Stop summer slide with these knowledge-building STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art and math) and science camps where complex concepts are seamlessly incorporated into engaging activities. Kids will learn while exploring marine biology, Grossology, fashion design, playing chess, sailing, robotics, coding and more.
XP League Redmond (Kirkland)
If you’ve got a gamer, they are going to want to check these camps out. XP League Redmond offers week-long camps (full- or half-day) in July and August with engaging themes including “Content Creation for YouTube and Twitch” and “Fortnite Bootcamp: Better Player, Better Person.” Daily activities include goal setting, team-based gaming practice, physical activity, and of course, snack breaks.
Dates: Various dates throughout July and August
Ages: 7–17 years old
Costs: $225–$449
Open World at DigiPen (Redmond and Bothell)
Open World workshops are designed to explore the STEAM fields of the future with cutting-edge technologies, programs and techniques that will be relevant in real-world industries. Subjects include robotics, art, animation, ceramics, video game development, sound design, programming, manga, drawing and more.
Dates: Various
Grades: K–12
Cost: $659–$2,999
YMCA Marine Biology (Orcas Island)
At Camp Orkila’s Marine Salmon Center, campers are immersed in marine ecology, oceanography and conservation of the natural world. Campers will get to dissect a squid, explore the intertidal zone and visit the Whale Museum on San Juan Island.
Dates: July 31–Aug. 6; Aug. 7–13 and 14–20
Grades: 6–8
Cost: $1,875–$2,350
Chess4Life (Issaquah, Bellevue)
Students can choose from all-day chess, chess plus Lego, or chess plus table tennis at these day camps. Beginner through advanced players are welcome and will rapidly improve their chess skills and learn critical mindsets for success while having a good time and making new friends, too.
Dates: June 17–Aug. 30
Ages: 6–12
Cost: $425–$515
Girls Rock Math (various Seattle and Eastside locations)
This math camp allows campers to explore math concepts through art and nature. In small groups, girls will try fashion design, beading, creating codes, patterns and many other craft-based projects that might make math more accessible. They will also work together to foster collaboration skills. A leadership camp for former campers who are now in middle school is available.
Dates: Weekly, starting July 8, 15, 22 and 29; Aug. 5 and 12
Grades: 1–6
Cost: TBD
Youth Science of Sailing (Seattle)
Campers will dive into the math and physics behind sailing! In this weeklong camp, they will learn about the cause and effect of the wind in your sails and a hand at the helm. Campers will learn through science modules, then apply that science to sailing.
Dates: Weekly, starting July 8, 15, 22 and 29; Aug. 5, 12 and 19
Ages: 11–14
Cost: $575 for members, $650 for nonmembers
iD Tech Camps (Seattle, Bellevue)
Campers learn from tech rock stars on the University of Washington and Bellevue College campuses with iD Tech’s camps in tech, game development, AI, coding and more. Learn Java and Python coding, virtual robotics, Roblox game design, Minecraft mod building and other subjects that get kids engaged in computing.
Dates: Various
Ages: 7–18
Cost: $1,079 and up
Pacific Science Center (various locations)
At Camps for Curious Minds, kids will investigate, experiment and play with STEAM themes like “Grossology,” robotics, young vets, kitchen chemistry, microbiomes and many others. Offered at multiple locations in the greater Seattle area, these day camps fill up quickly. Scholarships are available.
Dates: Weekly, starting June 24; July 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29; Aug. 5, 12, 19 and 26
Grades: pre-K–8
Cost: $290–$720
KidsQuest Children’s Museum (Bellevue)
Kids can play and have fun while learning STEAM-based concepts. In these half- and full-day camps, themes include space exploration, photography, sports and more. Campers are divided by age group into Explorer Camp and Adventure Camp. Member registration opens a day before it opens to the general public.
Dates: Various
Ages: 4–10
Cost: $350 for Explorer Camp, $525 for Adventure Camp
Kids Science Labs (Seattle)
These science summer camps for kids incorporate weekly themes and topics such as medicine, chemistry and engineering design. Fun themes and lots of hands-on projects keep kids engaged all day. These full-day camps include snack breaks, outdoor time and time in the art studio.
Dates: Weekly, starting June 10, 17, 24; July 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29; Aug. 5, 12, 19 and 26
Ages: 4–12
Cost: $495
Fantasy STEAM Explorers Camp
Science with a pinch of imagination is the best way to describe this STEAM-themed camp at the Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP). Campers will experiment and explore engineering and science concepts so out there that the ideas will seem magical.
Dates: July 22–26
Ages: 7–10
Cost: $400 ($20 discount if you register before May 30)
