Free STEM Summer Camps and Programs Around Seattle

Summer is in full swing, and between family vacations and summer camps you might find your budget stretched a little thin for extra activities.

But exploring science, math, engineering and technology doesn’t have to be put on hold, thanks to these fun and free (!) summer programs in the Seattle area.

Tip: Some are already full, so be sure to bookmark this article or the program for next year. (Did we miss a free STEM summer program? Email emurray@parentmap.com.)

Maker online camp

Google and Make have teamed up for an online camp to get kids 13-18 building, breaking, creating, going on virtual field trips, and more this summer. Maker Camp includes themes for each week of camp including games, science, design and more.

For kids who don’t have access to the Internet or would like to team up to take part in the fun, local Maker Camp events can also be found at several Seattle locations.

Apple camp

Every summer, Apple stores across the country offer free three-day workshops in technology for kids ages 8 to 12 to create their own movies, compose music and code their own robots. All Seattle-area camps for 2017 are full, but some stores offer waiting lists for registration, so try your luck on the Apple Camp web page.

Microsoft Store YouthSpark summer camps

Microsoft Stores also offer free weekly in-store camps for kids 6 and up to learn about game design, movie making, coding and more. Registration for many of the camps are full, but be sure to check each session. There are a few camps that just opened for registration on June 26th.

MOHAI Maker Day: DIY Dog and Cat Toys

You’ll find all sorts of STEM fun on Saturday, July 29 at the Museum of History and Industry during their DIY Dog and Cat Toys Maker Day. In honor of MOHAI’s latest exhibit, It’s Raining Cats and Dogs, join exhibit partner PAWS in learning to make dog and cat toys using a variety of materials and crafting techniques. Visitors are encouraged to take their maker creations home to their loving pets, or kids can choose to donate them to an animal in need.

Seattle CoderDojo

The Seattle CoderDojo runs free coding programs for kids ages 8–18 year-round, with several opportunities this summer to get kids interested in programming. Seattle CoderDojo classes take place Saturdays, 10-noon. Events are free, but parents must register and get tickets for their mini-programmers ahead of time. Ticketing should go live 2-3 weeks before each class date.

Lakewood Pierce County library also hosts a CoderDojo program for kids ages 12–18 on Mondays in July and August from 5:30–7:30 p.m.

STEM library programs

Seattle Public Library's Summer of Learning

The Seattle Public Library is offering an incredible number of Blast off to Space! summer learning events through Sept. 5 for kids and teens at locations across Seattle. Check the calendar for free concerts, LEGO building challenges, catapult designing, labs and more, many with a STEM theme.

A few highlights include:

Pa Rah Boom Boom - Rhythms for Young Brains, Central Library, July 6
Colorful Mini Books, Wallingford Branch, July 11
Bridge the Gap, Ranier Beach Branch, July 25

King County Library's programs for kids

The King County Library System’s summer reading program, Build a Better World, brings music, magic, science and more with a STEM theme to branches around the Puget Sound area. Highlights include:

Fusing Plastic ScienceWorkshop, Newport Way Library, July 5
Boats Afloat Science Workshop, Kingsgate Library, July 17
Fairy Tale STEM Challenge, Fall City Library, August 1

Registration is required for some events in advance, so take a look at the events calendar for your local branch before heading out. And, of course, all events are offered at no cost.

King County Library's Programs for Teens

The KCLS summer program for teens, is just as exciting as their kids’ lineup. Not only are there some sensational STEM opportunities, such as building electronic gadgets and experimenting with 3-D pens, teens can also learn how to make their own music, experiment with the ancient technique of wet felting to make jewelry and learn how to create new malleable textiles from recycled plastic materials.

Highlights include:

Teen Hackerspace: Arduino & Raspberry Pi, Bothell Library, July 5
Candy Experiments Science Workshop, Black Diamond Library, August 8
Robot Garage: Battle Bots, Burien Library, August 22

Pierce County Library’s summer Lego programs

The Pierce County Library is offering free Lego construction activities for kids ages 6 and under this summer. Kids can get their hands on the library’s Lego bricks in the Lego & Building Madness events, and 9-to-12-year-olds can engineer LEGO bricks with working motors at various locations across Pierce County.

Highlights include:

Building Drop-In using LEGO Bricks & Motors, Dates and locations vary. Visit website for details.
Building Madness, Dates and locations vary. Visit website for details.

Pierce County Library’s summer reading programs

The Pierce County Library is also offering a wide variety of events and activities this summer, many of which have a STEM focus. Kids who attend Pierce County Library events will have the chance to learn about (and meet!) animal architects from Point Defiance Zoo, become “earth heroes” by adventuring through an obstacle course, catch a classic puppet show and much more. Check your local branch for more times and details.

Highlights include: