Top
Check Out Our Upcoming Events - see details HERE
Safari Kid Downtown Hayward
  • Today's Hours: 7:30 AM - 6:00 PM
  • Safari Kid Downtown Hayward
    • Monday
      7:30 AM - 6:00 PM
    • Tuesday
      7:30 AM - 6:00 PM
    • Wednesday
      7:30 AM - 6:00 PM
    • Thursday
      7:30 AM - 6:00 PM
    • Friday
      7:30 AM - 6:00 PM
1253 A Street Hayward, CA 94541
Get Directions
Ellie the Elephant

Summer Camp for Kids in Hayward, CA

Summer Safari for TK through 6th Grade

Our Summer Camp gives kids a balanced mix of academic enrichment, creative arts, physical activities, social interaction, and Group Projects. When school lets out, many parents start asking how to keep their children safe, engaged, and happy all summer. You may be balancing work schedules, family time, and childcare and wondering where your child can spend the day learning and having fun. Our Summer Camp program in Hayward is designed with those real-life needs in mind.

At Safari Kid Downtown Hayward, we provide early childhood education with a research-driven, proprietary curriculum. We draw from respected approaches such as Montessori and Reggio Emilia and apply them in a playful, summer-friendly way. Our goal is to give children a season filled with discovery, friendships, and confidence, while giving parents peace of mind about where their child is each day.

Here in Hayward, CA, our nature-inspired learning environment and caring teachers welcome children into a calm, inviting space. We blend structured guidance and open-ended exploration so your child can stay curious, active, and supported all summer long. Activities reflect our broader commitment to cognitive, social, language and literacy, physical, emotional, and health and care development.

Call (510) 241-3756 or contact us online to ask about Summer Camp enrollment for your child.

Whole-Child Learning through Summer

Parents choose our program because they want more than a place where children simply pass the time. They want meaningful daytime experiences and responsive care from a Hayward summer camp. Our whole-child approach shapes every part of the day, from activities to teacher interactions.

Our approach includes:

  • Whole-Child Focus: Activities support cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development.
  • Hands-On Learning: Projects, games, and exploration-based activities invite active participation.
  • Inspired Curriculum: Montessori and Reggio Emilia influences help shape the learning experience.
  • Calm Environments: Nature-inspired, child-centered classrooms provide an inviting setting.
  • Individual Support: Activities adapt to each child’s pace, personality, interests, and developmental needs.

Our program is designed to support multiple skills through everyday activities, whether children are exploring science, playing outdoors, or working together on creative projects. Teachers guide learning with intention, encouraging curiosity, language development, cooperation, and problem-solving in natural ways. Group Projects give campers opportunities to practice teamwork and communication through shared goals and experiences.

Individualized Support & Skill Development

Classrooms are thoughtfully arranged to feel calm and inviting, helping children feel comfortable enough to take risks, build friendships, and express themselves. Because every child is different, our team observes closely and adjusts experiences to match each child’s needs, whether they prefer to ease in gradually or jump right into group activities. Teachers use their observations and assessments to refine the support they provide throughout the program.

Skill Development can include sports, dance, drama, or technology, depending on the program. Shared activities also encourage New Friendships as children contribute ideas and practice independence. Throughout the summer in Hayward, we continue refining activities based on what children enjoy and how they grow.

A Day at Our Kid Summer Camp

Parents often feel most reassured when they can picture what their child will actually do each day. At our kid summer camp, we follow a predictable rhythm that helps children feel secure, while making room for plenty of variety and choice. A familiar routine supports smooth transitions and gives children a consistent framework for trying unfamiliar activities.

The exact schedule can vary by age group, theme, staffing, and local program availability. Across the day, teachers use group activities, collaborative projects, and open-ended exploration to encourage language, cooperation, curiosity, and problem-solving.

Summer Safari Activities

Summer Safari Engaging Themes are developed through collaboration among research staff, teachers, and curriculum developers. Within those themes, Balanced Activities combine academic enrichment, physical activities, creative arts, social interaction, and opportunities to work with others.

A camp day usually includes a morning welcome, group circle time, small-group learning, outdoor play, rest or quiet time, and creative afternoon projects. Activities vary by age and theme.

Children might participate in activities such as:

  • Hands-On Science Explorations: Mixing safe materials, observing nature, and asking curious questions.
  • Creative Art Projects: Painting, collage, and sculpture with open-ended materials that let children design their own creations.
  • Music & Movement: Songs, rhythm games, and dance that encourage coordination and self-expression.
  • Outdoor Adventures: Garden observation, simple scavenger hunts, and group games on the play yard.
  • Storytelling & Literacy Moments: Read-alouds, puppet shows, and early writing activities connected to children’s interests.

These experiences bring together the core elements of Summer Safari: academic enrichment, physical activities, creative arts, social interaction, and Group Projects. Children have room to make choices while teachers provide the structure and guidance appropriate for the group.

As the camp day winds down, we gather to reflect on what we did and get ready for pickup. Teachers share brief highlights with parents at the end of the day when possible and encourage children to tell their own stories on the way home. This closing ritual can help children feel proud of their day and ready to return.

Summer Camp Safety & Parent Communication

We understand that trusting someone else with your child is a big step. We pair secure routines and active supervision with emotional support and consistent parent communication.

