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About
The Curiosity Lab

Created and led by a former public elementary school teacher who has spent the last 25 years developing curriculum that immerses children in outdoor nature experiences.  The Curiosity Lab is offering week-long nature based camps that provide amazing experiences along the magnificent San Mateo Coast. 

Each location has been carefully selected to bring a sense of wonder and joy.  We start the day connecting with nature either on a trail, in a tide pool, or on a beach.  After lunch, it’s time for free play and exploration; splash in a creek, climb a boulder, examine a bug, build a sand castle, fly a kite or bask in the sun.  

It's time to get out, get dirty and get happy!

Founded in 2020
Our Staff

Created and led by a former public elementary school teacher who has spent the last 25 years developing curriculum that immerses children in outdoor nature experiences.   Two adults per camp.  One is a credentialed teacher, the other is a naturalist.  

Best of 2025 Nominee
Summer Camp Guide 2023
Tax ID (EIN): 85-1209570
Locations (2)
Contact The Curiosity Lab
Reviews
5.0 (31)
(Thanksgiving Break Outdoor Nature Exploration Camp)
February 17, 2025 - Olurazhidaan Mitchell
Verified Purchase
Fantastic! Just what my girl needed. Outdoor adventure & fun the entire day. Different locations - redwoods, mountains, creeks, beaches. So many adventures that I couldn’t provide and the pictures to prove it ❤️ Wonderful experience for my 9 year old. Already signed-up for 2 sessions in summer 🐌🦋🐛 Wish we could do spring.
(Outdoor Nature Exploration Summer Camp)
July 1, 2024 - Reshma Thadani
Verified Purchase
I highly recommend this camp. My kids thoroughly enjoyed themselves. Wonderful activities and caring leaders.
June 14, 2024 - Kelly Wells
Verified Purchase
This is my son’s 3rd summer at The Curiosity Lab and this is the only camp he has ever asked to repeat year after year. They go to different places each day. They do hiking then play time after lunch in a creek, climbing boulders, building sand castles, etc. What I love most is the unstructured time. After a long school year, I want my kid to be a kid, exploring and having fun. As a former teacher, Julie is great about teaching kids while out on the trails based on what they come upon, not by demonstration material or arts and craft projects. There is nothing wrong with that but that is not this camp. They go out to explore and learn. My son won’t stop talking about all the redwood tree facts he learned this week when they visited a redwood forest. His favorite day of camp is Friday beach days. Kids are expected to carry their own backpacks and lunches on the trail and they go a few miles every day. Be mindful of the age limits for the camp but most importantly your kids ability. Julie has always led this camp since my son started and has always been wonderful. I always recommend this camp.
FAQ's
Is The Curiosity Lab worth it?
Parents recommend The Curiosity Lab and the average rating is 5 out of 5. Overall, the reviews indicate that The Curiosity Lab provides engaging and enjoyable experiences for children.
What ages can go to The Curiosity Lab?
The Curiosity Lab has camps for children ages 5 to 13. Age-appropriate activities are designed to engage and inspire children at different developmental stages.
Questions & Answers
Hi - is the itinerary the same each week? i.e if I book two weeks will the activities/locations repeat the second week? (Outdoor Nature Exploration Summer Camp) -
asked on May 08, 2024
May 14, 2024 - Julie Propp
Thanks for your question. We always to to the beach of Fridays and we always go to Castle Rock, and we always go to the Redwood Forest, although not necessarily the same one. Every year we have kids do more than one camp and they always have a great time. -
Hi, my sons are 8 and 11. Do you think this camp would be suitable for them or would them be too old? (Winter Break Outdoor Nature Exploration Camp) -
asked on Dec 28, 2023
Dec 29, 2023 - Julie Propp
We take 5 to 11 year olds on our camp. It's totally suitable for them. -
How doe rain affect the activities? (Winter Break Outdoor Nature Exploration Camp) -
asked on Feb 02, 2023
Feb 03, 2023 - Julie Propp
Hi Tonya, if it rains we'll check out the forecast and decide where to go that day. While hiking on a trial the trees give lots of shelter and we'll be wearing rain gear. I'll also have kids hand warmers from REI. Most of the state parks we go to have a nature centers we can visit in the afternoon as well as covered picnic tables for afternoon art and play activities. If it's really pouring we'll go to Coyote Point and learn about nature there. Thanks for asking! -
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