LA County Parks Summer 2026 Programming Guide
Dive into a summer of adventure, growth, and fun through exciting programs and resources
LOS ANGELES (July 8, 2026) — The County of Los Angeles Department of Parks and Recreation (LA County Parks) is thrilled to kick off the summer with fresh events and activities! There are a variety of new, FREE and low-cost programs for youth and families, ranging from sports clinics and nature exploration programs to aquatics and overnight camping at the park. Make LA County Parks your destination for summer activities.
“We’re excited to be able to offer so much great recreational opportunities this summer, for youth, seniors, and families to learn new skills, swim, make friends, attend a concert, and explore LA County’s incredible parks, trails, and nature centers,” said Norma E. García-González, Director of LA County Parks. “We invite everyone to discover all the possibilities that LA County Parks has to offer this summer!”
Summer Programs and Opportunities include:
SUMMER LUNCH AND SNACK PROGRAM – From June 15 thru August 7, children and youth ages 18 and under receive a nutritious lunch and snack that include vegetables, fruits, seeds and healthy dairy products like milk, string cheese and yogurt, at 49 LA County Parks and 20 LA County Libraries. Youth meals will be available for dine-in only at designated indoor areas. Lunches and snacks will be provided to youth participants only.
- Lunch: Monday–Friday, 12 PM – 1 PM
- Snacks: Monday–Friday, 3 PM – 4 PM
For dates/times and further details please visit:http://www.parks.
ESTEAM PROGRAM – ESTEAM is an 8-week summer camp from LA County Parks that blends science, creativity, and outdoor adventure for youth ages 6–11. Through hands-on projects, field trips, and teamwork, campers explore new ideas, build confidence, and discover how learning can shape their world. For program and registration information, please contact your local park. https://parks.lacounty.gov/
TINY TOTS PROGRAM @ LOMA ALTA PARK – An early childhood program for children ages 3 to 5 that encourages discovery, creativity, and social connection. Through hands-on play, movement, and imaginative exploration, young participants build essential life skills while making new friends and joyful memories. This program is offered at Loma Alta Park in Altadena, June 15 to August 7, Monday through Thursday 9:00 am to 12:00 pm. It’s $70 per two-week session. Participants must be potty trained before the program starts. REGISTRATION is at: https://reservations.lacounty.
EVERY BODY PLAYS SUMMER ADVENTURES – Every Body Plays is a positive space with a curriculum that is youth centered and designed for fun! This FREE 8-week drop-in program launched on June 15, and runs until August 7. Children can enjoy lunch and snacks at the park with their friends and family before joining the fun at select parks. The program provides children ages 7 through 17 with access to caring and trained park staff who serve as mentors that lead programs and activities. These activities include sports, fitness, arts and crafts, ESTEAM, performing arts and more! For more information, please visit: parks.lacounty.gov/everybody-
OVERNIGHT CAMPING – The Overnight Family Camping program is designed to give families a safe, fun and low-cost way to experience camping without the hassle of planning everything themselves. From now until August 28, at five Regional Parks across Los Angeles County, the camps include guided activities such as night hikes, stargazing sessions, campfire gatherings with s’mores, and fishing. General admission is $15, kids 13 years old and under are FREE. For more details, please visit: parks.lacounty.gov/overnight-
POOL PROGRAMS – Time to cool off at your local LA County Park aquatic facility! Season pools are now open through August 15, with many year-round pools to visit after that date. All splash pads are now open through August 15 as well. Programming on offer:
- FREE Every Body Swims.
- Learn to Swim ages 7-17 at $25/session.
- Adult Water Exercise for $35/month.
- Youth Swim Teams.
- Lap Swim: $80 for 30 admissions, $15 for 5 admissions.
- Morning sessions are free for adults 65+ and for individuals with disabilities.