Our learning environments are designed with security and supervision in mind. Classrooms and play areas are arranged so teachers can see children easily, and materials are chosen to be age-appropriate and safe. We follow clear check-in and check-out procedures so we know who is on site and who is authorized to pick up each child.

Our teachers understand child development and use warm, responsive interactions to support children through big emotions and new social situations. When conflicts arise, teachers model problem-solving and guide children to use respectful language and choices.

Emotional safety is as important as physical safety. We strive to create a classroom culture where every child feels welcome, included, and heard. Teachers learn children’s interests, family backgrounds, and personalities so they can build strong, trusting relationships. This foundation gives children consistent support as they explore activities and form friendships.

We use digital updates and parent communication tools, including Procare, to share information about activities and routines. In addition to those updates, we offer regular opportunities to talk about your child’s experience and growth. Teachers share observations and informal assessments to help you understand how your child is developing socially, emotionally, and academically across the summer months.

Summer Camp Eligibility & Enrollment in Hayward

Our Summer Safari program serves kids from TK to 6th Grade. Age-appropriate groupings can help younger and older campers participate in experiences suited to their developmental stages. Families can contact our center to confirm current availability and timing for their child’s age group. Families looking for year-round early learning can also review our preschool program separately.

Session dates, daily schedules, supplies, meals, accommodations, and enrollment requirements can vary by location and season. Our team can explain the current details when you contact us, helping you evaluate how the available program fits your child and family routine.

We know that enrolling in a kid summer camp can feel like a big decision. To make the process straightforward, we guide you through each step and welcome your questions along the way. You can speak with our team about your child’s personality, interests, routines, developmental needs, and any family considerations that may affect the camp experience.

Here is a simple way to get started with enrollment:

  • Reach out to our team to request information.
  • Schedule a visit so you can see our Hayward campus, meet teachers, and observe the environment.
  • Discuss your child’s age, schedule needs, and any special considerations with our staff.
  • Complete the enrollment forms provided and secure your child’s spot once availability is confirmed.
  • Work with us to prepare your child for the first day and confirm any supplies or routines involved.

Discuss Summer Camp Fit & Availability

Our Summer Camp combines whole-child learning, responsive care, and parent communication in a structured, social setting. We welcome your questions about curriculum, safety, schedules, communication, and the day-to-day experience for your child. Share your child’s age, personality, interests, and needs so we can discuss program fit.

Call (510) 241-3756 or contact us online to discuss your child’s needs and current Summer Camp availability.

Discover The Difference Safari Kid nurtures every aspect of your child’s development.
  • Cognitive

    We encourage curiousity and a love for learning that inspires children to explore and discover.

  • Social

    Children learn vital social skills through activities that emphasize cooperation and sharing.

  • Language & Literacy

    Communication skills are developed through interactive and engaging activities.

  • Physical

    We ensure children build strong, healthy bodies while fostering a love for movement.

  • Emotional

    Our approach to emotional learning helps children recognize, express, and manage feelings.

  • Health & Care

    Children learn to recognize and attend to their own needs, those of others, and the environment.

Empowering Bright Futures Cultivating Curiosity, Confidence, and Lifelong Learning
  • Whole Child Development
    We nurture academic, social, emotional, and physical development through play.
  • Cutting-Edge Curriculum
    Research-backed education provides
an invaluable headstart.
  • Welcoming Environment
    Thoughtfully designed facilities foster curiosity, safety, and rich learning.
Safari Kid Milestones
  • 2005
    The first Safari Kid Launches
in Newark, CA
  • 2007
    Safari Kid’s Eclectic Philosophy is Introduced
  • 2008
    The Proprietary
Booklet System
is Released
  • 2009
    After-School
Programs & Summer Camp Launch
  • 2011
    The Safari Kid Toddler Program is Launched
  • 2014
    The Safari Kid Infant Program is Launched
  • 2015
    Environmental Guidelines Are Developed
  • 2020
    The Kindergarten Program is Launched
1 /

Frequently Asked Questions

What ages can attend your summer camp?

Our summer program is designed for children in the preschool and early elementary years. When you contact us, we can explain the specific age ranges served at our Hayward campus. We also describe how we group children so activities are appropriate and engaging for each stage.

How do you keep children safe and supervised?

We maintain secure entrances, clear check-in and check-out routines, and thoughtfully arranged classrooms that support close supervision. Our teachers stay actively engaged with children and follow safety guidelines suited to their ages. We also focus on emotional safety by building warm, respectful relationships.

What does a typical day at camp look like?

A camp day usually includes morning welcome, group circle time, small group learning, outdoor play, meals, rest or quiet time, and creative afternoon projects. Activities vary by age and theme but follow a predictable rhythm. This structure helps children feel secure while enjoying new experiences.

How will I hear about my child’s day?

We use tools like Procare and school communications to share updates about activities and routines. You may see notes, photos, or messages that highlight your child’s experience. Teachers are also available to speak with you about your child’s day and overall progress when you have questions.

What Parents Are Saying
    I would recommend safari kid to anyone looking for a great experience.
    Jill Turek
    The dedicated staff at Safari Kids create a nurturing and stimulating environment, making it a perfect place for early childhood development.
    Sushma Venkatayogi
    School environment is exceptional. Very colorful, bright, and playful environment, which attracts children’s attention.
    Katie LO
1 /
Ellie the Elephant