Every year, the Undivided Research Team compiles a list of accessible camps across California! These day camps in the Los Angeles area feature programs in music, dance, visual art, theater, and more, so you can learn about available options offering activities your child would be interested in. Some of these camps and classes are specifically designed for kids with disabilities while others are inclusive of all abilities. This article has plenty of tips on questions to ask to help you find the right summer camp.
Be sure to check out our article How to Get the Most Out of Regional Center This Summer for information about getting support from Regional Center to fund a camp and/or aide for your child.
We are adding more 2026 summer camps as they are announced and open for registration, so check back throughout the spring!
2038 Colorado Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90041
(323) 363-7924
info@thepurpletwig.com
The Purple Twig offers art classes, workshops, and camps to children so that they can explore different mediums, build their self-confidence, strengthen developmental skills, and explore different materials. Children are also introduced to a variety of topics like animals, underwater sea life, and architecture. Camps are offered year-round, divided up into different themed weeks like “Little Architects” or “Diorama Week.” Each day is a balance of teacher-led activities, free playtime, and choice time. Campers will get to participate in theme-related art and activities while also enjoying picnic lunches, Friday library visits, and projects.
Burbank, CA
(818) 649-9336
patrick@danimationentertainment.com
Danimation is the teaching studio of autistic animator and activist Dani Bowman, providing opportunities for animators to develop industry skills. This includes boot camps, customized mentorships, classes, online classes, group sessions, and workshops. During their summer workshop, Danimation helps students “build creative confidence while teaching real-world technical skills” through a variety of hands-on activities. Students are given a foundational education in arts and animation as they’re guided through storyboarding, visual storytelling, character design, digital drawing, basic techniques, voice acting, sound recording, creative problem solving, and project planning lessons. Activities are individualized based on the student’s learning style and needs, creating a “positive learning environment” that fosters growth. While mastering the basics, students also work on a small animated project to showcase their new skills after camp has ended.
52500 Temecula Road #38
Idyllwild, CA 92549
(951) 659-2171
summer@idyllwildarts.org
Idyllwild Arts is an “intentional community” creating an inclusive, safe environment where artists of all backgrounds and abilities can develop skills and “practice interdisciplinary thinking.” They offer a residential arts high school, academic programs, two learning centers, and summer programs. Idyllwild’s extensive summer offerings invite artists of all disciplines and skill levels, including those who are still exploring their creativity. Their Photography for Junior Artists program runs for one week and provides a “hands-on introduction to the technical and creative foundations of black-and-white photography.” A max of eight students are admitted, and no skills or experience are required as instructors will work with each child at their level. Students are taught how to control settings like aperture and ISO, how to process film using traditional methods, and the “art of image-making” with composition, color, space, and light.
904 Silver Spur Rd. #402
Rolling Hills Estates, CA 90274
(310) 827-8827
performingartsla@aol.com
Performing Arts Workshops (PAW) offers after-school programs, morning enrichment classes, and camps that foster “collaboration, compassion, critical thinking, and empathy as participants explore the arts they love.” Their programs provide a “safe, non-competitive space” for artists to be inspired, build confidence, learn communication, get hands-on experience, and connect with peers. Their summer camps offer a wide variety of disciplines to explore, including stand-up comedy, musical theater, and special effects makeup. During the Stage FX Makeup camp, campers will learn about makeup fundamentals, color theory and mixing, glamour and fashion makeup, monster and zombie makeup, aging, and scars and wounds. By the end of camp, participants will have gained a “solid foundation in color theory, shading, highlighting, face shapes, bone structure, hygiene, and safety.”
Languages: English
info@theartsywagon.com
(323) 363-2621
The Artsy Wagon is a mobile art van owned by Puerto Rican artist and educator Ana J Miro Herrans, who brings art lessons right to your door. Ana, who grew up with developmental delays, dreams of opening an integrated art school for all ages and abilities. For now, Ana and her wagon teach the fundamentals and provide creative outlets for “ideas and feelings” through pop-ups, all ages workshops, classes, parties for adults and kids, and camps. Camps are 100% customizable based on “space, age, likes and abilities of the children” while also mixing literature, math, science, art history, fine/gross motor skills, and vocabulary development with arts and crafts, theatrical games, movement, music, and STEAM activities. Hosts decide on camp duration, time, and themes, like pirates and mermaids. The host is required to have a 15 x 15 space and keep a bin of materials for the duration of camp.
52500 Temecula Road #38
Idyllwild, CA 92549
(951) 659-2171
summer@idyllwildarts.org
Idyllwild Arts offers a residential arts high school, academic programs, two learning centers, and summer programs to individuals of all backgrounds and abilities. Their extensive summer offerings cover multiple disciplines and all skill levels, including options for those wishing to explore their creativity. Their Young Writers Workshop is a two-week program where campers “explore classic approaches to writing and discover new forms and forums.” They’ll learn about different genres, public speaking techniques, and other foundational skills through exercises, “lively discussion, games, and a few surprises.” There’s no skill or experience required for this camp as instructors will work with each writer at their level.
