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Kids enjoy a sunny day at Newport Dunes
Kids enjoy a sunny day at Newport Dunes
Joelle Casteix
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Sometimes, you don’t need or want a full week of camp, but only a day here or there. Or maybe you have friends visiting and their kids would like to have a day or two of a “totally rad” California day camp experience. Enter the “drop-in” day camp. 

The following camps offer a one-day or many-day solution for your child, no full-week contract necessary. Registration is usually required. You should always call in advance. After that, you can choose how many days are the perfect fit for your child’s summer schedule.

Camp James

City: Newport Beach

Phone: 949-729-1098 

campjames.com

This award-winning Newport Dunes staple has been entertaining and educating campers for more than 25 years. Located on Newport Beach’s beautiful Back Bay, activities for kids ages 4 to 13 include miniature golf, laser tag, swimming, archery, drama, arts and crafts, kayaking, canoeing, stand-up paddleboarding, martial arts and zip lining. Unlike other camps, Camp James primarily sells by the day, with decreasing rates the more days you purchase. Single-day rates start at $77 with a $25 registration fee per child. For the most complete experience, the camp recommends that you enroll your child for at least 10 full days.

Cola’s Surf Camp

City: San Clemente

Phone: 949-547-6203

colas-surf-camp.squarespace.com

Oh, no! You have relatives coming into town for three days and their kids want to learn to surf. Private lessons are expensive. Plus, you want the kids to make friends and learn in a fun environment. Enter Cola’s Surf Camp – one of the only surf camps with a drop-in option. Come for a day, a week or all of the five, one-week sessions. 

The camp, entering its 20th year, is run by a California state lifeguard and local elementary school teacher, and is staffed by trained pros (many who are camp alums). Your kids will learn to surf safely and with respect for the ocean and other surfers. Day rates are $85. Full-week rates are $395. Cost includes registration and equipment.

Christ Lutheran School Age Care Summer Camp

City: Costa Mesa

Phone: 949 548-6866

christcm.com

This camp, which offers daily drop-in, full-week, and all-summer options, is guaranteed to tucker out any kid. Campers entering first through eighth grade take part in exploratory classes such as science, art and sports. Field trips include kayaking, movie days, trampoline parks, a pool or beach trip each week, and a full-day field trip to great places like Knott’s Berry Farm, Raging Waters and Legoland. Special events include theme days, guest speakers, rock climbing, scavenger hunts and game days. I’m exhausted just thinking about it. 

The camp is a bargain: The drop-in day rate is $60 with a one-time $40 registration fee. There are separate costs for field trips.