeles State Park Camp Winter

Cypress Park · 1900 N San Fernando Rd, Los Angeles, CA 90065

The city’s camp at the park on the LA River between Cypress Park and Glassell Park runs 9 to 4 with themed weeks: Polar Animal Adventure, Winter Game Show Mania and Disney on Ice, with a field trip on Friday, January 8 for week-3 campers. Weeks 1 and 2 are four days, Monday through Thursday. No extended care is posted. Refunds are issued only if camp is cancelled, carry a 15% fee and take 6 to 8 weeks.

- When: Dec 21–24, Dec 28–31 and Jan 4–8, 2026–27; 9 a.m.–4 p.m.; no camp Dec 25 or Jan 1
- Cost: $150 a Monday–Thursday week; $260 for Jan 4–8 with the field trip
- Ages: 5–12
- $150 a four-day week
- Field trip Jan 8
- Closed Dec 25 and Jan 1
- No extended care posted
- Website: https://recreation.parks.lacity.gov/sites/default/files/reccenter/rio-de-los-angeles-state-park-aka-taylor-yard/media/rio-de-los-angeles-winter-camp.pdf
- Phone: 323-276-3015
- On Summerground: https://summerground.com/elysian-valley/los-angeles-recreation-and-parks-rio-de-los-angeles.md

#### 18. Got Game Camp

Mid-City · Hancock Park Elementary, 408 S Fairfax Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90036

Got Game’s winter camp mixes its sports (basketball, soccer, hockey, flag football) with dance, theater, arts and crafts, technology, karate and games, in age groups, run by its year-round PE teachers and after-school staff. It runs at four elementary schools: Hancock Park in Mid-City, Kentwood in Westchester, Lanai Road in Encino and Woodlake in Woodland Hills. Note the short weeks: no camp Dec 24, 25, 31 or Jan 1, so weeks 1 and 2 are Monday to Wednesday. Weekly or daily rates; space is limited.

- When: Dec 21–23, Dec 28–30 and Jan 4–8, 2026–27; 9 a.m.–3:30 p.m.; extended care 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
- Cost: $300–$495 a week or $105 a day; early bird to Dec 2; 20% sibling discount
- Mid-City, Westchester, Encino, Woodland Hills
- Extended care 8 to 5
- No camp Dec 24, 25, 31 or Jan 1
- Early-bird price ends Dec 2
- Website: https://gotgamecamp.com/Schedule/winter-camp/
- On Summerground: https://summerground.com/fairfax-district/got-game-sports.md

## When is winter break in LA (2026–27)

LAUSD’s 2026–27 instructional calendar sets **Winter Recess as December 21, 2026 through January 8, 2027**. The last day of school is Friday, December 18, and the second semester begins Monday, January 11, 2027 (a school may make that day pupil-free, in which case June 7 becomes a school day). That’s three full weeks, and the camps above are built around them: Dec 21–24, Dec 28–31 and Jan 4–8, with Christmas and New Year’s Day falling on the Fridays. The same calendar gives Thanksgiving week off: November 23–25 are unassigned days and November 26–27 the holiday, and some camps here, like Got Game and the YMCA’s break camps, run a Thanksgiving camp too.

If your child isn’t at an LAUSD school, check your own calendar before you book. Other districts and most private schools set different breaks, often shorter, and a camp’s third week may land when your child is back in class. Steve & Kate’s and Tumbleweed, for instance, don’t run Jan 4–8; UCLA runs only that week.

> The LAUSD board approved this calendar in March 2025 and noted it was subject to union negotiations. It hadn’t changed as of October 2026, but confirm on [lausd.org/calendar](https://www.lausd.org/calendar) before you pay a non-refundable deposit.

## How to choose a winter camp

Start with the days you actually need covered, then match hours and holidays. Winter camps differ more than summer camps on exactly which days they run.

- **The days around the holidays.** Nearly every camp closes December 25 and January 1. Many also close December 24 (Steve & Kate’s, Got Game) and some close December 31 (Got Game); Wildfolk drops afternoon care on both. If you work those days, Santa Monica Playhouse (Dec 26–29) and Broadway Gym (open Dec 26 and Jan 2 last year) fill gaps.
- **Hours and extended care.** Camp days run from 9 to 2 (5-Eleven Hoops) to 9 to 5 (Cabrillo Beach). For an 8-to-6 day without extra fees, look at Steve & Kate’s, Woodland Hills Rec Center or AdventurePlex’s extended option. City centers charge $20 to $70 a week for extended care; others, like Launch Sports and Tumbleweed, post none for winter.
- **Weeks or days.** Camps sold by the day (Steve & Kate’s, AdventurePlex, Got Game, Broadway Gym, Color Me Mine) suit a patchwork schedule. Launch Sports sells three- or four-day blocks only; the city centers and Tumbleweed sell weeks.
- **Refunds.** City of LA camps refund in full only if the city cancels, with a 15% fee on other approved refunds and none once camp starts. Launch Sports gives credits, not refunds, more than 72 hours out. Color Me Mine turns cancellations into 90-day studio credit. Steve & Kate’s refunds unused day passes automatically. theCoderSchool refunds in full up to 21 days before.

