Learn & Play
Gameheads: Kids blends play, creativity, art, and technology to teach kids (8 – 11) 21st-century skills. We focus on video games, coding, digital art, and hands-on making. Students will build digital confidence through play and collaborative learning in a safe and supervised environment.
Gameheads: KIDS Activities
Play, Play & Play
Our camps prioritizes play because studies show that play is the best way for children to learn.
- Campers will be able to play from a library of over 1,000 child-appropriate video games including games created in house by our young developers.
- Campers will be able to play classic board games.
- Campers will have access to an indoor play space and play areas at the historic Jack London Square.
World Building
Our camps prioritizes the development of a child’s imagination.
- Campers will build their own video game worlds through digital arts and arts and crafts activities.
- Campers will get to play with our cosplayers and get to play around with costumes, accessories, or face paint to represent their favorite characters from cartoons, video games, comics, and movies.
- Campers will get to explore weekly themes.
Education
Our camp prioritizes child education in science, technology, engineering, arts and math.
- Campers will learn how to use game development applications such as Scratch and Minecraft.
- Campers will get to draw using digital arts creation tools.
- Campers will be able to meet real game developers from young hobbyists to industry professionals who work on some of their favorite games.
Details coming soon!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Where are you located?
Gameheads: Kids is located in downtown Oakland at 520 3rd Street, Oakland, CA. Our space is designed to be a creative, safe, and engaging environment for kids to learn through gaming, technology, art, and hands-on activities.
What ages is the program for?
Gameheads Kids is designed for children ages 8–11. Activities are tailored to be age-appropriate, engaging, and accessible for a variety of skill levels and interests.
Do kids play violent video games?
No. We use carefully selected, age-appropriate games and activities, including games created in house by our young developers.. We avoid graphic or mature-rated violent content.
Is this just kids playing video games all day?
Not at all. Our program blends gaming with hands-on learning, movement, creativity, and social interaction. Kids participate in activities like:
- Digital art and animation
- Game design challenges
- Coding principles and interactive storytelling
- Arts and crafts
- Team competitions and collaborative projects
- Physical movement games inspired by video game favorites
- STEAM and creative technology activities
What makes Gameheads: Kids different from other camps?
Gameheads has relationships with the world’s leading game companies which, allows us to bring the industry to the community. With Gameheads: Kids we take those relationships and combine them with youthful creativity and play. Children will explore game design, digital creativity, art, storytelling, and teamwork while learning real-world tech and creative skills in a fun environment.
Will there be guest speakers or industry professionals?
Yes! Throughout the program, kids may meet creators, developers, artists, designers, and technology professionals from the gaming and tech industries who lead activities, share experiences, and introduce students to real-world creative careers. This includes our young students studying game development in college.
Do kids need gaming experience?
No experience is required. Beginners are welcome, and activities are designed so kids of different skill levels can participate and have fun.
What should my child bring each day?
Students should bring:
- A lunch
- Healthy snacks
- A reusable water bottle
- Comfortable clothing
Additional details will be shared before camp begins.
Are meals provided?
No. Meals are not provided. Students must bring their own lunch, healthy snacks, and water bottle each day.
Is the program supervised?
Yes. Children are supervised by trained staff throughout the day. Safety, inclusion, and positive community behavior are important parts of our program culture.
Will kids have screen breaks and physical activity?
Absolutely. We balance screen-based activities with movement, collaborative games, hands-on projects, and social interaction throughout the day.
Can my child participate if they are more interested in art than gaming?
Definitely. Many of our activities focus on creativity, drawing, animation, storytelling, music, crafts, character creation, and digital art — not just gameplay.,
We have a limited number of spaces. Click the link to register today!
The most effective kind of education is that a child should play amongst lovely things.
– Plato
