Youth Science Institute
Youth Science Institute · Private
The Youth Science Institute (YSI) is a nonprofit that offers hands-on, nature-based summer science camps for children from pre-K through 6th grade at Vasona Lake County Park in Los Gatos. Half-day camps run from 9:00 to 11:30 a.m. with an extended-care option to 1:00 p.m., covering topics such as physics forces, physiology, and nature discovery. YSI's mission is to inspire enthusiasm for science and a love of learning.
Sessions & rates
| Session | Dates | Ages | Price | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Curiosity Camp — week of 2026-06-0809:00 – 11:30 | Jun 8 – Jun 12, 2026 | 4–11 | $375/wk | Past season |
| Questers Camp (4-day week) — week of 2026-06-1509:00 – 11:30 | Jun 15 – Jun 18, 2026 | 4–11 | $375/wk | Past season |
| Investigators Camp — week of 2026-06-2209:00 – 11:30 | Jun 22 – Jun 26, 2026 | 4–11 | $375/wk | Past season |
Availability shown as of Aug 6, 2026.
The practical details
We list only what the camp itself publishes, and programs change — dates, prices, ages and availability can all move after we check. Confirm the details on the camp’s own website and contact Youth Science Institute directly before you register or pay. Last checked August 2026.
Camps nearby
Google Reviews
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★★★★★Bella BenyaminHello, the staff here were really friendly my daughter kept on going in there to ask about animals and the worker named Jasmine was super nice and my kids learned so much from her she deserves a raise!
★★★★★Ahmed NabaweVery nice place for kids, and adults, to learn more about nature and animals.
★★★★★Amanda SolnitMt kids loved visiting this place. The staff is really friendly and into letting the kids touch stuff and ask questions. We can't wait to go back. Photos are of Django the bearded dragon. She was really friendly. They have all sorts of animals there.
★★★★★Robin OHernMy 5 year old daughter loved her experience at their Summer Camp. She spent a lot of time outside playing games and hiking. She got to do some age appropriate science experiments and learn about the scientific method. She also got to see the YSI animals and touch a few of them. Great camp!
★★★★★Rick JarboeThis recreation center is one of best kept secrets in the silicon valley. They have a full size stuffed bear (you can touch it!), like those that used to live here, lots of birds and other animals. They have snakes, spiders, turtles, frogs, alive and well, plus plenty of stuff to see and touch. Kids love it, big kids love it. Ok many schools take field trips here, but it is open to all, and is very interactive. Please check it out, they love to see kids of all ages, and i will bet you will enjoy it. It sits just above vasona lake, a nice walk up the hill. It does require a week day trip, but please check it out, it is worth the trip.