Then ask what a day looks like: how many kids in a group, whether there are field trips (and whether a trip day costs more, as at Camp Encino), and what happens on a rainy day at an outdoor camp like Tumbleweed.

- [ ] Lunch, unless it’s included (Steve & Kate’s; AdventurePlex sells one)
- [ ] A refillable water bottle and a snack; city camps give an afternoon snack
- [ ] Closed-toe shoes; a camp shirt where it’s required daily (Tarzana, Encino, Woodland Hills)
- [ ] A sweatshirt: December mornings are cold outdoors and some studios run chilly
- [ ] Sunscreen, still, for outdoor camps
- [ ] Government ID at pick-up (Woodland Hills requires it every day), and the names of everyone allowed to pick up

## What it costs

Prices below are what each camp posted in October 2026 for 2026–27 unless marked as last year’s. City of Los Angeles recreation centers are the least expensive full days, and the city notes that refunds carry fees, so pick your weeks carefully.

*Winter break camp prices in Los Angeles, as posted by each camp in October 2026 (2025–26 prices marked)*

| Camp | Area | Price | Camp day |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Loren Miller Rec Center | Jefferson Park | $120–$140 a week | Not posted; extended care offered |
| Rio de Los Angeles | Cypress Park | $150 a 4-day week; $260 week 3 | 9–4 |
| Camp Encino | Encino | $250–$270 a week + $35 fee | 9–4; extended 7:30–6 |
| Cabrillo Beach Bathhouse | San Pedro | $265–$295 a week; +$20 extended | 9–5; extended 8–6 |
| Tarzana Rec Center | Tarzana | $270–$340 a week + $45 fee | 9–4; extended 8–6 |
| AdventurePlex | Manhattan Beach | $57–$63 a day; $77–$82 with extended | 8–4; extended 7–6 |
| Got Game Camp | Four school sites | $105 a day; $300–$495 a week | 9–3:30; extended 8–5 |
| Steve & Kate’s | Mar Vista, Valley Village, Pasadena | $129 a day, lunch included | 8–6 |
| Broadway Gym (2025–26) | Mar Vista | $155 a day | 9–3 |
| Color Me Mine Studio City | Studio City | $180 a day; $800 a week; half days $90 | 9–3 |
| Launch Sports | Pasadena | $205–$250 for 3–4 full days | 9–3 |
| 5-Eleven Hoops | Long Beach | $242.80 for 3 days | 9–2 |
| Theatre 360 (2025) | Pasadena | $425 for 4 days | 9–3 |
| Santa Monica Playhouse | Santa Monica | $495 for 4 days | 9–3 |
| Camp Wildfolk | Valley Village | $520 for weeks 1+2; $630–$660 week 3 | Not posted |
| theCoderSchool Pasadena | Pasadena | $560 for 4 days; after care $30 a day | 9:30–3:30 |
| Tumbleweed | Brentwood | $815 a week | 9–4 |
| UCLA Recreation | Westwood | $895 ($650–$795 for UCLA) + $70 extended | 9–3; Friday 8–8 |

Ways to pay less: Got Game’s early-bird rate ends December 2 and it takes 20% off for siblings; Santa Monica Playhouse gives 10% to siblings and says financial aid may be available; Beach Cities residents pay AdventurePlex’s lower rate; UCLA has a few need-based scholarships for its own students and staff. City camps ask for a registration fee ($35 to $45) and a weekly deposit on top of tuition. Sign-up for recreation camps in other cities has its own dates: Santa Monica, for example, opens winter registration to residents November 4 and to everyone November 11 ([santamonica.gov](https://www.santamonica.gov/recscape)).

## When to sign up, and other ways to fill the break

Winter camps are small. Launch Sports caps each program at 20, Tumbleweed and Steve & Kate’s say space is limited, and AdventurePlex’s fall days sold out. Dates to put in your calendar now:

- **October 19:** Camp Encino registration opens.
- **October 21, noon:** UCLA Winter Camp goes on sale.
- **November 4:** Tarzana’s online registration opens at 9 a.m.; Santa Monica residents can register for city camps (non-residents November 11).
- **December 2:** Got Game’s early-bird pricing ends.
- **48 hours ahead:** Color Me Mine closes booking two days before each camp day.

Several places LA parents look for winter camps hadn’t posted anything by mid-October. The Los Angeles Zoo’s camp page listed only summer 2026 sessions; Discovery Cube LA in Sylmar, STEM Castle in Glendale and Encino, and Theatre 360 showed last year’s pages or a coming-soon note. Museums and zoos tend to announce winter camps in November, so check again after Thanksgiving.

