The family and I spent a terrific day exploring and experiencing all the fun, interactive, STEM at…read moreMOXI. We had a 4 year old and a 7 year old in our group, but I think their dad had the most fun of all! The activities were designed to be developmentally appropriate to include all the members of our group in their range of engagement. Parents interacted with their children and staff was on hand to make suggestions, monitor, and prompt us to better delve into the "science" we were playing with. They seemed well-trained on how to lead us to deeper learning without slowing our explorations. Thanks to the staff and designers who allowed us to spend such a beautiful family day!

Fun, hands-on museum in Santa Barbara, but I think it's better suited for school-aged kids than…read moretoddlers and preschoolers. We visited MOXI with our 4-year-old and under-2-year-old. The kids had fun exploring, but I personally found it a little underwhelming for their ages, especially considering the price. There are definitely some great interactive and creative spaces, but I think older kids would get much more out of the experience. One thing that was pretty disappointing was finding out after we arrived that the entire third floor was closed for a private event. We had driven about 70 miles to get there, so it would've been nice to know ahead of time, especially since admission wasn't exactly cheap. Parking was also a little confusing, although there is some street parking and public parking around downtown Santa Barbara and the transit area. There were definitely some highlights. They have a craft/building area where staff were helping kids with projects and doing little workshops. The current theme was marble runs, but kids could also draw, color, build, and make whatever they wanted. Staff were really hands-on and supervised things like glue guns and scissors, which I appreciated. I can see this being a really fun and worthwhile area for older kids who are creative and enjoy building and STEM-type activities. For younger kids, there is a small crawl/play area on the second floor, plus a quiet "cave" or calm room where kids can take a break if they get overstimulated. I thought those were nice additions, especially for families with toddlers or sensory-sensitive kids. We went on a Monday and it wasn't very busy, which made for a pretty relaxed visit. I could see the experience being much better for our family in a few years, so I wouldn't completely rule out coming back when the kids are older. If your kids are school-aged and enjoy interactive, hands-on learning, building, and STEM activities, I'd definitely say it's worth checking out. For younger toddlers/preschoolers, though, I would temper expectations--the admission price felt a little high for what we were able to do. One thing that could make it a much better value is the ASTC Travel Passport Program. MOXI participates in the program, which can provide free general admission at participating science and technology museums around the world if you have a qualifying membership. There is a 90-mile restriction, though--the museum you're visiting generally needs to be more than 90 miles away, measured "as the crow flies," from both your residence and the museum where you have your active membership. Overall, a nice museum with some genuinely fun interactive spaces. I'd recommend it at least once, but for our family, I think we'll wait until the kids are a little older before making the trip again.

This camp is great! My 7 year old son went to their summer camp for 2 weeks in 2018 and LOVED it…read more He loved trying out new sports and kept busy and learned that he liked lacrosse and volleyball, although he mostly stuck to baskeball. Next Level and minecraft camp were the only camps he said he wanted to repeat in 2019. We bought a gift card for the 2019 camp at his school's fundraiser (which NLSC donated to the school) because we knew that he wanted to go so badly. Unfortunately he had to have surgery and was going to be in leg casts for their 2019 camp. I emailed to explain, not expecting much response or accomodation (but I had to try!). The director promptly emailed me back, said I would be able to use my certificate in 2020, and invited him to visit camp in the wheelchair. So warm and welcoming - they definitely have a fan in me, and more importantly, my kid.

From the owner: Next Level has hired Santa Barbara's best youth coaches to develop your child's proper athletic…read morefundamentals through safe, positive, and efficient coaching techniques while allowing them to try new sports or take their current game to the Next Level. Our mission is for every child to improve their skills, make new friends, and most importantly, HAVE FUN! There is no other athletic experience like it!

Lisa was beyond kind and gracious with our group of young kids. She shared her love and knowledge…read moreof ceramics in a fun and safe environment. my daughter loves her and we recommend her highly.

From the owner: At Artistic Horizons, we specialize in nurturing creativity through hands-on pottery and art…read moreexperiences for all ages. Our approach combines expert instruction with a welcoming, fun environment, making art accessible and enjoyable for everyone, from beginners to budding artists. Unique to our studio, we offer not only after-school and after-work pottery lessons and ceramics but also special Art and Clay Clubs designed to spark creativity in kids right at their own schools. We’re passionate about blending learning with play, teaching both technical skills and artistic expression. For those who love creating at home, our exclusive project sets; including painting projects, clay kits, bisque sculptures ready to paint, and underglaze sets. This offers a unique way to enjoy art beyond the classroom. Proudly serving the Goleta and Santa Barbara communities, we’re dedicated to inspiring confidence and joy through art!

Fabulous gym for children! I take my two-year old grandson to My Gym in Santa Barbara twice a week…read morefor an hour of circle time with group leg stretches, dances and puppetry, as well as free play during which kids practice climbing walls, jumping on trampolines and swinging in animal-shaped characters. Charles, Quinn, Grace, the whole staff is spectacular, super helpful and supportive of all the kids, setting aside "independent time" where the staff brings out a huge bag of toys and asks the parents/guardians to step back to encourage the children to play on their own and develop their inner resources. My 6-year-old grandson also loves My Gym, as the classes for older kids give them a taste of surfing, balancing their body on a large cushion roll. Cowabunga! I love My Gym!

We have been attending My Gym for about 6 months now. Coach Charles and his staff are the absolute…read moreBEST! They always have the best energy and our two kids love coming here each week. The coaches make this place such a special environment! The gym is always extremely clean. They have plenty of coaches for all the kids. They are also very organized and all the coaches work well together. You can tell there is a plan going into each class. We have also attended their summer camps and special occasions like their Halloween and Christmas parties! I cannot give them enough stars!!

