Westside Summer : Day Camps

Culver City--A day camp for children ages 5 to 10 with arts and crafts, cooking, outdoor games, sports, field trips and theme days; 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., June 24 to Sept. 6; information: (213) 559-3631 ($85 per week).

West Hollywood--Summer camp for children ages 6 to 12 with snacks, excursions, sports, arts and crafts; four sessions; July 1 to July 12; for price and information: (213) 854-7400.

Pacific Palisades--Recreation center will offer children ages 5 to 12 daily arts and crafts and field trips; 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., June 24 to Aug. 16; information: (213) 454-1412 ($95 per week).

Venice--Penmar Recreation Center will offer summer day camp for children 5 to 12 with sports, arts and crafts and games; daily, June 24 start; information (213) 396-8735 ($50 per week).

Slauson--Recreation center will offer weekly summer camp and lunch program for children with games, arts and crafts; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday; information: (213) 398-5291 (free).

Santa Monica--St. Monica Elementary School will offer summer day camp for children ages 5 to 13 with swimming, arts and crafts, sports, drama, aerobics, music, computers, tennis and special events; 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., June 24 to Aug. 6; information: (213) 451-9801 ($100 per week).

Temple Akiba--Summer day camp will offer children ages 4 to 14 music, drama, sports, arts and crafts, field trips and Shabbat celebration; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. June 24 to Aug. 16; for prices and information: (213) 391-5605 ($97 per week, $102 non-members).

Westchester Recreation--Summer day camp for children ages 5 to 12 will feature sports, cookouts, arts and crafts, fishing and trips to Universal Studios, Knott’s Berry Farm and the circus. A preschool camp will be offered in the mornings; 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., June 24 to Aug. 19; information: (213) 670-7473 ($80 per week).

Beverly Hills--Catskills West of the Beverly Hills Recreation and Parks Department will offer skills sessions for children ages 6 to 12 in drama, dance, music, media arts and arts and crafts; June 24 to July 26, and Aug. 5 to 30; for times, prices and information: (213) 550-4765.

Venice--Boys and Girls Club of Venice will offer arts and crafts, tutoring program, pool, Ping-Pong, video games, football, kickball, handball and softball to children ages 6 to 17; 2232 Lincoln Blvd., Venice; June 8 to Aug. 19; for daily times and information: (213) 391-6301 ($125 per week).

YWCA--Summer Day Camp at YWCA will feature swimming, sports, crafts, trips, folk stories, music and cultural experiences for children ages 6 to 12; 10936 Santa Monica Blvd., Santa Monica; 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., June 24 to Aug. 16; information: (213) 478-1228 ($89 per week).

Santa Monica Drop-In--Children ages 5 to 12 can participate in sports leagues, board games, special events and trips at local elementary schools and Clover, Douglas, Joslyn, Lincoln, Marine, Memorial and Virginia parks in Santa Monica; noon to 5 p.m., June 24 to Aug. 23; information: (213) 458-8540 (free).

Jewish Community Center--The center will offer various day camps in the Malibu mountains for children of all ages; for prices, times and information: (213) 857-0036.

Mar Vista--The recreation center will offer summer camp with weekly field trips, arts and crafts, theme days, cookouts, swimming, sports, and special events, for children ages 5 to 11; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays; June 24 to Aug. 30; for prices and information: (213) 398-5982.

Daily Events

Carnival--Santa Monica Cultural and Recreation Services will sponsor the Youth Summer Carnival with booths, food and special surprises, for ages up to 12; Memorial Park, 14th Street and Olympic Boulevard, Santa Monica; 4 p.m. Aug. 9; for location and information: (213) 4508-8310 (10 cents a game).

For information on the following, contact West Hollywood Recreation Center at (213) 854-7400. Theater--Sit in the park and enjoy theater with staged readings performed by community actors; 8 p.m., July 20; ($1).

Youth Dance--Have some hot fun in the summertime at the youth dance for ages 13 to 18; 9 p.m. to midnight, June 29; ($3).

Park Olympics--Participate in an obstacle course, crazy relays and other competitions, for ages 7 to 14; 1 p.m., Aug. 16; (free).

Dog Training--Learn to teach your old or new dog tricks, for ages 4 to 14; 11 a.m. Saturdays.

For price and information on the following, contact City of Santa Monica at (213) 458-8311. Games Tournament--An all-city tournament in various table games and sports will take place at 1:30 p.m. Aug. 2.

