The Lawrence Hall of Science
The public science center of the University of California, Berkeley.
Wednesday - Sunday 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Animal Discovery Zone 11:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
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We partner with school districts to support science learning. We offer district-wide elementary, middle, and high school programs, either virtually or in-person.
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Welcome. We are excited to have you join us this winter for science camps in person at The Lawrence! Give your child an engaging winter break filled with exciting experiments and creative crafts. This season, we’re offering two fun-filled sessions for grades 1-2 and 3-5.
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Step into the age of the dinosaurs for an epic adventure in Dino Detectives! Young paleontologists will dig into the mysteries of the prehistoric world. From excavating fossils and exploring ancient dino habitats to engaging with interactive exhibits including our all-new exhibit Dinosaur Lookout, there’s a world of discovery waiting. Reserve your spot today for a roaring good time! See you soon, dino detectives!For grades 1–2 & 3–5December 23–27, 2024(Holiday Exclusion December 24-25)9:00 a.m.–3:30 p.m.$360
For grades 1–2 & 3–5
December 23–27, 202
4
(Holiday Exclusion December 24-25)
9:00 a.m.–3:30 p.m.
$360
SOLD OUT Grades 1 -2
Blast off on a thrilling outer space adventure at Astronaut Academy this winter! Aspiring astronauts will dive into the wonders of space travel, from cutting-edge technology and survival essentials to the mysteries of the universe. Experience the cosmos in our Planetarium and discover exciting exhibits throughout the museum. Reserve your spot for this stellar journey today. See you soon, space explorers!For grades 1–2 & 3–5December 30, 2024 - January 3, 20259:00 a.m.–3:30 p.m.$600
December 30, 2024 - January 3, 2025
$600
SOLD OUT Grades 1 – 2
Camp registration open now!
Registration is open
Session 1 – Dino Detectives begins
Holiday Exclusion (no camp)
Session 1 – Dino Detectives ends
Session 2 – Astronaut Academy begins
Session 2 – Astronaut Academy ends
Welcome to Winter Camps at The Lawrence! Give your child an engaging winter break filled with exciting experiments and creative crafts. This season, we’re offering two fun-filled sessions for grades 1-2 and 3-5. Explore the Age of the Dinosaurs in Dino Detectives (Dec. 23-27, no camp 12/25) or outer space in Astronaut Academy (Dec. 30 – Jan. 3). For just $120 a day ($360 for Dino Detectives and $600 for Astronaut Academy), we’ll keep your future scientist enthralled from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
At The Lawrence, we are committed to quality programming. We know you have many choices, and we appreciate and value that you consider The Lawrence a prime learning place for your child. Here are a few ways our camps are a cut above the rest:
Due to the limited availability of spots, we will not offer refunds for cancellations. There also will not be a waitlist. If a camp is full, please check back regularly for open spots.
Please note: UC Berkeley and The Lawrence Hall of Science are subject to the restrictions and/or guidance of public health authorities and the University’s policies and practices regarding COVID-19. Our first priority will be the health of the communities we serve. Although the camps are planned at this time, COVID health guidelines could affect our summer and winter programs, up to and including cancellation.
Every day starts with a welcome and warm-up. Once campers have arrived, they head into designated program spaces for opening circles, our way of checking in and framing the day. Then, campers dive into activities like scientific explorations, investigations, and/or engineering and creating. Activities vary based on programming for the specific day. Days may include exploring the Outdoor Nature Lab, investigating Forces that Shape the Bay, or visiting other exhibits at The Lawrence.
Every day includes two snack breaks and one lunch break. The lunch period begins with a designated time for eating, followed by cleanup and free time.
Afternoon programming will continue scientific activities and include time in other exhibits like the 3D Theater, Outdoor Nature Lab, Animal Discovery Zone, Planetarium, or Forces that Shape the Bay. Every day concludes with a closing circle addressing content and social-emotional reflections, checking out, and building excitement for the next day.
Unfortunately, we are not offering day classes or drop-in hours this winter.
For multiple reasons, we do not recommend that participants register for programs designed for grade levels other than their own.
We use CampDoc, an electronic health record system, to securely collect participant information. CampDoc is designed to protect your child’s privacy while alerting us to details such as allergies, medical needs, and other matters that might affect your child’s participation in activities. The information you provide will help us to support your children safely. If you would like to discuss your child’s needs before camp, we would be happy to set up a conversation to discuss how we can best support them during camp.
We will have one group per grade band. If your child and their friend are in the same grade band (1,2 or 3,4,5), they will be in the same group.
We run Winter Camps on a much smaller scale than Summer Camps. Because of this, we have fewer groups with combined age groups.
The Lawrence Hall of Science is open to the general public, and hours are subject to change. Please be advised that parents and guardians are not permitted to be inside the building while the science center is closed.
Camp runs from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. You may drop off your child at 8:55 a.m. and must pick them up at 3:30 p.m. each day. The drop-off location will be communicated to you in a welcome email the week before camp starts.
You can pick up your child before 3:30 p.m. or drop them off after 9:00 a.m. if needed. To properly notify staff, please email lhsreg@berkeley.edu with as much information as you can provide (such as your child’s full name, what grade they are in, who will pick up your child, and what day/time they will be picked up). In addition, you may confirm an early pickup the day of with the staff member who checks in your child in the morning.
Because we have no aftercare available, we ask that you are at The Lawrence and ready to sign out your camper at 3:30 p.m. Consistent late pick-ups may result in your camper being excused from the program.
Yes. If the adult picking up your child is someone other than someone previously listed as an approved pickup person, please email lhsreg@berkeley.edu with the name and phone number of the person who will pick up your child. If you know what day(s) this adult will pick up your camper, please include this in the email.
Unfortunately, no, we are not offering Extended Day. There is no drop-off before 8:55 a.m. and no pickup after 3:30 p.m.
Unfortunately, we cannot offer financial aid for our Winter Camp season.
No, this year, we are focusing on grades 1-5. We will not be able to accommodate children below these grade bands in camp.
No, there are no middle or high school camp offerings for the winter. Please keep an eye out for summer camps for all ages coming soon.
No, we do not provide any food. You must provide two snacks and a lunch for your child every day. For the safety of others, we ask that you not include any foods containing nuts or peanuts.
Due to the limited availability and offerings for winter camp, we cannot offer refunds or transfers once purchased. There also will not be a waitlist. If a camp is full, please check back regularly for open spots.
Due to rising costs, we had to eliminate discounts to Members. If you have questions regarding membership, please email us at thelawrencemembers@berkeley.edu. To purchase or renew a membership, please visit our membership page. Thank you for your support.
No, we do not offer discounts for multiple children or multiple sessions.
If you still have any other registration-related questions, please email: lhsreg@berkeley.edu.
If a program does not reach its minimum enrollment, you will be notified at least five days before the starting date, and your tuition will be fully refunded.
The University has identified all our programs’ costs as educational, not child care.
The educational programs fall into the “Educational, learning or study skills services” category and are not considered reimbursable expenses. Any decision to submit the camp costs for child-dependent care should be made in consultation with your accountant or employer.
Our team continues to track COVID-19 developments and adjust our program accordingly. We will post updates regarding COVID-19 restrictions as conditions change.
The Lawrence will not be issuing refunds for COVID-related absences.
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