ActivityHero is thrilled to announce the best camps, classes, and kids’ activities of 2017 — based on top reviews from families. See all 26 winners & 5 honorable mentions!
When you’re looking for a new camp or class for your kids, how do you choose from all of the exciting options? There are some obvious considerations, like the schedule and location, that an activity must meet. But a great activity should be more than just a place to leave your kids during the day or when you’re busy. It should encourage kids to explore different skills, be themselves, and meet new friends. Parents should feel great leaving their kids at an activity with friendly, passionate staff.
In 2017, parents posted tons of reviews on ActivityHero about their camp/class experiences. Based on these reviews, we’ve rounded up the top activity providers in several categories (sports, science/tech, performing arts, creative arts, academic and outdoor) to help you choose your kids’ activities for next year.
You can see the highest rated camps and classes from last year at our Best Camps, Classes & Activities of 2016. If you try out a camp or class this year, please write a review** to help make them eligible for next year! To see all of our providers, you can search for activities on ActivityHero today.
**Note: All reviews must meet our review guidelines
See Schedules for All Camps & Classes Near You >>
Best Sports Camps & Classes of 2017
Coach Ken Soccer Academy
Los Altos, California
(Also a Best of 2015 and 2016!)
“Coach Ken’s classes and camps are fantastic. They are very well organized, and the kids are separated into small groups by skill level, so that the teaching, 1v1, and small team games are always appropriate for each level. Ken does an amazing job breaking down the skills and fundamentals into steps that the kids can learn little-by-little, and after a while even the 5-year-olds are starting to show off some very solid dribbling skills (including a few fancy moves!)”
– Christina, April 2017
See all reviews & current schedules for Coach Ken Soccer Academy
GrowFit
Palo Alto, California
“My kids did not say goodbye in the mornings, and they did not want to go home in the afternoons… Thank you for the engaging program! You save working parents’ lives.”
– Janet, February 2017
See all reviews & current schedules for GrowFit
Spartan Allstars
La Canada Flintridge, California
(Also a Best of 2015 and 2016!)
“The director is fantastic and goes above and beyond to make each family’s experience positive. Both my kids attended and had a fantastic time.”
– Carrie, July 2017
See all reviews & current schedules for Spartan Allstars
See Schedules for All Camps & Classes Near You >>
Best Science/Technology Camps & Classes of 2017
CodaKid – Kids Tech Camps
Multiple Locations, Arizona
(Also a Best of 2015 and 2016!)
“My grandson was excited to get to class each morning and excited to tell me what he had accomplished each day. The leaders were helpful and willing to research questions when he wanted to do something outside this particular curriculum. The camp was well worth the cost and the new skills he learned will be an asset in his Robotics class in school.”
– Donna, June 2017
See all reviews & current schedules for CodaKid
Camp Sparkiverse
Palo Alto, California
“Our son ALWAYS wants to go to Sparkiverse! We can’t wait until our daughter is old enough to start attending some of the after-school classes. The staff is engaged, energetic, and so thoughtful. We feel that they know our son so well and are constantly looking for new ways to challenge him through the course material.”
– Kristin, April 2017
See all reviews & current schedules for Camp Sparkiverse
Discover Science Center
Roswell, Georgia
“My 6yo had so much fun playing and doing experiments. She loved bringing home her final results and the lab journal they created and used to document their findings. She honestly didn’t even know she was learning. I was nervous about her not knowing anyone, but they made it welcoming for everyone and she ended the week with new friends and scheduling play dates.”
– Crystal, June 2017
See all reviews & current schedules for Discover Science Center
See Schedules for All Camps & Classes Near You >>
Best Performing Arts Camps & Classes of 2017
Steppin’ Out Dance Studio
San Francisco, California
“Owner Angela Dorantes is warm, patient, and encouraging while running an efficient, imaginative and challenging class of age-appropriate activities. As a former professional dancer, this is the program I chose for my daughter for a second year as I was so impressed with Angela’s skill and enthusiasm with this age group.”
– Greta, May 2017
See all reviews & current schedules for Steppin’ Out Dance Studio
Rock Band Land
San Francisco, California
(Also a Best of 2016!)
“Highly recommended! My son LOVED THIS CAMP. The team that runs it is fun, organized, and make it amazing for the kids (and the parents too). The show on the last day is a real chart topper!”
