East County summer camps full of summertime fun

The Antioch Recreation Department offers camps, summer preschool, art and drawing, music, martial arts, gymnastics, dance, swim lessons, sports and more. They also offer many specialty camps, including swimming, horseback riding and skateboarding, among others.

Preschool-aged kids can explore sports including soccer, basketball, martial arts and gymnastics. There are also camps and classes designed to help prepare kids for kindergarten, including preschool classes with different themes and curriculum that help them advance their skills in core, pre-academic areas such as literacy, math and science.

Older kids aged 10-15 looking for a little adventure this summer can try River Camp for Kids, where they’ll learn about water safety and beginners’ kayaking, as well as paddleboarding, kayak fishing, pier fishing and a hike to the Dow Wetlands.

Aspiring artists can try watercolor, comic book illustration or anime-drawing classes.

“We also have a free, drop-in camp called Adventures in Fun and Fitness, held at rotating park locations,” said Martin.

If you’re not sure what kind of class to sign up your kids for, you can attend Antioch’s “Get Active Antioch!” Recreation and Health Expo and Music Fest at the Antioch Community Center and Antioch Water Park, Saturday, May 11, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The day will be packed with fun for all ages, including program demonstrations from MAX Martial Arts, Zuma Fitness, Delta Kayaking Adventures and Rob Skate Academy. Those signing up for classes and programs at the event will also receive a 15 percent discount, available for only one day.

“This is a great opportunity for parents to save money while they sign their kids up for multiple camps, classes or explore something new,” said Martin.

Parents also enjoy having some quiet time in the house while their kids are at camp.

“I like signing my kids up for camps and classes because it gives them something to do and could also spark an interest in something they otherwise might not have been exposed to,” said Brentwood resident Sarah Sachs.

For more information about the Antioch Recreation Department or to sign up for a camp, visit antiochca.gov/recreation, call 925-776-3050, or simply walk into the Antioch Community Center located at 4703 Lone Tree Way in Antioch.