Best STEM Camps in Studio City 2026: Coding, Robotics & Science
A verified guide to 12 of the best STEM summer camps in and near Studio City for 2026 — covering coding, robotics, hands-on science, engineering, and university-campus tech programs for kids and teens ages 4-17. Updated 2026-05-18.
Studio City STEM Camps at a Glance
Quick answer: Studio City families have 12 strong STEM summer camp options for 2026 — from neighborhood programs meeting on Laurel Canyon, Ventura Blvd, and at local elementary schools, to university-campus tech camps at UCLA and Caltech. Most run June through early August with weekly day-camp sessions ranging from about $400 to $900 per week. University-campus programs and elite tech academies typically run higher.
The major categories are coding & computer science (Code Ninjas, Code Rev Kids, Lavner Camps, iD Tech, Planet Bravo), robotics & engineering (Snapology of Sherman Oaks, Lavner, iD Tech, Bridges Academy, Club SciKidz), hands-on science & experiments (Club SciKidz, Destination Science, Mad Science, California Science Center), outdoor & environmental STEM (Aloha Beach Camp), and university-campus tech camps (iD Tech at UCLA and Caltech, Lavner at UCLA).
Most popular STEM camps open registration in January-February. Early-bird discount deadlines are usually in March or early April, and top tech academies often fill by May.
About this page: This is our editor's selection of 12 standout STEM camps for Studio City families, with detailed listings, photos where available, and direct contact info. For the complete searchable database, visit our full L.A. summer camp directory.
What Is a STEM Camp?
A STEM camp is a summer program built around Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math — with hands-on projects replacing classroom lectures. Many programs add an "A" for Arts (STEAM) to bring in design, creativity, and visual thinking. STEM camps near Studio City fall into a few main types:
- Coding & computer science camps focus on programming languages, game development, app design, and AI. Best for kids who want to build digital projects and develop technical skills.
- Robotics & engineering camps use LEGO, VEX, and custom-build kits to teach mechanical design, sensors, and basic programming. Great for hands-on learners who love to build.
- Hands-on science & experiment camps feature messy, project-based science — chemistry demos, ecosystems, physics challenges, and themed weeks. Best for younger kids exploring what they like.
- Outdoor & environmental STEM camps teach marine biology, ecology, and earth science in the field. Best for kids who learn better outside than in front of a screen.
- University-campus tech academies at UCLA and Caltech offer intensive week-long programs with prestigious campus access. Best for teens with serious interest and a portfolio in mind.
Studio City is conveniently located for all five types. Neighborhood programs (Bridges Academy, Club SciKidz, Destination Science) meet right in Studio City. Adjacent options in Sherman Oaks and Encino (Code Ninjas, Snapology, Code Rev Kids, Planet Bravo) are a five-to-ten-minute drive. University-campus programs at UCLA and Caltech are a 20-30 minute drive depending on traffic.
2026 Quick Reference Table: All Studio City STEM Camps
Summary of every camp in this directory. Click any camp name to jump to its full listing.
| Camp | Focus | Ages | Main Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aloha Beach Camp | Outdoor / Marine Science | 4-15 | Zuma Beach (transportation from Studio City) |
| Bridges Academy Summer | STEM, Robotics, Engineering | K-12 / 2E learners | Studio City |
| California Science Center Hands-On Science Camp | Hands-On Science | Pre-K through 8th | Exposition Park, DTLA |
| Club SciKidz LA | Robotics, Programming, STEAM | 5-12 | Bridges Academy, Studio City |
| Code Ninjas Studio City | Coding, Game Dev | 5-14 | Ventura Blvd, Sherman Oaks |
| Code Rev Kids | Coding, App Design | 6-15 | St. Cyril School, Encino |
| Destination Science | Hands-On Science | 5-11 | Studio City + Encino |
| iD Tech | Coding, AI, Game Dev, Robotics | 7-18 | UCLA + Caltech |
| Lavner Camps / Camp Tech Revolution | Robotics, Coding, AI, 3D Printing | 7-15 | UCLA + Crossroads School, Santa Monica |
| Mad Science of Central LA | Hands-On Science | 5-12 | Mobile / various LA venues |
| Planet Bravo | Coding, Filmmaking, Minecraft, Robotics | Grades K-8 | Hesby Oak Elementary, Encino |
| Snapology of Sherman Oaks | LEGO Robotics, STEAM | 4-12 | Sherman Oaks |
Studio City STEM Camps by Focus Area
Coding & Computer Science Camps
Best for kids who want to write code, build games, design apps, or work with AI.