– Karen, July 2017
See all reviews & current schedules for Rock Band Land
One Heart Music
Multiple Locations, California
(Also a Best of 2016!)
“This is the perfect music class for little ones! George keeps the kids engaged with both his original and classic kids songs, allowing the kids to play instruments, sing and dance while he sings and plays guitar. My son showed more involvement than I ever saw him show in other circle time activities and I think it’s due to the mix of activities and George’s positive energy and love of music, which really reflects in how the kids enjoyed the class. I would highly recommend to anyone with small children that is looking for a class that they can enjoy too!”
– Nicky, June 2017
See all reviews & current schedules for One Heart Music
Mr. D’s Music Club
Oakland, California
(Also a Best of 2015!)
“My daughter’s second year participating in this energetic music, dance, and art camp. All the kids are belting out the tunes and have such confidence expressing themselves on stage. The dances are creative and unique. My daughter will be back next year.”
– Tanja, June 2017
See all reviews & current schedules for Mr. D’s Music Club
See All Camp & Class Schedules Near You Now >>
Best Creative Arts Camps & Classes of 2017
The Art Beat
Campbell, California
(Also a Best of 2016!)
“Highly recommend! My son had a wonderful time. The staff were energetic and friendly. My son wants to go back and try some of their other workshops.”
– Klare, March 2017
See all reviews & current schedules for The Art Beat
Lascaux Art Academy
Belmont, California
(Also a Best of 2016!)
“My daughter has gotten to try lots of projects as well as create some of her own. The art work she brings home is amazing. It is her favorite activity every week and she would go every day if she could. She went to one of their summer camps last year and will be signing up for more this year”
– Alison, June 2017
See all reviews & current schedules for Lascaux Art Academy
Gorilla Art Studio
Multiple Locations, Los Angeles California
(Also a Best of 2016!)
“Gorilla Art camp was fantastic and we look forward to our next session! The teachers and helpers were so great with my daughter and she came home with the cutest projects.”
– Brandy, June 2017
See all reviews & current schedules for Gorilla Art Studio
Brushstrokes Studio
Berkeley, California
(Also a Best of 2015 and 2016!)
“Highly recommended. The teachers were amazing and the projects were lots of fun for my daughter! Beautiful space for your child to spend the day, with many art options.”
– Gina, April 2017
See all reviews & current schedules for Brushstrokes Studio
CD’s Kids Art Studio
San Jose, California
(Also a Best of 2015 and 2016!)
“Excellent camp! My kids had a blast! They came home with art work they are very proud of and that they had fun creating. We will be back for sure.”
– Sarah, February 2017
See all reviews & current schedules for CD’s Kids Art Studio
A Little Yumminess
San Francisco, California
(Also a Best of 2015 and 2016!)
“My kids are both HUGE fans of A Little Yumminess. This camp not only gives them confidence and skills in the kitchen, but also fills their brains and hearts with an understanding of different cultures and traditions, a healthy respect for a variety of amazing global tastes, and a kindredness with the counselors campers that has kept us coming back many times!”
– Alle, January 2017
See all reviews & current schedules for A Little Yumminess
Butcher’s Sew Shop Junior
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
(Also a Best of 2015!)
“The afterschool program was amazing! I could not believe what my 5-year old could sew on a machine after only a couple of sessions. We signed her up for a week of summer camp already.”
– Hien, June 2017
See all reviews & current schedules for Butcher’s Sew Shop Junior
See Schedules for All Camps & Classes Near You >>
Best Academic Camps & Classes of 2017
Way To Go Programs
Los Altos, California
“As a working parent, it felt more like I was bringing my son to go on daytime adventures with family members instead of just bringing him to daycare. Love Luckie and her staff, they go the extra mile to ensure the kids have an incredible summmer. Thank you Way to Go programs!!!”
– Lisa, February 2017
See all reviews & current schedules for Way To Go Programs
Kidizens
Multiple Locations, Bay Area California
(Also a Best of 2015 and 2016!)
“My son had a terrific time at Kidizen Lego Camp! The instructor, Scott, did an awesome job helping kids navigate the decisions and logistics of building a working community. My son loved the teamwork aspect, and came home each day excited about the creativity and the real-life things they needed to incorporate/consider. Overall, the camp was outstanding, and we would definitely recommend it to friends!”