Days and times of program offerings differ from site to site, so please check the location specific information here: www.instagram.com/
LAKE PROGRAMS – The Junior Lake Lifeguard Program provides a challenging and exciting open water environment which promotes an active and responsible lifestyle for participants ages 9-17. Lifeguard staff serve as mentors and share their experience by leading hands-on activities. Youth are introduced to water safety, athleticism, teamwork and potential careers in aquatics. Participants learn first aid, CPR and water-related rescue skills! Session 2 runs from July 13 – July 30, Monday – Thursday 9:00 am – 3:00 pm. Registration now open: juniorlakelifeguards.weebly.
Scholarships are available and must be applied for and received before registering for the program. Please visit: juniorlakelifeguards.weebly.
NATURE CENTER PROGRAMS – Every Body Explores – Borrow a backpack filled with tools like binoculars, field guides, and fun activities to explore nature on your own. Every Body Explores makes every visit an interactive outdoor adventure. FREE for all ages and no registration required. From May 1 to December 31, you can check out a naturalist backpack Tuesday to Sunday 10:30 am to 4:00 pm at a Nature Center near you: parks.lacounty.gov/nature-
Nature Center Discovery – Discover the wonders of our Nature Centers. You’ll gain insight into the beauty and importance of our environment. Engage in conversations with our dedicated staff, who are passionate about sharing their expertise and answering your questions. Come explore, learn, and connect with nature like never before! FREE for all ages every Saturday 10:00 am to 12:00 pm at a Nature Center near you: parks.lacounty.gov/nature-
Nature in Your Neighborhood – Our nature centers brought to your neighborhood LA County park. Enjoy live animal presentations, hands-on activities, games, and a community resource fair. Each event runs from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm. Dates and locations below:
July 9 @ Parque de los Suenos City Park
July 16 @ Allen J. Martin Park
July 23 @ Roy Campanella Park
July 30 @ Ladera Park
August 6 @ Lennox Park
August 13 @ Victoria Community Regional Park
August 20 @ Del Aire Park
August 27 @ Wishing Tree Park
Wild About Nature Summer Camp – San Dimas Canyon Nature Center will host Wild About Nature Summer Camp, filled with arts & crafts, hiking, nature education, and animal ambassador presentations. Open to children ages 7-11, the program is $185 per week. Session runs from July 7 – 10. For more details and how to sign up, call or email: 909-599-7512 or sandimasnature.programs@gmail.
YOUTH@WORK – Sign up to work with the LA County Parks and gain paid, hands-on work experience! Youth@Work participants will help with recreational activities for individuals of all ages, assist with event setup and takedown, and engage with the public to ensure a positive and welcoming experience. Participants will work alongside park recreation staff who mentor them, teach the fundamentals of park and recreation management, and provide hands-on experience working with children, teens, families, and community members. Program eligibility:
- LA County residents ages 14–24
- Work permit required for those 17 years or younger
- Legally authorized to work
- Ability to work at least 10 hours per week
- Identify as current or former foster, justice-impacted, currently or previously experienced housing instability or homelessness, LGBTQ+, out of school, have a disability, or low income
Fill out the interest form here: bit.ly/DEOYouthAtWork
Or visit a local America’s Job Center of California location: ajcc.lacounty.gov
SENIORS PROGRAMS – LA County Parks’ Senior Centers, programs and activities are a great place for adults ages 55+ years to stay fit, active and to meet new people. Activities promote physical and mental well-being, socialization, nutrition, life-long learning and volunteer opportunities. Examples of activities include cultural classes and events, group walks, special interest classes, clubs, field trips and inter-generational experiences. Resources, referral, case management, and social services are offered by other County Departments. Service providers are also at our parks such as health screenings, grief counseling, Alzheimer’s education and caregiver support. This summer, our Senior Centers will provide field trips to performances to the Hollywood Bowl and Ford Theater, participants receive transportation and a meal during their excursions, all for FREE
Senior Summer Kick-Off Dances have begun. Throughout the summer, each senior site hosts its own summer dance plus a variety of special activities and events designed for seniors. There is live entertainment, a delicious BBQ lunch and dessert while spending time with friends and welcoming the start of summer. For dates and locations, please contact your local Senior Center. For more information, visit parks.lacounty.gov/seniors.