- Code Ninjas Studio City — Sherman Oaks; ages 5-14
- Code Rev Kids — Encino; ages 6-15
- iD Tech — UCLA and Caltech; ages 7-18
- Lavner Camps / Camp Tech Revolution — UCLA and Santa Monica; ages 7-15
- Planet Bravo — Encino; grades K-8
Robotics & Engineering Camps
Best for hands-on builders — campers design, prototype, and program physical robots.
- Bridges Academy Summer — Studio City
- Club SciKidz LA — Studio City (at Bridges Academy); ages 5-12
- iD Tech — UCLA and Caltech
- Lavner Camps — UCLA; LEGO and VEX robotics
- Snapology of Sherman Oaks — LEGO-based robotics; ages 4-12
Hands-On Science & Experiment Camps
Best for younger kids exploring science through messy, project-based weeks.
- California Science Center Hands-On Science Camp — Exposition Park; Pre-K through 8th grade
- Club SciKidz LA — Studio City; ages 5-12
- Destination Science — Studio City + Encino; ages 5-11
- Mad Science of Central LA — mobile/various; ages 5-12
Outdoor & Environmental STEM
For kids who learn better outdoors than at a screen — field-based marine biology, ecology, and earth science.
- Aloha Beach Camp — Zuma Beach; ages 4-15; ACA-accredited; transportation included
University-Campus Tech Academies
Intensive programs at top universities, for teens building skills and portfolios.
- iD Tech — UCLA (308 Westwood Plaza) and Caltech (Pasadena); ages 7-18; weeklong and 2-week Teen Academies
- Lavner Camps / Camp Tech Revolution — UCLA (308 Westwood Plaza); ages 7-15
Studio City STEM Camps by Location
In Studio City (Local / Walking or Short Drive)
Bridges Academy Summer (3921 Laurel Canyon Blvd), Club SciKidz LA (at Bridges Academy), Destination Science (Studio City location).
Sherman Oaks / Encino (5-10 Minute Drive)
Code Ninjas Studio City (13611 Ventura Blvd), Code Rev Kids (St. Cyril School, Encino), Planet Bravo (Hesby Oak Elementary, Encino), Snapology of Sherman Oaks.
Westside & UCLA (20-25 Minutes Over the Hill)
iD Tech at UCLA, Lavner Camps at UCLA and Crossroads School (Santa Monica).
Pasadena / Caltech (25-30 Minutes via the 134)
iD Tech at Caltech.
Exposition Park / DTLA (30-40 Minutes)
California Science Center Hands-On Science Camp.
Beach & Coastal (Free Transportation Available)
Aloha Beach Camp — Zuma Beach, with free bus transportation from the Valley including Studio City.
Mobile / Various LA Venues
Complete Studio City STEM Camp Listings (Alphabetical)
Full descriptions for all 12 camps in alphabetical order. Each listing includes ages, locations, and direct contact info verified for 2026.
Aloha Beach Camp
Aloha Beach Camp — The best fit for Studio City families who want STEM that happens outside, not at a screen. Aloha integrates hands-on marine science, ocean ecology, weather observation, and sustainability concepts into a day-camp experience built around surfing, boogie boarding, and beach play at Zuma Beach. The only American Camp Association-accredited beach camp in Los Angeles. Free transportation from Studio City and surrounding Valley neighborhoods is included, and you can enroll day-by-day rather than by the week.
- STEM angle: Marine ecosystems, environmental science, weather and tides, observation-based learning
- Locations:
- Zuma Beach (primary)
- Paradise Cove
- Castaic Lake
- Phone: (818) 932-4600
- Accreditation: American Camp Association
- Flexible enrollment: Day-by-day available
- Visit Website →
Bridges Academy Summer Programs
Bridges Academy — A private school for gifted and twice-exceptional (2E) learners located in Studio City. Their summer programs cover STEM, robotics, engineering, and creative project-based weeks. Bridges is a popular venue for outside camp operators as well, so the campus hosts several STEM programs throughout June and July. Especially strong fit for kids who learn best when challenged at a higher cognitive level.
- Address: 3921 Laurel Canyon Blvd, Studio City, CA 91604
- 2026 Dates: June 1 - July 2 (varies by program)
- Aftercare: Available 3:00 PM - 4:30 PM for an additional weekly fee
- Visit Website →
California Science Center Hands-On Science Camp
California Science Center Hands-On Science Camp — The most legitimate science-museum camp in Los Angeles. Pre-K through 8th grade campers choose from over 25 classes covering chemistry, earth science, space science, engineering challenges, live animal encounters, and the museum's Water Works pool for buoyancy and balance experiments. Located at the California Science Center in Exposition Park. About a 30-40 minute drive from Studio City depending on traffic.