Our child spent some time here this summer during the closure of our home school. It was such a…read morewonderful experience! Even though Luca was here for a short time, the staff took the time to learn about him in advance so he was set up for success on day one. They went out of their way to accommodate his nutritional needs. He participated in a lot of fun activities and we got updates and pictures so we knew what he as up to which was both fun and reassuring. And he came home happy every day! If we lived in Santa Barbara we would feel lucky yo bring him here every day, and we cannot wait to come back. Thanks to Dominique, Diego, Dava, and Tamara!!!

Hope 4 Kids is an exceptional school and Teresa (program director) and Cherie (the head of school)…read morehave built something amazing in Santa Barbara. We had to spend three months in Santa Barbara in 2019 for family reasons, and wanted to take advantage of the time there to let our 19 month old get socialized in a pre-school. We live in LA, so naturally compared Hope 4 Kids to some of the places we've looked at in LA, like CEE, Christopher Robin, and numerous other really nice, 'fancy' pre-schools. Hope 4 Kids is nicer than them all, and provides an amazing foundation for kids to learn. The 'outdoor education project' approach of the school has led the school to build an incredible outdoor classroom, and the kids are always engaged and having fun while learning, mostly in the outdoors. Teresa's enthusiasm for this outdoor classroom initiative is contagious, and from the moment we were introduced to the school we were certain that it was a great choice for our son. The faculty/student ratio is really low, and every teacher and teacher's aide we met was highly engaged and held to a really high standard of care for the kids and professionalism. We love this school and were so sad to leave Santa Barbara and H4K. It's an amazing place. (please also note that we are not particularly religious - this school is affiliated with a church, but operates on basic human principles of a respect for others and the beautiful world around us)

For the past four summers, my youngest son, Emilio, has spent his summers not only enjoying the…read morebeach but creating some of the most beautiful memories and friendships with his counselors and the other kids. As a parent, it was difficult to find a camp in Santa Barbara that was both affordable and offered something more meaningful than just overpriced babysitting. Then we found this camp, and I honestly cannot say enough wonderful things about it. I could go on and on about how amazing Joe and his staff are, but I would still fall short of explaining what they mean to my little Emilio. They have created a place where he feels welcomed, cared for, encouraged, and--most importantly--happy. Every summer, he looks forward to coming back, seeing familiar faces, making new friends, and having adventures that he talks about long after camp is over. What I love most is knowing that while I'm at work, my son isn't simply being watched. He is being cared for, learning, growing, exploring, and making memories that will stay with him for years to come. The counselors have been such a positive influence in his life, and it means the world to me as a mom to see the relationships he has built with them. Four summers later, this camp has become such a special part of Emilio's childhood. I am incredibly grateful to Joe and his entire staff for the love, patience, kindness, and joy they pour into these kids. Thank you for giving my son a place where he can simply be a kid, have fun, feel safe, and make memories he will carry with him. I truly cannot recommend this camp enough. It has been such a gift to our family, and I am so thankful that Emilio has had the opportunity to grow up spending his summers here.

Does your kid want to spend all day at the beach hanging out with cool surfers who do gymnastics…read moreand crafts and being allowed to just follow their bliss all day? Send them to Lobster Jo's! This camp is fabulous because it's just incredibly loosely structured; the kids get to do some fun games and activities and crafts, and they can surf and boogie board and swim and snorkel and paddle with supervision and expert assistance, and they can also just sit and dig holes all day, and they will get a high five and to pet the camp doggie! There are tons of sunny campers to supervise their all day play and help them all have a great experience. One of my kiddos had a hard time with waves and got scared (we aren't from here so she isn't super down with the ocean yet) and was hysterical, but one of the counselors was there to get her through that fear, offered her a private surf lesson the next day and got her excited about the ocean and she did some surfing and boogie boarding independently! The counselors are super kind and stoked to get all the kids to love the beach. Obvious this would be awesome for any locals, but I will add we came down from Seattle to go to a family reunion thing and we put our kids in this for the week, and it was the most brilliant vacation scheme ever; the kids got a great California experience, the adults got hours every day where we got to be kid free! I would highly recommend this if you have friends planning a summer vacation in SB to suggest they look into if this camp is happening!

Went there about 20 years ago and loved it. Went recently for an interview and saw the school was…read morethe same in the best ways. Would suggest to any family.

I love everything about St. Mark! We've had kids at SMP for more than 4 years now--my son attended…read moreages 2-5 and my 4yo and 1yo daughters are there now! Where to begin... The best thing about St. Mark is how warm and caring it is. The teachers and director create a home away from home where I know my kids are feeling love and support from their caregivers. And the teachers also constantly guide the kids to make kind choices toward one another. Next amazing thing--St. Mark is fun! The kids are outdoors more than half of the day and the play areas are big and varied. They are always getting dirty and imaginative and just get to be kids playing. My kids love being there and often don't want to leave, even after 9 hours! St. Mark is also structured. There is a routine to each day, from inside/outside time, songs, circle time, stations, free play, when to wash hands/use bathroom, etc. There's also weekly enrichment like special music classes and PE with Mr. B that the kids look forward to. The SMP community is forever! The school hosts lots of great events, big and small, and creates a space for the families to get to know each other and bond. From big events like winter sing and graduation to smaller ones like seminars, movie nights, and spring cleaning, there are tons of opportunities to make connections. I have such special friends from this school. I could go on and on. I'll also share that St. Mark is a tremendously supportive environment for children with food allergies. My family's experience working with the school to create a safe environment for a young child with severe allergies cannot have been better.