A Time To Dance offers group and private lessons in jazz, Afro-Cuban, hip hop, ballet, salsa, ballroom dancing, acting, singing, drumming, guitar, piano, and trumpet.

Scholarships are available for low income families; discounts are also available. A portion of all proceeds benefit the Zion project, a non-profit charity dedicated to helping inner-city families.

During the summer, A Time to Dance offers a performing arts camp that includes music instruction (drumming, piano, and guitar), dance instruction (salsa, swing, ballroom, jazz, modern, and hip-hop), acting (voice projection, staging, and improvisation), and singing (the kids pick the songs).

For a schedule of current classes, visit the studio's website.

A Time To Dance offers group and private lessons in jazz, Afro-Cuban, hip hop, ballet, salsa, ballroom dancing, acting, singing, drumming, guitar, piano, and trumpet.

Scholarships are available for low income families; discounts are also available. A portion of all proceeds benefit the Zion project, a non-profit charity dedicated to helping inner-city families.

During the summer, A Time to Dance offers a performing arts camp that includes music instruction (drumming, piano, and guitar), dance instruction (salsa, swing, ballroom, jazz, modern, and hip-hop), acting (voice projection, staging, and improvisation), and singing (the kids pick the songs).

For a schedule of current classes, visit the studio's website.

Academy by the Sea and Camp Pacific offer three separate residential camps for kids ages eight through 16.

The month-long Academic program focuses on improving study skills and strengthening students' education. Campers choose four classes from a variety of subjects, and focus on these academic areas. Fun is part of the curriculum, with plenty of afternoon and weekend recreational activities. Boarding is encouraged, though day students are welcome to attend.

Camp Pacific is for the camper looking for recreation and sports. Skill-building, teamwork, sportsmanship, and self-improvement are elements the campers focus on - as well as on having fun. Those in Camp Pacific have the option of participating int the Surf and Bodyboard camp.

At the week-long Surf and Bodyboard camp, campers learn how to surf and bodyboard - or improve on existing skills. The sessions include instruction on the beach, classroom instruction, and independent practice.

The cost includes meals, internet access, all athletic and social activities, and a T-shirt.

ACT San Diego offers opportunities for young performers to play, act, and learn the art of stagecraft in a fun, satisfying, yet highly professional environment.

ACT offers classes and workshops taught by well-respected, professional actors and teachers. ACT also produces youth theatre productions led by professional actor, directors, producers, musical directors, and choreographers.

Performances take place at the Lyceum Theater in Horton Plaza.

Acting Professionally offers screen acting classes for adults and children, taught by actor and director Terry Ross. Summer camps on related topics are also available.

Art 4 Children offers a wide variety of classes - some at local schools, many at the studio, others at private events - including birthday parties. They even offer week-long camps for kids during school breaks. The classes range from Mommy and Me sessions to arts and crafts workshops for the older kids.

Art 4 Children offers a wide variety of classes - some at local schools, many at the studio, others at private events - including birthday parties. They even offer week-long camps for kids during school breaks. The classes range from Mommy and Me sessions to arts and crafts workshops for the older kids.

Art Start's Susan Bainbridge teaches students to develop creativity and drawing skills through afterschool enrichment classes and summer camp programming.

Online registration is available on the City of Poway's website.

Band at the Beach, now in its 20th year, is a "music advocacy" organization offering group and private music lessons to students interested in learning how to play the piano and other musical instruments. They also refer qualified music teachers.

During the summer, Band at the Beach holds a music camp for students in seventh through 12th grades that culminates with a concert open to the public. Students must have two years' experience or a note from their teacher to attend. The camp is held at the Masonic Center of Point Loma, 1711 Sunset Cliffs Boulevard, in Ocean Beach.

From Annie to Peter Pan to Les Miserables to Grease, every Broadway Bound Youth Theatre Foundation (BBYT) production pleases actors and audiences alike. Since 1996, BBYT has given students from five to 18 the opportunity to experience a bit of Broadway right here in San Diego.

The goal of BBYTartistic director Lynne Broyles has always been to share her passion for musical theatre with children and teens so that they, in turn, can continue this creative tradition as teachers, performers and art patrons for generations to come.

To do this, students receive training in vocals, acting and choreography. They learn how to interpret the text of a play and make it their own and that even the smallest part is important. Along the way, they not only gain skills, but long-lasting friendships.

As a non-profit 501(c) 3 foundation, BBYT believes that education in the theatrical arts gives students the skills needed to communicate effectively and helps develop the tools necessary to be a proactive member of the community no matter the chosen career path.