Knott’s Berry Farm--Amuse yourself with food, rides and people-watching at the park; July 11.

Wild Rivers--Twist and shout down the cool river slides; July 25.

Magic Mountain--The only mountain with an elevation of infinite fun; Aug. 8.

Dodger Game--Peanuts, popcorn and Darryl Strawberry will be on the bill of fare at the Dodgers baseball game; Aug. 14.

Ice Skating--The coolest trip of the summer; Aug. 29.

For price and information on the following, contact the Boys & Girls Club of Venice at (213) 391-6301. Roller Blading--Faster than walking, skipping or pogo sticking, roller-blading trips will be offered every week; June 8 to Aug. 19.

Hiking--Picture the sun shining, the birds singing and a healthy beat in your heart . . . you are on one of the weekly hikes offered by the Boys & Girls Club of Venice; June 8 to Aug. 19.

Griffith Park--Get a bird’s-eye view of the city on this excursion to Griffith Park Observatory; June 25.

TV Taping--Skip the commercials, watch a television show being made on a visit to the set of “American Gladiators”; June 28.

Maritime Museum--Ahoy! Lads and lassies, step aboard the planks of the Maritime Museum and see ships, boats and navigational instruments; July 3.

Raging Waters--Slip, slide, and splash the summer heat away on a trip to Raging Waters; July 9.

Marine Museum--See and touch aquatic life at the Cabrillo Marine Museum; July 16.

Fishing Trip--Cast a line, relax and catch anything from Moby Dick to a couple of winks on an ocean fishing trip; July 30.

Magic Mountain--Ride roller-coasters and merry-go-rounds and chomp cotton candy at the amusement park. Aug. 6.

Grand Prix--Race the track in a miniature car at speeds up to 20 m.p.h.; Aug. 12.

Disneyland Trip--Pirates, ghosts and tiki birds await at Disneyland; Aug. 16.

The Outdoors

Outdoor Classroom--Relive history, examine bees and beetles, learn which plants are poisonous and which are eatable on nature walks for all ages; Sooky Goldman Nature Center or Franklin Canyon Ranch National Park; for location, times, dates and information: (213) 858-3834 (free).

For information on the following, contact the Wilderness Institute at (818) 991-7327. Registration is required, and events will take place at a location in the Santa Monica Mountains unless stated otherwise. Fossil Fun--Explore history of local mountains during this hands-on fossil expedition for children ages 8 to 12; Old Topanga Canyon; 10 a.m. to noon, June 22; ($14).

Indian Skills--Learn useful skills perfected by American Indians such as rope making, shelter building, tracking and painting, for ages 8 to 12; 1 to 3 p.m. July 13; ($14).

Compass and Map--Don’t get lost, learn how to use a compass and map to plan routes off trail, for ages 8 to 12; 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Aug. 3; ($14).

Frontier Kids--Find out what it was like to be a kid on the frontier by throwing tomahawks, cording rope, making candles and practicing other crafts, for ages 8 to 12; 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. July 20; ($16).

Sierra Trip--In this five-day trek into the Sierras, learn first aid, navigation, shelter construction, fire building, food finding and other survival techniques in the wilderness, for ages 14 to 18; meeting 7 p.m. Aug. 19, trip Aug. 26 to 30; Eastern Sierras; ($235).

Nature Awareness--Participate in hikes, games, songs and crafts while learning about the outdoors, for ages 4 to 7; 10 a.m. to noon, Wednesdays July 3 to 24; ($48).

Leapin’ Lizards--Reptiles are not always as bad as they look or feel; find out why in this hands-on class for ages 4 to 7; 10 a.m. to noon, June 15; ($14).

Nature Art--Grab a crayon, put on some hiking boots and draw a picture or design a bird feeder, for ages 4 to 7; 10 a.m. to noon, Aug. 10; ($16).

Drawing Nature--Families will be supplied with art materials and an inspirational glimpse of nature to create drawings and watercolors, for all ages; 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Aug. 17; ($40 per family of two to four, $36 for members).

Estuary Exploration--Discover where fresh water meets the ocean and where you can meet the unique fish and animals that live there, for all ages; 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Aug. 18; ($35 per family of two to four, $32 for members).

Evening Owls--Hear “hoo-hoos” in the night along with owl stories on this short night hike, all ages; 7 to 10 p.m. June 22; ($30 per family of two to four, $27 for members).

