Paleo Palooza

Join the expedition to our prehistoric past. We’ll dig into the mystery of fossils and practice fieldwork just like real paleontologists. We’ll jump right in with hands-on activities and exploration of the Park to unearth the truth about some of our favorite animals, from dinosaurs to whales. We will visit the Museum’s exhibitions Fossil Mysteries, Coast to Cactus in Southern California, and Unshelved. Perhaps we’ll run into a real paleontologist! Come prepared to paleo party!    

Monday, June 9 through Friday, June 13 | 9 AM–3 PM   
Members $400 | Non-members $425 

Backyard Wilderness 

From our lush coastline to the majestic mountains, from ancient forests to the rugged desert, San Diego is an amazing place! Come explore the plants and animals in our backyard and learn why our home is considered the most biodiverse county in the lower 48 states. Through hands-on exploration at the Museum and throughout Balboa Park, test your tracking skills, learn about the traditional knowledge of the Kumeyaay people, and look for creative inspiration in the nature around you. 

Monday, June 16 through Friday, June 20 | 9 AM–3 PM   
Members $400 | Non-members $425

Remarkable Reptiles

Do you love critters that slither and creep? Explore our region's amazing diversity of reptiles as we get up close and personal through encounters with our Living Lab collection of reptiles. Our animal investigation will take us on field excursions in Balboa Park and our Museum exhibitions, as well as hands-on activities and crafts. Get ready to turn fears into cheers for our reptilian friends!   

Monday, June 23 through Friday, June 27 | 9 AM–3 PM   
Members $400| Non-members $425  

Insect Investigators 

Did you know that all bugs are insects, but not all insects are bugs? In this camp, become a junior entomologist for the week and investigate various bugs through outdoor garden walks and close encounters with the crawly kind. We will visit our exhibitions, Fossil Mysteries and Coast to Cactus in Southern California, and learn about insects of our region—both past and present. Come and join us as we learn about these micro monsters!  

Monday, July 14 through Friday, July 18 | 9 AM–3 PM   
Members $400| Non-members $425  

Paleo Palooza

Join the expedition to our prehistoric past. We’ll dig into the mystery of fossils and practice fieldwork just like real paleontologists. We’ll jump right in with hands-on activities and exploration of the Park to unearth the truth about some of our favorite animals, from dinosaurs to whales. We will visit the Museum’s exhibitions Fossil Mysteries, Coast to Cactus in Southern California, and Unshelved. Perhaps we’ll run into a real paleontologist! Come prepared to paleo party!    

Monday, July 28 through Friday, August 1 | 9 AM–3 PM
Members $400 | Non-members $425

Animal Extremes

Let’s get wild! Animals have wonderful and wacky survival techniques. We’ll explore some of the most extreme features of the animal kingdom, such as speed, anatomy, behavior, and diet.  We’ll visit the Museum’s exhibitions, go outside to find wildlife, and explore various habitats right in the Park. Join us as we go to the extreme!  

Monday, August 4 through Friday, August 8 | 9 AM–3 PM   
Members $400 | Non-members $425   

I’m an Ologist 

What would it 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 natural science could be so fun? 

Explore Balboa Park 

How lucky are we to live in a city home to Balboa Park? Come explore the Park’s gardens, learn its unique history, and discover its natural beauty. 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. Grab your walking shoes, and let’s celebrate all things Balboa Park. 

Science of Flight 

Up, up, and away! Humans have been fascinated with flight for thousands of years. From dinosaurs and birds to some unexpected gliders, we’ll investigate the science of flight. What lessons have we learned from our feathered friends that have led humans to take to the skies? We will investigate this fascination through visits to our Museum exhibitions and excursions in Balboa Park. Join us as we take off for some plane old fun! 

Wonder Women in Science  

Girl Power is the name of the game for this camp, which was 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.      

Kaleidoscope: Art and Science

Is there art in science? Is there science in art? This camp will investigate these questions as we explore natural science and all its beauty, diversity, and creativity. We’ll look towards our outside world to explore color, movement, and sound. Nature will serve as our muse in hands-on activities, art projects, and theater games. Museum exhibitions will be our lab and inspiration. Come discover the beauty of nature!     

I’m an Ologist 

What would it 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 natural science could be so fun? 

Rock On! 

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!    

Paleo FBI  

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.     

Digital Storytelling

We’re mixing technology with science and storytelling in this middle school camp experience. Learn how digital devices like smartphones and tablets change how people interact with nature. We’ll use iPads to learn the basics of digital storytelling. Then, you and your fellow campers will dig into the Museum’s collections and the beautiful surroundings of Balboa Park to create stories about how you experience the natural world. The week will end with a film festival of your stories, giving your invited guests a chance to see your masterpiece!    

Nature Challenge 

Nature meets technology in this interactive exploration of Balboa Park. Peek behind the scenes at our research collections to learn how our scientists learn about and help save various species. Step into the role of a scientist as you collect plant and animal observations during expeditions around the Park. At the end of the week, we’ll share our findings, giving friends and family a chance to see what we have discovered.