Let your children's imaginations run wild this summer at the national Camp Invention, a weeklong day camp offered in elementary schools across the country. In San Diego, the camp is held at Valley Vista Elementary, in Bonita.

Kids in the first through sixth grades participate in fun, hands-on activities that enhance their understanding of the arts, sciences, history, and math.

Created by the National Inventors Hall of Fame Foundation in partnership with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.

Camp Science Safari offers a variety of camps, all focusing on archaeology, palentology, science (which may include cooking), and engineering - all designed to get the kids thinking while having fun! Kids spend the morning involved in a group activity, woodwork and paintshop lessons, game zone time, a daily sports lesson in hockey, basketball, indoor soccer, softball, and inflatable rope climb), water play, and playground time. The day gets even better in the afternoon when the campers focus on a special project. Each week concludes with a family finale, where family members get to be a camper for a couple of hours. Careful you don't get wet!

The camps are offered in two parks: one in Rancho Bernardo and the other in Carmel Valley. For detailed information about the different camps, refer to the camp's web site.

Camp Science Safari offers a variety of camps, all focusing on archaeology, palentology, science (which may include cooking), and engineering - all designed to get the kids thinking while having fun! Kids spend the morning involved in a group activity, woodwork and paintshop lessons, game zone time, a daily sports lesson in hockey, basketball, indoor soccer, softball, and inflatable rope climb), water play, and playground time. The day gets even better in the afternoon when the campers focus on a special project. Each week concludes with a family finale, where family members get to be a camper for a couple of hours. Careful you don't get wet!

The camps are offered in two parks: one in Rancho Bernardo and the other in Carmel Valley. For detailed information about the different camps, refer to the camp's web site.

The City Ballet School and Company is a world-class professional ballet company, whose members perform both classic and contemporary ballet programs. In addition to public performances, the City Ballet offers training programs for children and pre-professionals, as well as outreach and education programs.

Club Xcite is an innovative after school and summer mentoring organization dedicated to assisting families who need a helping hand in educating, mentoring, or just involving their children in athletic, academic, or social activities.

Club Xcite has structured programs that fit the need of kids who have learning disabilities, hard time making friends, social anxiety, difficulty focusing, struggle getting movtivate, bi-polar, behavioral problems, or any other special needs.

Mentors can provide transportation from school to your house (if needed), make sure homework gets done correctly, provide one-on-one academic tutoring in problem areas, instruct child in different sports and outdoor activities, and act as a positive role model and friend.

Club Xcite! also offers a summer camps for kids ages eight to twelve who have a harder time making friends. The camps build and maintain an environment where kids feel that they can be themselves, open up, make friends, and most importantly, have fun. All activities, sports, and games are selected to help inspire and develop friendships, with a ratio of one counselor to every two or three campers.

Converse International School of Languages ffers an intensive summer Spanish or French language program for teens. Students study the language by speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills from 9am to 12:30pm and afternoons from 1pm to 5:30pm.

Students also have the option of attending supervised fun activities and excursions with teens from Spain, France, Italy, Germany, Mexico, Brazil, and Japan. Activities include beach day, movie day, volleyball day, a Harbour cruise, San Diego Zoo, and Seaworld. Excursions include trips to Six Flags Magic Mountain, Disneyland, and much more!

Choose between Option A (Spanish only) or Option B (Spanish plus activities). A placement test is administered to determine student's level prior their start date. Levels start at Beginner and continue through Advanced/Bilingual. The enrollment fee of $75 covers the cost of text books and placement test.

CSUSM-ES Summer Youth Camps offers three camps that stimulate kids' creativity.

Engineering with Lego: Kids, ages six to 12, learn about engineering and design using the LEGO® Technic kit; build houses, bridges and motorized machines. Participate in design challenges and competitions.

Celebrate America: Slightly older kids (ages 8-11) explore the rich heritage of our country and its founders, and participate in a musical production featuring highlights of American History.

Creative Youth Academy: Creative art enthusiasts (ages 10-16) can develop their talents in workshops that include video game design, computer graphics, cartooning, fine arts for kids, website animation, and website design.

All three summer programs take place on the Cal State San Marcos campus. For working parents, the Boys & Girls Club in San Marcos offers morning and afternoon activities from 6:30am-7pm with transportation to and from the youth program on campus.

CSUSM-ES Summer Youth Camps offers three camps that stimulate kids' creativity.

Engineering with Lego: Kids, ages six to 12, learn about engineering and design using the LEGO® Technic kit; build houses, bridges and motorized machines. Participate in design challenges and competitions.