- Address: 700 Exposition Park Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90037
- 2026 Cost: Half-Day $240, Full Day $480 per week (member discounts available)
- Extended Day: $120/week add-on, full-day attendees only
- Format: Morning, afternoon, or full-day classes; classes selected by rising grade level
- Visit Website →
Club SciKidz LA
Club SciKidz LA — STEM summer camps held right in Studio City at Bridges Academy. Programs engage students in robotics, programming, engineering, chemistry, STEAM, and general science. Themed weekly camps cover everything from coding fundamentals to chemistry experiments to engineering challenges. Multiple Valley venues, with Studio City as a core location.
- Studio City venue: Bridges Academy, 3921 Laurel Canyon Blvd
- Other nearby venues: La Canada Presbyterian Church, Pasadena Foursquare Church, Hillcrest Center for the Arts
- 2026 weeks at Bridges Academy: Multiple weeks June 22 - July 27
- Visit Website →
Code Ninjas Studio City
Code Ninjas Studio City — A nationwide franchise dedicated to fun, educational computer programming and tech classes for kids. The Studio City location on Ventura Blvd (technically Sherman Oaks-adjacent) offers summer camps in game development, coding, robotics, and JavaScript. Curriculum is belt-based (white through black) so kids progress at their own pace through skill levels.
- Address: 13611 Ventura Blvd, Sherman Oaks, CA 91423
- Format: Weekly themed camps, half-day or full-day options
- Strength: Belt-based progression keeps returning campers challenged
- Visit Website →
Code Rev Kids
Code Rev Kids — Offers online and in-person programming year-round and weekly camps throughout the summer. STEM camp offerings include coding, video game development, App Creators, and more. The Encino/Sherman Oaks location at St. Cyril School is a short drive from Studio City. Full-day (9:30 AM - 3:30 PM) and half-day options. Also offers 1:1 and semi-private online classes year-round.
- Address: St. Cyril School, 4548 Haskell Ave, Encino, CA 91436
- Format: Monday-Friday weeks; full-day 9:30 AM - 3:30 PM; half-day morning or afternoon
- Year-round: Online 1:1 and semi-private classes also available
- Visit Website →
Destination Science
Destination Science — Weekly themed science day camps for elementary-aged kids across Southern California, with a Studio City location and another nearby in Encino. Themes combine engineering and science concepts with outdoor experiments, games, and hands-on builds. Past themes have included robotics showdowns, chain-reaction engineering, and space-mission science. Extended care available.
- Local Venues:
- Studio City
- Encino
- Ages: 5-11 (elementary)
- Format: Weekly themed camps; extended care available
- Best for: Younger kids who want hands-on science without screen time
- Visit Website →
iD Tech
iD Tech — The world's largest summer tech camp brand, with weeklong programs for ages 7-17 and 2-week overnight Teen Academies for ages 13-18. Held at over 75 prestigious campuses including UCLA (about 25 minutes from Studio City over the hill) and Caltech in Pasadena (about 30 minutes via the 134). Courses cover coding, game development, robotics, AI, machine learning, 3D printing, cybersecurity, and Roblox/Minecraft modding. Small class sizes (max 10 students per instructor) and a strong portfolio-building focus for teens.
- UCLA Address: 405 Hilgard Ave / 308 Westwood Plaza, Los Angeles, CA 90095
- Caltech Address: 1200 E California Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91125
- Phone: 1-888-709-8324
- Teen Academies: Ages 13-18, 2-week overnight format, July 5-17 2026
- Best for: Teens building a portfolio or exploring tech career interest
- UCLA Programs → Caltech Programs →
Lavner Camps / Camp Tech Revolution
Lavner Camps / Camp Tech Revolution — Offers 60+ cutting-edge weekly STEM courses at UCLA and at Crossroads School in Santa Monica. Courses include Robotics with LEGO and VEX, Coding (Scratch, Python, Java, C++), Minecraft, Roblox, Among Us, Web Design, 3D Printing, Game Design, App Design, YouTube Video Production, AI, and Kerbal Space Program. Campers can take the same course for multiple weeks to progress through beginner, intermediate, and advanced curricula. Small group instruction with instructors recruited from top universities.
