Campers in grades K-6 can spark their creativity and build collaboration skills while controlling their own flight simulation robots, protecting Earth’s ecosystems, and designing the ultimate sports complexes. Local educators lead fun, hands-on STEM activities at this innovative day program.
Kids in grades K-6 receive activity kits packed with materials to get them designing the next great invention and gaining confidence as innovators. This flexible program can be screen-free and self-led, or enhanced through online collaboration sessions with coaches and participants.
Challenge Camp @Home is a virtual day camp for children ages 4-15 with live interactive classes and dynamic instructors. Parents and campers customize a program by choosing from over 100 STEM and arts electives, as well as active options, like hip hop, fencing, and yoga.
In each weeklong "Coding FUNdamentals" camp, kids ages 6-13 learn a range of topics including coding, video game development, app design, 3D printing, and CNC machining. This action-packed program suits beginners and experienced coders alike.
Get ready for a week of adventure, fun, and innovation. During Codeverse's week-long virtual camps, kids ages 6-13 learn to code, build share-worthy mobile games, get published in an app store, attend virtual field trips, earn digital achievement badges, and more.
Launched by tech educators at Stanford University, these college-based camps offer over 50 courses for kids 9-17, covering everything from wearable tech to virtual reality. Each week of hands-on instruction ends with a showcase for family and friends.
Digital Media Academy's online STEAM Learning Lab offers access to 10 age-appropriate courses custom-designed for students from kindergarten through high school. Each course represents 15-20 hours of learning for engaged learners for a total of 150-200 hours across technology disciplines.
The workshop trains the next generation of civic leaders in communication, decision-making, and advocacy. Subjects include public speaking, argumentative writing, current events, and interdisciplinary: topics in philosophy, psychology, economics, sociology, history, civics, and statistics.
Girls ages 12 and up explore the world of modeling and fashion at this empowering virtual camp for girls. Each day, campers learn about the industry from leading industry professionals and top models and agencies.
The Museum of Science and Industry is one of the largest science museums in the world, home to more than 400,000 square feet of hands-on exhibits designed to spark scientific inquiry and creativity.
After School Matters partners with organizations throughout Chicago to provide apprenticeships to high school students in a number of disciplines, from the arts to STEM to sports. Teens can even earn a stipend for their work as they get a glimpse into how their futures might look.
Experience Apple Camp from home this season, with live orientation sessions, question and answer opportunities and unique projects to be completed at the camper's own pace. Projects include learning to code a robot and creating a positive message video.
The Apple Store provides free programming for kids ages 8-12, including hands-on projects centered around music, moviemaking, coding, or art & design through three, 90-minute sections.
The Chicago Park District will offer limited day camps for Chicago residents ages 6-12. Smaller group sizes will be implemented in accordance with state and local health guidelines. Everyone is required to wear a mask and bring their own water bottle.
Chicago Public Library partners with the Museum of Science and Industry to host an 8-week long Summer Learning Challenge each summer, where kids 0-13 can challenge themselves to read, participate in free hands-on activities, and push themselves creatively.
CircEsteem offers children ages 8-16 the opportunity to explore the Circus Arts, including trapeze, acrobatics, clowning, juggling, stilt walking, gym wheel, rolling globe, tight wire, rolla bolla, aerial silks, and mini trampoline. Masks will be required for all participants.
The Cook County Forest Preserve offers day camps for young nature enthusiasts throughout Cook County. Half day camps range from $25 to $75 per week, and topics include nature exploration, fishing, and surviving in the wild.
The Girl Scouts offers summer day camp (with overnight options) for girls aged 5-18 in the Chicago suburbs. Girls can immerse themselves in nature, play games, sing songs, and make lasting friendships in a fun, safe environment.
Girls Who Code offers a free, 7-week introductory computer science program for high school girls. Each week, girls are introduced to computer science principles through real-world projects in art and storytelling, web development, and more.
Campers ages 4 through 13 can learn about teamwork, hard work, and playing fair while playing their favorite sports at Hi-Five. Hi-Five has taken steps to modify its programs in order to protect campers and instructors.
Kids 4 Coding, an award-winning leader in youth computer education, offers half- and full-day co-ed summer technology programs for students ages 7-16. A small-group format, with a 5:1 student-to-teacher ratio, gives kids plenty of attention and opportunities to socialize with peers.
Campers ages 4-12 can explore everything from human anatomy to how computers work at Kids Science Labs' summer camp. Masks and temperature checks are required, classes will be limited to 10 or fewer kids, and there will be a contactless, outdoor check-in and check-out process.
Campers in grades 1 through 7 can explore engineering, technology, robotics, and more through hands-on tinkering and experiments at Kids STEM Studio. Campers will be required to wear masks, take temperature checks, and practice social distancing.
Lillstreet Art Center provides Kidstreet Camps for kids ages 3-16 who are interested in developing their artistic skills, including drawing, clay, mixed media, and more. Masks are required for participants, and class size will be limited for safety reasons.
Little Beans Cafe in Chicago and Evanston offers flexible, affordable summer camp options for 3-9 year olds, with a different theme each week. Kids can enjoy indoor and outdoor physical activities, as well as story times and art projects.
Explore the grounds of this 1,700-acre living museum. Its sprawling grounds are home to more than 4,000 plant species. There are 16 miles of hiking trails to explore or nine miles of biking trails to traverse as you take in the scenery.
Oui Chef offers cooking camps to young chefs ages 5-15, focusing on pastas, breads, and pastries, as well as all the sides. Oui Chef will comply with state and local safety guidelines to protect campers from Covid-19, including mandatory temperature checks and masks for all participants.
The Illinois Chapter of the National Organization of Minority Architects hosts a summer camp for kids in 6th through 8th grade for one week during the end of July. Kids can learn from real world architects and planners through fun exercises, drawing and model building.
The Salvation Army’s Red Shield Center offers free day camp during the summer, as well as Wonderland Camp, a week long overnight camp in Wisconsin.
SkyART Studios provides free programming for kids ages 7-14 all summer long. SkyART uses its own approach to learning, called SkyWAY, which encourages kids to follow their curiosity and move freely at their own pace to explore everything from sculpting to cooking, 3D printing, and painting.
Steve and Kate's Camp provides a wide range of activities for campers ages 4-12, including everything from sewing to sports to music. In order to keep campers safe, everyone will be required to wear masks, and group sizes will be limited.
The Field Museum has volunteer opportunities to keep teenagers busy. While not a traditional “camp” per se, spending all day supporting the Field Museum and its mission could be a cool and rewarding experience for older kids.
The Little Gym provides gymnastics camps for kids ages 3-12, featuring a different theme each week, from dinosaurs to space! To keep campers safe, TLG will be hosting fewer classes with smaller class sizes, and will require masks for everyone over the age of 2.
From culinary science and Lego engineering to Minecraft and slime, there's something for every STEM learner at this hands-on camp. Campers ages Kindergarten through 5th grade can design, build, and experiment.
Kids ages 5-12 and older can enjoy indoor and outdoor activities at various YMCA locations throughout the Chicago area. In order to keep everyone safe, the Y has instituted new protocols, including mandatory temperature checks and facemasks for all staff and campers.