Celebrate America: Slightly older kids (ages 8-11) explore the rich heritage of our country and its founders, and participate in a musical production featuring highlights of American History.

Creative Youth Academy: Creative art enthusiasts (ages 10-16) can develop their talents in workshops that include video game design, computer graphics, cartooning, fine arts for kids, website animation, and website design.

All three summer programs take place on the Cal State San Marcos campus. For working parents, the Boys & Girls Club in San Marcos offers morning and afternoon activities from 6:30am-7pm with transportation to and from the youth program on campus.

Dance Magic is a full service dance studio that offers classes in jazz, ballet, tap, gymnastics, hip hop, and baton. Its competitive dance team has won world championships, but "fun" recreational dancing is also available.

The company also hosts princess camps, princess dance days, a Harry Potter Camp, and spa days.

Dancing Ever After takes pride in creating a nurturing and non-competitive environment
for learning the performing arts.

Classes focus on strong dance technique, terminology, choreography, and improvisation,while also encouraging individual expression and creativity.

A variety of classes are offered for young beginners as well as more seasoned dancers. For specific information please visit the Dancing Ever After website.

DayJams is a rock music day camp program for beginners and experienced musicians ages eight to 15. Participants write an original song and perform it live, record a CD, design a poster, T-shirt, and CD cover for their band, make a music video, and, yes, spend a little time pursuing outdoor activities as well.

Tuition includes books, CD, art supplies, and, in some cases, access to classroom instruments and extended hours (8am-5:30pm).

Applications should be sent to the main office (not the host schools):

DayJams

P.O. Box 222

Lakeside, CT 06758

Accredited by Stanford University, Digital Media Academy (DMA) is a nationally-recognized organization offering creative, hands-on learning experiences in a broad range of the most current and relevant digital media technologies. Topics include video game design, film-making, robotics, and 3D animation, among others.

DMA offers Digital Media Adventures courses for kids nine to 13, and Summer Computer Camps for teens. All courses are project-based, using industry-standard, professional software tools.

For more information on camps and courses, call or visit the DMA website.

Gateways Summer School is designed for kids entering first through 12th grades, who like to learn, to achieve, and explore academic and artistic concepts in depth. This popular camp is for higher-achieving children.

Gateways Summer School is designed for kids entering first through 12th grades, who like to learn, to achieve, and explore academic and artistic concepts in depth. This popular camp is for higher-achieving children.

Named for its founder, California native and animal lover Helen Whittier Woodward, the Animal Center is dedicated to teaching people how to help animals and animals how to help people. Located on 12 acres in Rancho Santa Fe, the nationally recognized Center houses adoption kennels, stables and arena for the Therapeutic Riding program, a pet boarding facility, small-animal and equine hospitals, classrooms, and more.

It offers tours of its facility and hosts a number of educational programs for children which focus on teaching respect and compassion for animals. These include Critter Camps, Animal Lover's Club, First Friends, and Pet Pals programs. Critter Camp is an animal-themed day camp held around school breaks during the spring, winter, and summer for ages four to 12.

Special programs are available for Girl Scouts and Cub Scouts and other children in youth organizations who want to earn badges.

iD Tech Camps are week-long day and overnight summer programs for kids ages seven to 17, held at 50 prestigious universities nationwide, including the University of California at San Diego. Kids can build robots, create video games, design websites with Flash, film digital movies, learn programming, and more. The program includes one computer per student and an average of six students per staff, and students take home a project at the end of the course.

Teen programs include iD Gaming Academy, iD Film Academy, and a Study Abroad program in Spain.

Not a must for kids, but if you're visiting Balboa Park, it's a nice spot to take a breather. You'll appreciate the calm of the well-tended pathways and bonsai trees. Your children will probably gravitate toward the giant koi pond in which swim scores of "living jewels," as the fish were called by the ancient Japanese.

Be sure to stop by the Tea Pavilion, which serves shaved ice and ice cream for the kids, and tea, sushi, and Japanese food for you.

A half-day summer camp, for kids in first through eighth grades, exposes the children to Japanese culture through crafts, games, language, food, and kimono dressing.

Kamp KidzArt offers a unique, fun, creative, and confidence building week. Every camp day kids have a drawing lesson using simple techniques allowing them to explore, express and create original, representative art right away. Several painting and 3-D projects are also included and the session ends with "Gallery Day" where KidzArtists display their works of art for their special guests to see. Sketch book, portfolio, and all art materials are included.