- UCLA Address: 308 Westwood Plaza, Los Angeles, CA 90095
- Santa Monica Address: Crossroads School, 1714 21st Street, Santa Monica, CA 90404
- Phone: 1-888-854-CAMP (2267)
- Format: Weekly courses, 22.5-25 hours/week per course; before- and after-care available
- Strength: Curriculum depth — same course can be taken multiple weeks at different levels
- Visit Website →
Mad Science of Central LA
Mad Science of Central LA — A nationally known science enrichment brand that runs interactive STEM camps with high-energy demos, take-home projects, and creative problem-solving challenges. Programs cover glowing chemistry experiments, autonomous robots, secret-code cryptography, and physics in motion. The Central LA franchise serves multiple Valley and city venues each summer, plus a partnership with Unruly Splats for active coding through programmable light-up floor buttons.
- Format: Weekly themed camps, day-camp format; venue rotates summer to summer
- Strength: High-energy demos and take-home projects that keep younger kids engaged
- Best for: Ages 5-12; science-curious kids who want variety
- Visit Website →
Planet Bravo
Planet Bravo — Project-based STEM and tech camps where kids code, make movies, mod Minecraft, and build robots. 2026 brings new courses including STEM Launchpad, Tech Launchpad, Toy Lab, and Animal Adventures. The Encino venue at Hesby Oak Elementary is a short drive from Studio City. Curriculum is engaging across grade levels, with daily indoor learning balanced by outdoor games and group activities.
- Local Address: Hesby Oak Elementary, 15530 Hesby St, Encino, CA 91436
- 2026 Dates: June 22 - July 31
- Hours: Week-long sessions, Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
- Strength: Variety — campers can do something different each week or pick a deep focus
- Visit Website →
Snapology of Sherman Oaks
Snapology of Sherman Oaks — Uses LEGO bricks and technology to teach STEM/STEAM through hands-on builds and creative play. Programs cover robotics, coding, engineering, and creative making. Snapology of Sherman Oaks explicitly serves Studio City, Van Nuys, Toluca Lake, North Hollywood, and Valley Village. Their Discovery Center model offers instructor-guided classes plus creative play areas. Designed to be inclusive for traditional learners, gifted learners, and kids with sensory sensitivities or autism spectrum considerations.
- Service Area: Sherman Oaks, Studio City, Van Nuys, Toluca Lake, North Hollywood, Valley Village
- Ages: 4-12 (with programs scaled across age groups)
- Format: Camps, classes, parties, after-school programs
- Strength: Inclusive environment; great for younger STEM beginners and neurodivergent learners
- Visit Website →
Looking for Even More L.A. STEM Camps?
These 12 listings are our editor's pick of standout STEM camps for Studio City families. For the complete searchable database of every Los Angeles summer camp — filterable by age, neighborhood, focus, and dates — visit our full L.A. summer camp directory. You can also browse our L.A. specialty camps page for arts, science, technology, and theme-based options across the region.
Frequently Asked Questions About Studio City STEM Camps
What is a STEM camp?
A STEM camp is a summer day camp focused on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math through hands-on projects rather than classroom lectures. STEAM camps add the Arts to that mix. Programs near Studio City range from coding and robotics academies (Code Ninjas, Lavner, iD Tech) to hands-on science workshops (Club SciKidz, Destination Science, Mad Science) to outdoor environmental science (Aloha Beach Camp). Most are weekly day camps for ages 4-14, with university-campus programs and Teen Academies extending to age 18.
How much do Studio City STEM camps cost in 2026?
Most neighborhood STEM day camps near Studio City run $400-$900 per week in 2026. University-campus programs at UCLA and Caltech typically cost more — iD Tech weeklong day camps start around $1,200-$1,500, with 2-week Teen Academies starting at $4,999. The California Science Center charges $240 (half day) or $480 (full day) per week with member discounts. Many camps offer early-bird, sibling, and multi-week discounts; deadlines are typically in March or early April.
What ages are STEM camps for?
STEM camps near Studio City serve a wide age range. Younger campers (ages 4-7) are best served by hands-on science and LEGO robotics programs like Snapology, Destination Science, Mad Science, and California Science Center pre-K classes. Elementary-aged kids (5-12) have the most options, with most programs on this list designed for that range. Teens (13-18) are best served by university-campus programs — iD Tech Teen Academies and advanced Lavner Camps courses at UCLA. Aloha Beach Camp accepts campers from age 4 through 15.
What's the difference between STEM and STEAM camps?
STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. STEAM adds an "A" for Arts, recognizing that creativity, design, and visual thinking are essential to modern STEM careers. In practice, the distinction is fuzzy. Many camps that call themselves "STEAM" still focus on coding and robotics; many "STEM" camps include creative builds and design projects. For Studio City families, the more useful question is: what is my child actually going to do all day? Coding camps mean writing code. Robotics camps mean building robots. Hands-on science camps mean experiments and projects. Look at the actual activities, not the acronym.