– Jamie, June 2017
See all reviews & current schedules for Kidizens
BrainVyne – Providers of LEGO® Education
Multiple Locations, Bay Area California
(Also a Best of 2015 and 2016!)
“My son (4 year old), loved this camp!…The people were super nice and patient with my son.”
– Marena, April 2017
See all reviews & current schedules for BrainVyne
See Schedules for All Camps & Classes Near You >>
Best Outdoor Camps & Classes of 2017
Wheel Kids Bicycle Club, Inc.
Multiple Locations, Bay Area California
(Also a Best of 2015 and 2016!)
“The camp was a lot of fun. The bike rides were fun and a little bit challenging (which is good).”
– Roy, June 2017
See all reviews & current schedules for Wheel Kids
Kids Dojo
Multiple Locations, Bay Area California
(Also a Best of 2016!)
“My son LOVED the camp and exploring all the local tracks. He wants to do another session this summer if possible!”
– Lynne, June 2017
See all reviews & current schedules for Kids Dojo
Secret Agent Squad by Brain Bounce
Multiple Locations, California
“They did tons of cool stuff practice some basic martial arts skills with an eye toward age appropriate self defense…My daughter got to learn self defense skills from the premise of being a prepared secret agent.”
– Carrie, June 2017
See all reviews & current schedules for Secret Agent Squad by Brain Bounce
Cool Coyote Kids Camp
Multiple Locations, Bay Area California
(Also a Best of 2015 and 2016!)
“Kathy and James are great with kids and my boys loved them. They were sad on the last day and are now begging me to enroll them in the camp again.”
– Devan, June 2017
See all reviews & current schedules for Cool Coyote
ATX Kids Club
Multiple Locations, Austin, Texas
(Also a Best of 2015 and 2016!)
“My daughter loved this camp! The low student to counselor ratio really made her feel comfortable and she really looked forward to the different adventures each day.”
– Tara, June 2017
See all reviews & current schedules for ATX Kids Club
Adventure Camps
San Francisco & Mill Valley, California
(Also a Best of 2015 and 2016!)
“Our daughter absolutely LOVES adventure camp – both as a camper during the school year and the summertime. The staff make each day so much fun – she comes home bubbling with excitement and stories. I’d recommend this to any family!”
– Alden, June 2017
See all reviews & current schedules for Adventure Camps
See Schedules for All Camps & Classes Near You >>
Honorable Mentions of 2017:
The Decathlon Sports Club of Los Altos
Los Altos, California
“My daughter, who is really shy and hard to please, LOVED camp. We wanted to introduce her to sports in a positive way and this was exactly the right camp. There was not a peep of complaint for the entire 2 weeks.”
– Krista, February 2017
See all reviews & current schedules for The Decathlon Sports Club
Artful Chefs
Vista, California
“My daughters both absolutely love cooking with Chef Pharrell and her assistants! They both have learned so much including basic cooking skills, recipes and how to substitute ingredients. I recommend these camps for anyone who wants to learn how to cook or just learn new recipes!”
– Jamie, April 2017
See all reviews & current schedules for Artful Chefs
EDNova Academy
San Mateo, California
“My 5th grader loves EDNova. Dr. Wang created a very inspiring and friendly environment for kids to learn and grow. My 5th grader now loves math and science, the past year’s experience with EDNova was extremely rewarding and transforming for my daughter.”
– Zhaos, March 2017
See all reviews & current schedules for EDNova Academy
DesignX
Los Altos, California
“This class gives your child all the tools they need to express their creativity and the freedom to find their voice. It’s really a lovely class that gives kids the opportunity to really make something on their own. The teacher was amazing and supportive!”
– Michelle, May 2017
See all reviews & current schedules for DesignX
Golden Eagle Summer Sports Camp
Various Locations, Bay Area California
“The broad variety of daily activities easily kept them engaged, having fun, and learning new skills…The overall camp environment was energetic and supportive. It was the ideal way for our kids to spend 6-7 weeks each summer — I don’t know what we would have done without Golden Eagle!!”
– Bonnie, May 2017
See all reviews & current schedules for Golden Eagle Summer Sports Camp