Though taught in a small studio, Katharine's Academy of Dance, is family-oriented, offers a low student-teacher ratio, and is intentionally affordable. Classes include ballet, tap, hip hop, and jazz, for both boys and girls.

Kindermusik of La Mesa provides developmentally-appropriate music classes for younger children. The high-quality music sessions are taught by a dedicated team of music educators whose goal is to instill a lifetime appreciation of the arts in the children, while having fun.

Classes are held throughout the year, with music camps scheduled for the summer.

The YMCA strives to offer Something for Everybody in its La Jolla facility, and it mostly succeeds. Its programs are generally a solid, dependable value. Program registration is usually available by phone, but some, like summer camps, require that you show up in person.

Sports Programs: Offers a range of options, including Youth and Pee Wee Sports Leagues in soccer, t-ball, baseball, football, tennis; a complete Aquatics program in its outdoor pool for children eighteen months to high school; Gymnastics for children eighteen months to high school; Basketball in its indoor gymnasium; and Tennis instruction.

Vacation Camps and Summer Camps: These are extremely popular and often filled to capacity, so book early! Some camps are taught exclusively at the Y, others take place in the field. Overnight camps to semi-exotic destinations are offered for older kids. We have favorite childhood memories of the Y's Caravan trips to Catalina Island, still offered for kids 9-13. Other "Caravan" destinations include Northern California and Yosemite.

Y Guides and Adventure Princess/Guides Program: A program for boys and girls in Kindergarten-Third Grade. Fathers and their children participate in group activities that include camping trips and other fun outings.

Parties: The Y can make its facilites available for birthday parties.

A large fitness center, aerobics, and family counseling are also available.

The Lamb's Players Theatre is one of Southern California's leading non-profit performing arts organizations. The intimate 350-seat resident theatre is in Coronado's historic Spreckels Building, just two blocks north of the Hotel del Coronado.

An annual five-play season runs January through November; in December the group performs a variety of Christmas productions.

During the summer, LPT offers drama camps for both beginning and advanced aspiring actors.

The Lawrence Family Jewish Community Center (the JCC) is located in a gorgeous campus environment near University Town Center. Its newly renovated and expanded facilities include a state-of-the-art fitness center (which provides babysitting services), an art gallery, theater, tennis courts, an Olympic-size swimming pool, and the Nierman Preschool, a high quality childcare center serving children 18-months old to pre-kindergarten age.

The JCC offers a variety of social, educational, and sports programs for kids of all ages, regardless of race, religious affiliation, or cultural background. These programs include but are not limited to:

After School Youth Enrichment for ages K-6.
This program offers a variety of classes such as chess, Spanish, music, science, art, and computer skills to help make the afternoon hours a fun and educational experience.

A Teen Center, which provides a fun and safe place for kids 7th grade and older to hang out. Amenities include a pool table, foosball, large screen TV, computers and games. The Teen Center also hosts organized activities such as dances, game nights, and more.

A Youth Physical Education department that offers a wide range of leagues, classes, and opportunities for children of all ages to be involved in sports. Kids can join gymnastics, swimming, tennis, basketball, flag football, baseball, karate, and triathlon training.

Krav Maga, a martial arts/self defense program. (Contact Dana Kaplan at
619.682.7090 for class schedules and prices.)

Performing Arts classes include dancing, singing, music, voice and the very popular children's theater group, the J*Company, which performs full stage productions each quarter in the JCC's new 500-seat theater.

Camp Jaycee provides summer, winter and spring camps with themes such as sports, swimming, crafts, theater, cooking, and singing.

In addition, the JCC rents its facilites for birthday parties, hosts a kids' night out/parents' night off, and offers special all-day camps for school holidays.

Lil'Arts, Inc. offers dance, drama, musical theatre, art, and music classes, including piano and guitar. Music classes are offered for children ages one and up (an adult caregiver attends with the child); children must be at least three to attend a dance, drama, or art course.

Birthday parties are offered on
Saturdays from 1:30pm to 3pm. Choose from a selection of different themes: dance, musical theater, or art.

Lil'Arts Summer camps are held in June, July, and August. In the camps, children "journey" to different cultures by delving into different art forms.

After School Programs are offered through a collaboration between Lil'Arts and The Learning Tree. This
unique program brings to students a balance of core
studies and the performing arts. Pick-up service is offered at the Westwood and Monterey Ridge schools in Rancho Bernardo and 4-S Ranch.

Lux Art Institute is a museum that hosts a residency program that creates opportunities for visitors to meet with renowned artists and watch them at work. Summer art camps are also offered.