Summer Science Beach Camp
Roundhouse Aquarium at the Manhattan Beach Pier, 2 Manhattan Beach Blvd, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
About
Summer Science Beach Camp includes ocean themed games, activities, and crafts. Camp days feature hands-on marine science, beach exploration, and STEM activities.
• Ages: 4–10 years old
• Schedule: Extended Summer Hours from June 12 – September 13 on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 9:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Summer Science Beach Camp is designed for ages 4–7 and 8–10. The weekly camp combines STEM learning, beach exploration, and marine science. The Roundhouse Aquarium, where the camp’s marine science focus is based, features more than 100 marine animals from Southern California’s waters and includes a touch tank with sea stars, sea cucumbers, sea urchins, and sea snails. The Roundhouse Aquarium is free to visit, with donations suggested.
The program is connected to the Roundhouse Marine Teaching Center, which was founded in 1979. The mission of the organization is to connect and engage visitors and students to the oceans through hands-on interactive experiences with marine life and habitats of southern California, and to inspire them to become good stewards of the environment.
Summer Science Beach Camp is led by co-directors Eric Martin and Valerie (Val) Hill, along with the Board of Directors for the Oceanographic Teaching Stations, Inc. (OTS). Eric has nearly 30 years of teaching experience and was honored in 2011 with the American Meteorological Society’s award for Outstanding Non-Formal Educator. Val has an M.S. in biology from Cal State Long Beach, where she focused her research on phytoplankton. Leadership for the broader organization has included Matt Friedman, former president of the Board of Directors for the OTS/Roundhouse Aquarium from 2004 through 2013; Lynne Gross, president from 2014 to 2016; and Charles “Chuck” Milam, treasurer since 2006.
Through its parent organization, Oceanographic Teaching Stations, Inc., the program is connected to community efforts that include participation in the Manhattan Beach Farmer’s Market with a booth to explore marine specimens and meet live animals from local tide pools. Oceanographic Teaching Stations, Inc. also provides education equity for underserved children and Title I schools through free marine science classes at the Roundhouse Aquarium or at schools.
Last updated June 24, 2026.
• Ages: 4–10 years old
• Schedule: Extended Summer Hours from June 12 – September 13 on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 9:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Summer Science Beach Camp is designed for ages 4–7 and 8–10. The weekly camp combines STEM learning, beach exploration, and marine science. The Roundhouse Aquarium, where the camp’s marine science focus is based, features more than 100 marine animals from Southern California’s waters and includes a touch tank with sea stars, sea cucumbers, sea urchins, and sea snails. The Roundhouse Aquarium is free to visit, with donations suggested.
The program is connected to the Roundhouse Marine Teaching Center, which was founded in 1979. The mission of the organization is to connect and engage visitors and students to the oceans through hands-on interactive experiences with marine life and habitats of southern California, and to inspire them to become good stewards of the environment.
Summer Science Beach Camp is led by co-directors Eric Martin and Valerie (Val) Hill, along with the Board of Directors for the Oceanographic Teaching Stations, Inc. (OTS). Eric has nearly 30 years of teaching experience and was honored in 2011 with the American Meteorological Society’s award for Outstanding Non-Formal Educator. Val has an M.S. in biology from Cal State Long Beach, where she focused her research on phytoplankton. Leadership for the broader organization has included Matt Friedman, former president of the Board of Directors for the OTS/Roundhouse Aquarium from 2004 through 2013; Lynne Gross, president from 2014 to 2016; and Charles “Chuck” Milam, treasurer since 2006.
Through its parent organization, Oceanographic Teaching Stations, Inc., the program is connected to community efforts that include participation in the Manhattan Beach Farmer’s Market with a booth to explore marine specimens and meet live animals from local tide pools. Oceanographic Teaching Stations, Inc. also provides education equity for underserved children and Title I schools through free marine science classes at the Roundhouse Aquarium or at schools.
Last updated June 24, 2026.
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