SOUNDS OF LA COUNTY SUMMER CONCERT & MOVIE SERIES – LA County Parks is hosting 108 FREE, family-friendly concerts and 108 FREE movie nights across 27 park locations from July 9 through August 29, 2026. For further details, please visit: www.soundsoflacounty.com to view the concert schedule and parks.lacounty.gov/summer-
OUR SPOT TEEN CENTERS – Our SPOT is a high-energy after-school teen center program operating across 16 locations in unincorporated communities. These welcoming, youth-focused spaces offer free access to academic support, sports, creative arts, leadership development, mental wellness services, and culturally relevant programs. Teens can take advantage of sports and tournaments mentoring, homework support, career exploration, and wellness resources during crucial after-school hours. During the summer, each Our SPOT is open from 3:00 pm – 9:00 pm. Special financial literacy classes will be offered this summer, with the highest scoring participant at each location receiving a $500 prize. Each Our SPOT participant will also be invited to attend FREE evenings at both the Hollywood Bowl and The Ford, and receive free transportation and a meal.
The Supper Program now operates at all 16 Our SPOT Teen Centers, serving over 76,000 meals across 48 weeks—offering up to 20 meals a week per location. This vital program ensures youth receive nutritious meals that support both physical and mental well-being. Supper will be provided Monday–Friday, 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm.
For more information about Our SPOT, visit parks.lacounty.gov/
FREE TEEN ACCESS TO THE ARBORETUM AND SOUTH COAST BOTANIC GARDENS – Teens ages 13–18 can explore two breathtaking locations: The Arboretum and South Coast Botanic Garden—with free admission through Labor Day (with student ID).
SUMMER TEEN VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES – Volunteer at nature centers, on trails, or with birds of prey at the San Dimas Raptor Center. Learn, lead, and make a difference outdoors. To learn more and apply, please visit: parks.lacounty.gov/volunteers.
TRAILS – Come hike, bike, or ride a horse through LA County Parks’ 250 miles of multi-use trails. Soak in the fresh air, epic views, and reconnect with nature. Don’t forget to bring water, snacks, and sunscreen! To find the best trail for your adventure, please visit: trails.lacounty.gov/.
GOLF PROGRAMS – LA County Parks owns the largest and busiest public golf course system in the nation, with 20 golf courses at 18 different sites. These golf courses feature a variety of beautiful and settings from the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains to the coastline overlooking the Pacific Ocean. This golf system offers affordable greens fees to the community and visitors; discount programs for senior citizens and juniors, and a popular junior golf camp program. For more information, visit parks.lacounty.gov/golf
SPORTS PROGRAMS – Sports are still available for summer youth and girls-only leagues for Baseball, Basketball, Volleyball and Soccer, and also girls-only Softball. Leagues start in July and run through August. For all seasons, there is a $25 registration fee which covers uniform, referee, opening day, and end-of-season award. To register, please visit: reservations.lacounty.gov
COMMUNITY CLASSES – Community Classes Programs offer a vibrant lineup of high-quality learning designed for all ages, interests, and skill levels. From creative arts to fitness, wellness, and lifelong learning, our classes make it easy to stay engaged, active, and inspired year-round. Community Classes are offered Monday through Saturday at dozens of convenient locations throughout Los Angeles County, with both in-person and virtual options available. With flexible schedules and a wide range of topics, you can find classes that fit your lifestyle and goals. From kung fu to Aztec dance, to painting, to virtual driver’s education, we have a wide variety of classes on offer. Our registration portal lets you manage your classes anytime, anywhere – from your computer or smartphone. Register early to secure your spot, as classes may fill quickly. For more information, please visit: parks.lacounty.gov/community-