Altadena, CA
altadenamusictheatre@gmail.com
Altadena Music Theatre Is a community-focused nonprofit offering live musical theatre, arts advocacy, and youth programs. Their annual summer youth camp combines instruction and a sense of community to foster confidence, creativity, and teamwork in young artists. During the program, campers will have opportunities to explore and learn about singing, dancing, acting, ensemble work, audition prep, and performance skills while also connecting with peers. Altadena Music Theatre hopes that at the conclusion of camp, these emerging artists will walk away with new or strengthened skills as well as strong community bonds.
39 S. El Molino Avenue
Pasadena, CA 91101
(626) 356-7529
education@pasadenaplayhouse.org
California’s official state theater, Pasadena Playhouse, is dedicated to “making theater for everyone” through their youth classes, school workshops, tours, family programs, adult classes, and camps. Each camp is unique in its activities and skill building, with options for young theatre enthusiasts, experienced performers, and artists of all skill levels. Regardless of the camp, young artists and performers work with professional teaching artists to grow their confidence, skills, and techniques. Campers may practice acting, singing, dance, and performance skills through the camp’s main production or project.
3352 E. Foothill Blvd.
Pasadena, CA 91107
(626) 356-3104
education@anoisewithin.org
A Noise Within is a community-focused theater providing classic programming that promotes “embracing universal human experiences,” personal awareness, and "challenging individual perspectives” through field trips, youth classes, educational programs, enrichment programs, summer programs, camps, and more. Their annual youth camp, Summer with Shakespeare, is a theatre training camp for middle and high school students. Campers will have opportunities to practice acting techniques, movement, combat, improv comedy, voice, speech, drums, and other theater skills.
4652 Hollywood Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90027
(323) 665-3363
reception.SCM@outlook.com
Silverlake Conservatory of Music has been offering music education to their community through private lessons, ensembles, and summer camps since 2001. The nonprofit’s youth and teen camps are designed to nurture campers’ “love for all things music!” During youth camp, kids will play instruments, sing, collaborate in songwriting groups, create visual art, make friends, and much more. Teen camp builds on this foundation by adding a mentoring element, teaching young musicians technique, ear training, improvisation, collaboration skills, the rehearsal process, collaborative songwriting, and how to structure and arrange material.
16340 Roscoe Blvd.
Van Nuys, CA 91406
(818) 302-0712
The Ed Asner Family Center empowers families and individuals by “providing them with the tools and support needed to thrive in every aspect of their lives.” Hoping to act as a “comprehensive resource,” the center offers an academy, enrichments, mental health, and camp programs. CampEd is an “inclusive, expressive arts-based camp” where art director Avivah and music therapist Judy guide campers through a week of activities and trips that “match the abilities and interests of each individual.” This includes things like field trips to the Wildlife Learning Center and Discovery Cube, beach days, and classes for computer skills, improv, art, music, dance, and more! The organizers hope that campers experience personal growth, strengthen their confidence, “and create meaningful connections” while having a memorable experience.
18111 Nordoff Street
Northridge, CA 91330
(818) 677-5663
csunmtwc@csun.edu
CSUN Music Therapy offers “tailored therapeutic music experiences” for individuals of all ages with neurological diagnoses “to develop, practice, and enhance functional life skills to carry out daily activities.” Their services include music therapy, group music therapy, and wellness clinics. The clinics are offered seasonally, with a Kids Summer Music clinic designed to promote “the development of communication, attention, and social skills.” During the program, certified music therapists create a space for children to “express their creativity, enhance self-esteem, and make music” through music listening, songwriting, instrumental improvisation, creative movement, and other activities. Kids of all abilities are welcome to join and experiment with different instruments like piano, guitar, percussion, autoharp, recorder, electronic instruments, harmonica, and voice.
52500 Temecula Road #38
Idyllwild, CA 92549
(951) 659-2171
summer@idyllwildarts.org
At Idyllwild Arts, young artists from all backgrounds and abilities come together in an inclusive, safe environment to develop their skills and “practice interdisciplinary thinking.” Idyllwild offers three main programs: academy, learning centers, and summer programs. Their summer programs offer instruction in a wide range of disciplines for students of all ages and abilities with the hope these young artists will become “inspired citizens” who pursue self-discovery, creativity, and uplift others.
2026 in-person summer music programming:
Found Sound Music & Drumming: This camp is a one-week program designed to “empower students, inspire creativity, and promote agency in the exploration of art, science and history.” While at camp, participants will learn about percussion with everyday objects, body percussion, how to make or embellish instruments, and improvisation. At the end of the program, campers will have a handmade or embellished instrument to take home. No skills or prior experience are required for this program as instructors work at the camper’s level.
Songwriting Intensive: In this songwriting camp, students spend two weeks improving their craft through the acquisition of new skills and techniques. Campers are required to submit an audition, have basic knowledge of a chordal instrument, and a “willingness to sing along!” Participants will write and record songs while also learning how to market their music on social media and the internet, lyrical construction, performance techniques, music theory, different genres, styles, instruments, and more.
"Uke" Can Do It!: This camp invites students to spend the week designing and building their own personal ukulele, learning how to tune it and string it, and making their own strap. Campers will also learn chords, strum patterns, and how to play simple songs. No skill or prior experience is required to participate, making it the perfect introduction to the ukulele.
Location: Children’s Center
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