Santa Monica Place Welcomes Summer with Family-Friendly Programs, Camps and Weekly Kids Events

Cayton Children’s Museum (left), courtesy of Cayton Children’s Museum; The Gourmandise School (right), courtesy of The Gourmandise School. Photo Credit: Bereangere Altier 

This summer, Santa Monica Place invites families to enjoy a season of engaging, kid-friendly programming designed to spark creativity, connection and fun. From interactive museum experiences and hands-on cooking camps to live performances and Kids Club events, the open-air destination offers something for every age all summer long

Creative Play and Weekly Programming at Cayton Children’s Museum

Families can explore hands-on exhibits and imaginative play experiences at Cayton Children’s Museum, which will continue its regular programming cadence throughout the summer alongside extended seasonal hours.

New this season, Cayton will debut Drive-In Movie Nights every Thursday beginning April 30, offering a fun, family-friendly evening experience. The series kicks off with Akeelah and the Bee and will run through the end of summer.

Throughout the season, Cayton will also host its BIG FEELINGS Weekends, a monthly program designed to help children explore emotions and character-building through play-based experiences. Each weekend is centered around a unique theme, including Expression & Voice (May 23–25)Belonging (June 19–21)Joy & Wellness (July 3–5) and Remembering & Reflecting (August 14–16). Each BIG FEELINGS Weekend invites families to engage in storytelling, interactive play and hands-on activities that support social and emotional development.

Learn more about upcoming programs and plan your visit at caytonmuseum.org.

Hands-On Summer Camps at The Gourmandise School

Young chefs can build confidence in the kitchen at The Gourmandise School’s popular weeklong summer cooking and baking camps, beginning June 15. Designed for kids (ages 8–11) and teens (ages 12–16), these immersive programs offer hands-on instruction in a fun, professional kitchen setting.

Campers can choose from a variety of rotating themes, including:

  • Cooking the Classics
  • Global Street Food
  • Classic Bakeshop
  • Baking Fundamentals
  • World Cuisines
  • Great British Bakeoff
  • Sweet & Savory Skills (new)

Led by expert chef instructors, students work collaboratively to develop culinary techniques while building confidence, creativity and teamwork skills. Each participant receives recipe packets to recreate their favorite dishes at home.

Weeklong camps range from $625 to $695. Learn more and register at thegourmandiseschool.com/summer-camps

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Sounds of Santa Monica: Kids Club Edition at Santa Monica Place, courtesy of Santa Monica Place

Sounds of Santa Monica: Kids Club Edition

Multiple Dates | Center Plaza, Level 1

Families are invited to enjoy Sounds of Santa Monica: Kids Club Edition, a free weekly event series featuring live entertainment and interactive fun.

Each event includes:

  • Live music, singing and dancing
  • Hands-on crafts and activities
  • Giveaways and surprises

The series is currently scheduled for April and May, bringing families together in Center Plaza for engaging weekly programming. Additional Kids Club dates will be announced for later in the season.

For event dates and details, visit santamonicaplace.com/events.

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