Family Storytelling--Listen to tales under the moon and stars and bring a picnic dinner, for all ages; 6 to 9:30 p.m. July 13; ($32 per family two to four, $32 members).

Trail Tales--Hear American Indian stories while hiking in the hills, for all ages; 1 to 4 p.m. July 27; ($30 per family of two to four, $27 for members).

At the Library

Book Beat--Children ages 5 to 12 can participate in this summer activity which begins Monday at local libraries on the Westside. The “Tune Into Reading” program has been designed to emphasize books with a musical theme and to encourage children to read while receiving incentives and coupons for their accomplishments. Other special happenings will include entertainment, arts and crafts, story time and films. Contact local library for information or (213) 612-3285.

For information on the following events, contact Santa Monica Main Library (213) 458-8600. Toddler Stories--The library will offer a six-week story-time series for children ages 2 to 3; 10:15 a.m. Wednesdays; registration required.

Preschool Stories--Out of the house, into a book . . . an ongoing story-time series for children ages 3 to 5; 7 p.m. Tuesdays, 10:30 a.m. Saturdays; (free).

Afternoon Films--Escape the mundane, go watch the Friday Afternoon Films, all ages welcome; 3:30 p.m. Fridays.

Sing-Along--Dot Harris will lead children and parents in sing-along; 2:30 p.m. June 22.

Book Discussion--Students entering grades six to eight may sign up for book discussions; 2:30 p.m. Mondays, July 1 to Aug. 5.

It’s Academic

L.A. Zoo--Los Angeles Zoo Camp will offer weekly sessions for children ages 6 to 12 to learn about animals and their habitats; July 15 to Aug. 23; for times and information: (213) 664-1100 ($145 members per week, $190 non-members).

Santa Monica--Santa Monica College will offer classes for children ages 5 to 12 in art, music, marine biology, math, reading, calligraphy and computers; Santa Monica College, 1900 Pico Blvd., or John Adams Middle School, 2425 16th St., Santa Monica; classes begin June 24 with varying durations; for registration and information: (213) 450-5150 (prices vary depending on course).

City Adult School--Summer Enrichment Program will offer courses for students entering grades two through eight. Courses will be held from 9 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. and will include arts, sports, computers and basic academic areas; 4001 Elenda St., Culver City; Monday through July 26; information: (213) 839-5100 (price varies depending on course).

L.A. Unified--School district will sponsor a variety of enrichment and remedial instruction courses at Fairfax, Los Angeles, University and Westchester high schools and Audubon, Bancroft and Emerson junior high schools; July 1 to Aug. 9; for information contact local schools (free).

Tiny Tots

Grandparent and Me--West Hollywood Recreation Center will offer program with music, rhythm, arts and crafts, for seniors and children ages 2 to 5; Plummer Park, 7377 Santa Monica Blvd., West Hollywood; 11:30 a.m. to noon, Wednesdays; for price and information: (213) 854-7400.

Jammies and Gym--Westwood Recreation Center will let mom, dad and baby in pajamas tumble and stretch for an hour before bed, for ages 18 to 30 months; 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., Tuesdays, July 16; information: (213) 473-3610 ($25).

Hot Tots--West Hollywood Recreation Center will offer summer program for children ages 2 to 5 in arts and crafts, music, rhythm and storytelling, with field trips; West Hollywood Park, North San Vicente Boulevard, West Hollywood; 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. daily, June 17 start; for prices and information: (213) 854-7400.

Parent and Me--Beverly Hills Department of Recreation and Parks will offer classes in gym, movement, music, dance and arts and crafts, for ages 3 months to 5 years; Beverly Hills; July 8 to Aug. 31; information: (213) 285-2537 (price varies).

Preschool Development--Culver City Department of Recreation and Leisure Services will offer development, music and movement classes for children ages 1 month to 5 years; Culver City; June 25 to Aug. 7; information: (213) 202-5689 (price varies).

Sports

Golf Lessons--Youngsters interested in golf will have the chance to receive instruction during Junior Golf Week; Rancho Park Golf Course, 10460 Pico Blvd., Los Angeles; 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., June 25, 26 and 27; information: (213) 839-4374 (free).

Sailing--Del Rey Yacht Club will teach children ages 8 to 18 how to sail; 13900 Palawan Way, Marina del Rey; Monday through Thursday, July 1 to 18 and July 22 to Aug. 8; information: (213) 823-4664 ($175 per session, $350 for summer).

