PATCH PICKS: Nontraditional Summer Camps on the Coastside

March is here -- and it feels like you were celebrating New Year's Eve just the other day. Before you know it, summertime will have hit the Coastside and your children will be looking for something to do (assuming they're under employment age, that is).

This week, Patch Picks offers a list of some local summer camps you may want to consider as you review your kids' choices.

790 Main St, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019 650-726-8125

Who said that summer camps had to be all about hiking and campfires? The Fly on the Wall Art School is located conveniently in downtown Half Moon Bay. A summer art camp will give your child the gift of creativity.

1050 Crespi Dr, Pacifica, CA 94044 650-738-8648

Another creative camp for you to try if your child is more of a ham than anything else. Spindrift is owned and operated by the well-known Pacifica Spindrift Players. Their facilities include a dance studio as well.

494 Miramontes Ave, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019 650-726-7413

CCP's Summer 2011 camp offerings will make you wish you were a kid again. Enroll your child in an Art and Cooking camp in Montara, a Sports camp in Half Moon Bay, or an Exploring the Coast Camp, where children engage in a variety of activities.

640 Crespi Dr, Pacifica, CA 94044 | 650-738-5664

How cool would it be to go to skate camp? The Log Shop hosts it on location at their indoor skateboard park - the only such park in the Bay Area. You can arrange enrollment by stopping by this Pacifica surf and skateboard supply store. If your child prefers private lessons, those are available for skating as well as surfing.

1500 Purissima Creek Rd, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019 650-712-3150

An obvious choice for Half Moon Bay and the Coastside and a chance for them to interact and take care of the farm animals, as well as the many gardens at the ranch. Its peaceful setting and fresh air on the outskirts of Half Moon Bay makes one feel worlds away from the city. Offers summer day camps for children age 6-11.