Free and low-cost summer camps, meals and programs for Eastside families

Summer is exciting for kids but it can also be stressful for parents looking to keep them safe, fed and engaged while school is out.

Camps can fill up quickly and cost hundreds of dollars, but Eastside families still have access to a range of free and low-cost programming for youth of all ages. From summer day camps to free lunches, we rounded up a list of local spots offering something for everyone this summer.

Summer camps

Affordable day camps are available at 120 parks and recreation centers across LA. Spaces fill up fast, so families should contact their local recreation center about availability or waitlists. Camps include sports, games, arts and crafts, swimming and weekly field trips to places like Universal Studios, Knott’s Berry Farm and Raging Waters. Lunch and snacks are provided and early morning (7:30 to 8:30 a.m.) and after care (5 to 6 p.m.) are available for an additional fee. Financial assistance is available. A limited number of kids ages 13-17 can participate as counselors-in-training.

For eight weeks, LA County Parks and Recreation centers open their doors for a free drop-in program from 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. with snacks provided daily. Centering physical activity and play, activities range from sports, fitness, arts and crafts, STEAM and performing arts. In addition to day camps, many parks also offer junior lifeguards, swimming lessons and teen social hours at little to no cost.

The YMCA offers weeklong sleepaway camps at Camp Whittle, packed with swimming, hiking, climbing, arts and crafts, games and campfires. Campers sleep in age-based cabins with 10 kids max and two counselors while making new friends and reaping the benefits of nature. Financial assistance available.

This location is not currently offering day camps. Click here for YMCA locations that offer day camp programs.

Kids can enjoy a safe, fun and flexible summer camp from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. that includes dance, fine arts, fitness and even sailing and kayaking with lunch and snacks included. Contact these Eastside Boys & Girls Club locations for tuition information:

• Boyle Heights (Variety): (323) 269-3177
• Boyle Heights (Pueblo del Sol): (323) 526-8265
• Estrada Courts: (213) 722-7327
• Ramona Gardens: (213) 646-2761 
• Lincoln Heights: (323) 221-9111

Housed in a former two-story church built in 1930, this community center operated by LA’s Department of Recreation and Parks and Department of Cultural Affairs has a boxing rink, fitness center and year-round arts programming. Their Young Artists Summer Camp runs Monday through Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. and allows youth to build skills, collaborate with young creatives and express themselves in a fun and supportive environment. Registration starts June 1 with an in-person registration on June 6. Spots fill up quickly, so mark your calendar. Financial payment plans are available.

Founded in 1977, Barrio Action is one of the oldest community centers on the Eastside, offering recreational activities, tutoring and homework assistance, college prep, mental health services, gang intervention and parenting classes. The three-story building features a basketball court, dance studio, kitchen and multi-purpose rooms. Their Summer Learning Program runs Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and is open to any youth in LA County. Volunteer opportunities are available for kids over 16 years old.

Founded in 1970 by Mexican actress and dancer Margo Albert and union activist Frank Lopez, Plaza de la Raza is a beloved Eastside art space featuring year-round programming for all ages. Their Summer Art Camp runs for three weeks from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday to Thursday. In addition, their summer classes start June 15 through Aug. 8.

Located in a historic Victorian home, this quaint music school offers weekly summer music programming for all ages, including music and nature, drums and percussion, jazz ensemble, music theater and improv and more. From 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., students get schooled by professional musicians in a beautiful setting. Registration is limited and first-come, first-served.

Summer school

LAUSD students in K-12 can strengthen their skills and explore their interests in summer school offered at Eastside school sites, including Belvedere Elementary and Middle, Humphreys Elementary, Roosevelt and Garfield High Schools.

LAUSD’s weekly summer camps are centered around STEAM, arts and e-sports/board games. High school students can take part in a one-day trip to colleges like UC Santa Barbara and Cal State University Channel Islands and even take a for-credit UC application prep course. Transportation options are available as camps tend to take place out of the neighborhood, including a hands-on science camp at the California Science Center.

Library programs

The Summer Discovery Program encourages kids and teens to track reading for a chance to win prizes. Drop by a local county library, including the East Los Angeles Library, Anthony Quinn Library and City Terrace Library to sign up.

Libraries also host teen-centric events and volunteer opportunities to receive job-training and community service hours. This summer, county libraries are celebrating the FIFA World Cup with Summer of Soccer, which includes free soccer-themed events like circuit board making workshops,  watch parties and a limited-edition library card. Check out the website for programming details. 

With 73 locations throughout the city, the library offers free summer programming, including book clubs, magic shows, arts and crafts, and reading activities. Eastside locations include the Robert Louis Stevenson Branch Library, Lincoln Heights Branch Library and El Sereno Branch Library. While the Benjamin Franklin Library is still under construction, pop-ups at Boyle Heights City Hall are still underway. 

Free meals

Find a location near you or call 818-346-2700 or text “Summer Meals” to 97779

LAUSD is providing free lunches to youth at recreation centers across LA, including at the Boyle Heights Sport Center, Lou Costello Recreation Center, El Sereno Recreation Center, Evergreen Recreation Center, Hollenbeck Recreation Center and Lincoln Heights Recreation Center. No application or proof of income is required, but meals must be consumed on-site. 

Since 2015, the LA County Library’s “Well Fed, Well Read” program has provided youth with free lunch. Locations include the East LA Library, Anthony Quinn Library, City Terrace Library and El Camino Real Library. Meals are available on a first-come, first-served basis and must be eaten at the library. Contact your local participating location for menu information. 

In an effort to feed students when school’s out for the summer, youth 18 and under can also receive free lunch at participating LA County parks, including Belvedere Park, Ruben Salazar Park, City Terrace Park, Saybrook Park and Obregon Park.