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Best STEM Summer Camps in San Francisco and the Bay Area for Kids

LEGO, Minecraft, and coding? Sign us up! Photo courtesy of TechKnowHow
LEGO, Minecraft, and coding? Sign us up! Photo courtesy of TechKnowHow
3/19/23 - By Sandra Lee

STEM summer camps in San Francisco and the Bay Area are hugely popular, which makes sense because this is home to the technological hub of Silicon Valley. 

From LEGO camps to robotics, Minecraft, and space missions, the Bay Area knows how to do STEM. We probably don't need to tell you that the Bay Area is the birthplace of so many tech startups and pioneers, so who knows—STEM summer camps might inspire your kiddo to be the next Steve Jobs. Kids can immerse themselves in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, and they'll have so much fun at camp that they'll hardly realize they're attending an educational summer camp. Discover our favorite STEM summer camps in San Francisco and the Bay Area. 

We've got plenty more camp options for your budding scientist like free and cheap camps, sleepaway camps, and more in our San Francisco Summer Camp Guide. You can also find free coding for kids websites and apps.

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Exploration awaits. Photo courtesy of the Lawrence Hall of Science Summer Camp
Exploration awaits. Photo courtesy of the Lawrence Hall of Science Summer Camp

Best STEM Summer Camps in San Francisco Bay Area

Destination Science

Alameda & San Jose
Destination Science explores concepts in STEM like robotics, space, and anti-gravity laws of nature for kids ages 5-11. Summer camps combine learning and fun, with an appreciation for science and engineering. Geared toward elementary-aged kids who love hands-on learning, with locations in Alameda, Sacramento, Santa Clara, and San Mateo. READ MORE

TechKnowHow

Oakland & San Francisco
A Bay Area parent favorite and running for 28 years, this tech camp serves kids and teens with engaging, hands-on STEM concepts. With daily projects worked on throughout the duration of the camp, each student gets their own kit and computer to work on, with educators helping them every step of the way.  READ MORE

Berkeley Coding Academy

Virtual
Designed for kids and teens really wanting to dive deep into the world of code, this 3-week summer program is a prep program for inspiring Data Scientists. 11-18-year-olds can build machine learning models and learn Python code for AI. Kids 7-11 can join the Junior Python Coders and learn basic coding principles. All attendees get access to lectures, trained staff members, and notebooks.  READ MORE

Integem

Palo Alto & Fremont
With locations all over the Bay Area, this AR camp is ready to teach kids as young as 5 all about turning art into interactive animations. Courses like AR coding and game design, robotics engineering, and 3D design give kids the skills to build what they imagine. Integem also offers online private lessons, AP classes, and a Tech Leadership Program.  READ MORE

Lawrence Hall of Science

Berkeley
Lawrence Hall of Science is a science education and research center in the STEM world. Summer camps are available for grades 1-6, with hands-project, based learning that is age-appropriate and fun. Along with summer camps, the center hosts family activities and rotating exhibits the whole family can enjoy.  READ MORE

Brick Tech

Mountain View & Santa Clara
Connecting the bricks to explain STEM and robotics through LEGO®, Brick Tech is all about learning through play. The summer camps have locations throughout the Bay Area, with kids as young as 5 years old able to enroll. Brick Tech also offers classes and birthday parties to engage kids in building what they imagine.  READ MORE

Celsius and Beyond

San Francisco
A small science enrichment program with classes and camps for kids grades 1-6, Celcius and Beyond is all about teaching science in a relatable and applicable way. Kids can think objectively, question beliefs about the world, and learn about facts and theory. Camps throughout the year as well as science workshops are also offered.  READ MORE

Play-Well TEKnologies

Marin & San Mateo
The LEGO-inspired engineering camps are for kids in grades K-8 with an interest in how things work. Camps are structured so kids can build what they want while exploring fundamentals in engineering and physics. Collaboration, social skills, and critical thinking are all being developed while having fun. Play-Well TEKnologies also offers after-school enrichment programs, special events, and birthday parties throughout the Bay Area, and is home to the Activity Center in Marin.  READ MORE

Mad Science

San Jose
Full and half-day camps are available at this fun, science-based camp with locations in South and East Bay. Kids as young as 3 years old can make fascinating science experiments like slime, secret code messages, autonomous robots, and more. Interactive virtual camps are also offered where kits are delivered to your home. After-school programs, birthday parties, and science workshops are also available.  READ MORE

Star Kids Academy

San Jose & Cupertino
With locations in San Jose and Cupertino, Star Kids Academy has state-of-the-art robotics classes for kids grades 1-6, specializing in teaching STEM concepts as well as creativity and teamwork all while in play. Bot programs include animatronics, autonomous vehicles, and even battle bots.  READ MORE

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About the Author

Sandra Lee
Sandra Lee is the community publisher and social media manager for Mommy Poppins Bay Area. With nearly a decade of writing in the parenting space, she’s passionate about helping parents create unforgettable memories with their kids. Her work has appeared in Tiny Beans, Zulily, and more. When she's not exploring or creating content, you’ll find her baking or practicing her hip-hop moves.
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