Basketball Camp--Santa Monica College will offer a basketball camp for boys and girls; Gymnasium, Santa Monica College, 1900 Pico Blvd., Santa Monica; 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., three four-day summer sessions; for dates and information: (213) 452-9214 ($95).

Baseball/Basketball--Westchester Recreation Center will sponsor T-ball and five-pitch for children ages 5 to 9 and youth basketball for ages 6 to 14; sign-ups 6 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays before opening July 9; information: (213) 670-7473 ($50).

Soccer--Brit-West Soccer will offer soccer instruction and games for ages 5 to 17; West Los Angeles, Westchester and Granada Hills; six four-day summer sessions; for dates and information: (213) 840-4197 ($125).

Tennis Classes--Beverly Hills Recreation and Parks Department will offer a variety of levels for children ages 6 to 17; July 8 to Sept. 7; for registration, times and information: (213) 550-4765 (price varies).

Soccer Sign-Ups--American Youth Soccer Organization will register children for fall soccer season; Veterans Park, Overland Avenue and Culver Boulevard; Culver City; 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. today; information: (213) 204-5425 ($45).

Swimming

The following cities will offer swimming lessons for all ages. Sessions, times and costs vary. Some pools at local high schools will also be open to the public. Beverly Hills--Beverly Hills High School, 241 Moreno Drive; information: (213) 550-4625.

Santa Monica--Santa Monica College, 1900 Pico Blvd.; information: (213) 458-8311.

City--Veterans Park, 4117 Overland Ave.; information: (213) 202-5700.

West Hollywood--657 N. San Vicente Blvd.; information: (213) 659-3087.

Westchester--9100 Lincoln Blvd.; information: (213) 641-5120.

Arts

Ballet Folklorico--Penmar Recreation Center will offer classes in dance; 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturdays, June 24 for eight weeks; information: (213) 396-8735 ($30).

Magic Class--Pacific Palisades Recreation Center will train the next Houdinis, for ages 8 to 12; 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Saturdays, June 24; information: (213) 454-1412 ($35).

Storytelling--Walden Books and More Than Music will present Storytime for Children; 11870 Santa Monica Blvd., Santa Monica; noon, first Saturday of every month; information: (213) 826-8536 (free).

Dan Crow--Early Childhood Learning Center of University Synagogue will present Dan Crow Concert, songs and comedy for children; Klein Hall University Synagogue, 11960 Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles; 3 p.m. today; for reservations and information: (213) 829-0448 ($6 advance purchase, $7 at door).

Zoo Music--Los Angeles Zoo will sponsor night music from July 2 to 23; information: (213) 664-1100 (members: $7, $5 children; non-members: $10, $7 children).

Creative Drama--Meet actress Dianne Hull and Lorrie Hull, who will teach drama to kids; Unitarian Church, 1721 Arizona Ave., Santa Monica; 3:30 p.m. Thursday; information: (213) 395-9258 (price varies).

For information on the following, contact the Westside Arts Center at (213) 395-1443. Registration is required. Mini Arts Camp--Westside Arts Center will sponsor Circus and Magic Castle camps, two five-week sessions of drama, arts and crafts, for ages 4 to 6; 9 a.m. to noon, Tuesdays and Thursdays, June 25 to July 25 and July 30 to Aug. 29; 1600 The Promenade, Santa Monica; ($175 first session, $195 second session).

Arts Camp--Westside Arts Center will offer nine one-week sessions with various themes for children ages 6 to 12; 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. weekdays, June 24 to Aug. 30; ($160 week).

For information on the following, contact Los Angeles County Museum of Art at (213) 857-6139. Registration is required, and classes will take place at the museum, 5905 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles. Clothes Art--Explore how artists use different clothes and costumes in “What People Wear,” a class exploring how artists depict clothing, for children ages 3 to 5 and their parents; July 13 from 10:45 a.m. to noon or 1:15 to 2:30 p.m. (members: $66 one parent and one child, $29 for additional family members; non-members: $77 and $33).

Impressionistic M’s--Study paintings of French Impressionists Monet, Manet and Matisse in a class, for ages 6 to 8, to coincide with exhibit “Monet to Matisse: French Art in Southern California Collections”; July 13, 10 a.m. to noon; ($50 members, $59 non-members).

Design Class--Work in a variety of mediums while studying objects from the museum in “Design From Around the World,” for children ages 9 to 11; July 14, 10 a.m. to noon; ($50 members, $59 non-members).