Are there coding camps specifically in Studio City?
The closest dedicated coding camps to Studio City are Code Ninjas (13611 Ventura Blvd, Sherman Oaks — technically Sherman Oaks but branded as Studio City), Code Rev Kids (St. Cyril School, Encino), and Planet Bravo (Hesby Oak Elementary, Encino). All three are a 5-10 minute drive from central Studio City. For more advanced or university-campus coding, Lavner Camps and iD Tech at UCLA are about 20-25 minutes over the hill.
Which STEM camps offer transportation to and from Studio City?
Aloha Beach Camp provides free transportation from the Valley including Studio City, which makes its Zuma Beach location feasible even without driving. Most neighborhood STEM camps in Sherman Oaks, Encino, and Studio City do not include transportation since they're within easy driving distance. Bridges Academy and other Studio City venues are local drop-off. For UCLA-campus programs (Lavner, iD Tech), families typically drive in or arrange carpools with other Valley families.
Are there university-campus STEM camps near Studio City?
Yes. Two of the strongest university-campus programs in the country run within 30 minutes of Studio City. iD Tech holds weeklong camps and 2-week overnight Teen Academies at both UCLA (308 Westwood Plaza) and Caltech (1200 E California Blvd, Pasadena). Lavner Camps / Camp Tech Revolution runs at UCLA (308 Westwood Plaza) and at Crossroads School in Santa Monica. Both offer access to top university facilities and instructors recruited from elite schools.
When should I register my child for a Studio City STEM camp?
Register early. Most STEM camps near Studio City open registration in January or February for the following summer. Early-bird discount deadlines are usually in March or early April. Popular weeks at neighborhood programs (Club SciKidz, Destination Science, Snapology) fill by April. University-campus programs (iD Tech UCLA, Lavner UCLA) and Teen Academies often fill by May. If you want a specific camp at a specific week, register as soon as their registration opens.
How to Choose the Right Studio City STEM Camp
With 12 strong STEM camp options for Studio City families, here's a practical decision framework:
1. Start with the activity, not the label
"STEM" and "STEAM" are marketing categories. What matters is what your child does all day. A coding camp means writing code on a computer. A robotics camp means building physical robots with kits. A hands-on science camp means experiments, demos, and project builds. An outdoor STEM camp like Aloha Beach Camp means marine science and ecology happening at the beach. Ask the camp director to walk you through a typical day before you decide.
2. Match the intensity to your child
If your child loves screens and wants to build real coding projects, the university-campus programs (iD Tech, Lavner) deliver deep, structured instruction. If your child is younger or learns better through hands-on play, the hands-on science camps (Club SciKidz, Destination Science, Mad Science, California Science Center) or LEGO-based programs (Snapology) are the better fit. If your child wants STEM without spending all day at a screen, Aloha Beach Camp is uniquely positioned.
3. Decide how far you're willing to drive
Studio City has neighborhood STEM camps within five minutes (Bridges Academy, Club SciKidz, Destination Science). Sherman Oaks and Encino options are five to ten minutes (Code Ninjas, Snapology, Code Rev Kids, Planet Bravo). UCLA campus programs are 20-25 minutes over the hill on a good day. Caltech is 25-30 minutes via the 134. If commute matters and your child is younger, stay local. If your teen wants the prestigious campus experience and depth of instruction, the drive is worth it.
4. Check the instructor pedigree for older kids
For neighborhood programs, instructor warmth and engagement matter more than credentials — younger campers respond to teachers who can keep things fun. For older kids and teens, look at where instructors are recruited from. iD Tech and Lavner both hire from Ivy League and top-tier universities; this shows up in the depth of curriculum and the quality of feedback your child will get on their projects.
5. Register early, but not blindly
Popular STEM camps fill by April or May for premium weeks. Early-bird discounts close in March or early April. But don't register without confirming: (1) the specific week your child can attend, (2) what your child will actually be doing, (3) lunch and aftercare arrangements, and (4) the refund policy if plans change. A 15-minute phone call to the camp director answers all four.
Meet STEM Camps in Person at L.A. Camp Fair 2026
Want to meet STEM camp directors in person before you register? L.A. Camp Fair 2026 is the region's biggest free summer camp expo, with seven convenient dates and locations across Los Angeles County — including the Harvard-Westlake Camp Fair just minutes from Studio City. Hundreds of camps on display, free admission, and the chance to ask coding, robotics, and science camp directors directly about curriculum depth, instructor backgrounds, and what makes their program a fit for your child.