If you only need part of a week, half days stack well: Launch Sports and Color Me Mine run 9 to noon, and Drawn2Art Pasadena runs a 9-to-noon clay camp Dec 21–23. For the odd days nothing covers, see our [parents’ night out guide](https://summerground.com/guides/parents-night-out) for drop-off evenings, and our [birthday party places guide](https://summerground.com/guides/kids-birthday-party-places) for gyms and play centers with open-play hours. For a teen who’s too old for camp, Wildfolk’s Guides-in-Training program (grades 7–11, $175 a week), Woodland Hills Rec Center’s winter CIT program (for its returning summer CITs) and Highland Park Recreation Center’s Camp Leadership Program (volunteers 14–17) are the winter options we found; for the summer, see [summer programs for teens](https://summerground.com/guides/summer-programs-for-teens).

## Questions parents ask

### When is LAUSD winter break 2026–27?

LAUSD’s winter recess runs Monday, December 21, 2026 through Friday, January 8, 2027. The last day of school is Friday, December 18, and the second semester starts Monday, January 11, 2027. Christmas and New Year’s Day both fall on Fridays, so the first two weeks of break are four-day weeks and most camps sell them that way. Other districts and private schools set their own dates, so check your school’s calendar before booking a third week.

### Are winter break camps open the week of Christmas?

Most run Monday through Thursday, December 21–24, and close December 25. Some also close Christmas Eve: Steve & Kate’s and Got Game don’t run December 24, and Wildfolk and Woodland Hills Rec Center cut afternoon care short that day. The week of New Year’s works the same way: camps run December 28–31 and close January 1, with Got Game also closed December 31. Santa Monica Playhouse is the exception on this list, running Saturday to Tuesday, December 26–29.

### How much does a winter break camp cost in Los Angeles?

On this list, City of Los Angeles recreation centers charge $120 to $340 a week for ages 5 to 12, plus a registration fee of $35 to $45 at some and $20 to $70 a week for extended care. Private day camps charge about $105 to $180 a day or $520 to $895 for a week. Short specialty camps run $205 to $560 for three or four days. Single days are the most flexible but usually cost more per day than a week.

### Do winter camps in LA offer extended care?

Many do, but not all, and hours vary. Steve & Kate’s includes 8 to 6 in its day pass. City camps at Tarzana (8 to 6), Encino (7:30 to 6) and Cabrillo Beach (8 to 6) add extended care for $20 to $70 a week, and Woodland Hills includes it. Got Game runs 8 to 5, AdventurePlex 7 to 6 for about $20 more a day, and UCLA to 6 for $70 a week. Launch Sports, Tumbleweed, Santa Monica Playhouse and 5-Eleven Hoops post no extended care for winter.

### Can I sign my child up for just a few days?

Yes at several camps. Steve & Kate’s sells day passes and refunds unused ones; AdventurePlex, Got Game, Broadway Gym and Color Me Mine sell single days; Wildfolk offers single days if space permits. Launch Sports sells three- or four-day blocks, and the city recreation centers, Tumbleweed and UCLA sell by the week. Camp Encino posts a price for any three non-trip days in a week.

### Which winter camps take 4-year-olds?

Steve & Kate’s (4–12), AdventurePlex (4–12, with a separate 4-to-5 program), Wildfolk’s Young Folks camp (Pre-K, TK and kindergarten, age 4 and up) and Tumbleweed (Pre-K and up) take 4-year-olds. The City of LA recreation camps start at 5, UCLA requires kindergarten and age 5 by September 1, Santa Monica Playhouse starts at 6 by interview, Color Me Mine at 6, and 5-Eleven Hoops at 7.

## How we made this list

We ran eleven web searches for winter break camps across Los Angeles, from the Westside and the Valley to Pasadena, the South Bay and Long Beach, then read each camp’s own pages (and the City of LA’s 2026–27 camp flyers) for dates, hours, prices, ages and extended care. We kept day camps in LA County that had posted 2026–27 details or, failing that, a clearly dated 2025–26 page, and left out directories, camps outside the county and camps that had posted nothing. Break dates come from LAUSD’s board-approved 2026–27 instructional calendar. We’ll check this page again in November, when more camps post.

- [LAUSD: Instructional calendars (2026–27)](https://www.lausd.org/calendar)
- [LAUSD: Instructional School Calendar 2026–2027 (PDF, board approved March 11, 2025)](https://media.edlio.net/135dff18/cc2a29d3/f0dbab90/03abacb9bbd44b1c8b86d1828e9ad968?_=2026-27%20Instructional%20Cal_Eng_Month_rev%206.9.26.pdf)
- [City of Los Angeles Recreation and Parks: Day camps (summer and winter)](https://recreation.parks.lacity.gov/day-camps-summer-winter)
- [City of Santa Monica: Community recreation classes and camps, registration dates and refund rules](https://www.santamonica.gov/recscape)

More guides: https://summerground.com/guides/special-needs-summer-camps-los-angeles.md, https://summerground.com/guides/kids-birthday-party-places.md, https://summerground.com/guides/parents-night-out.md. All of them: https://summerground.com/guides.md.