Stop the summer slide at these knowledge-building science, technology, engineering, art and math camps, where complex concepts are seamlessly incorporated into a variety of activities so fun and engaging that kids might not notice they are educational.
XP League Redmond (Kirkland)
If you’ve got a gamer, they are going to want to check these camps out. XP League Redmond offers weeklong camps (full- or half-day) with engaging themes that include “Content Creation for YouTube and Twitch,” “Fortnite Bootcamp: Better Player, Better Person” and others. Daily activities include goal setting, team-based gaming practice, physical activity, and, of course, computerless games and snack breaks.
Ages: 7–17
Cost: $225–$449
Open World by 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 so much more.
Ages: 6–18
Cost: $899–$1,599
YMCA Marine Biology (Orcas Island)
At Camp Orkila’s Marine Salmon Center, campers study marine ecology, oceanography and conservation during a weeklong sleepaway camp. Campers will dissect a squid, explore the intertidal zone and visit The Whale Museum on San Juan Island. Tiered pricing and financial assistance are available.
Grades: 6–8
Cost: $1,695–$2,350
Chess4Life (Issaquah, Bellevue)
Students can choose from all-day chess or chess plus Lego, robotics or table tennis at these weeklong day camps. Beginner through advanced players are welcome and will rapidly improve their chess skills, learning critical mindsets for success while having a good time and making new friends. Extended day available as a camp add-on.
Ages: 6–12
Cost: $425–$525
Girls Rock Math (multiple locations)
This math camp allows campers to explore math concepts through art and nature. In small, collaborative groups, girls will discover and explore mathematical concepts through practical and engaging activities like fashion design, beading, creating codes and other projects. A leadership camp for middle school-age former campers is available.
Grades: 1–8
Cost: $495
Design and Build (Seattle)
The Center for Wooden Boats is hosting a unique woodworking camp for teens and tweens this summer. Each camper will start with an idea and move it through the design process, building whatever they can dream up with wood. They’ll work with hand tools to construct something that’s truly theirs. Financial assistance and member discounts are available.
Ages: 10–14
Cost: $595–$670
iD Tech Camps (Seattle, Bellevue)
Campers learn from tech rock stars on the University of Washington (UW) and Bellevue College campuses with iD Tech’s camps in tech, game development, AI, coding and more. Day camps last one week at Bellevue College; choose one- or two-week-long day or overnight camps at UW.
Ages: 7–18
Cost: $1,149–$5,699
Pacific Science Center (multiple locations)
At PacSci’s Camps for Curious Minds, kids will investigate, experiment and play with STEAM themes such as “Grossology,” robotics, young veterinarians, kitchen chemistry, microbiomes, canoeing and many others. Offered at multiple locations in the Greater Seattle area, including Bellevue, these day camps fill up quickly. Full scholarships are available.
Grades: Pre-K–8
Cost: $270–$740
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. Members have early access to registration.
Ages: 4–10
Cost: $350–$525
Kids Science Labs (Seattle)
Kids Science Labs is offering four unique sections of its Engineering University this summer, with each full-day camp featuring its own unique five-day experience, focusing on physics, design, inventions or chemistry. Hands-on projects keep kids engaged and curious.
Ages: 4–12
Cost: $525–$595
Sci-Fi STEAM Voyagers (Seattle)
Described as science with a pinch of imagination, at this STEAM-themed camp at MoPOP, campers will experiment and explore engineering and science concepts so out there that the ideas will seem magical. July 21–25 only.
Ages: 7–10
Cost: $420
Destination Science (multiple locations)
The camp's tagline says it all: "We have fun down to a science." With a focus on STEM and STEAM concepts, kids build skills through hands-on projects at these week-long camps. This year's themes include Wild Robot Science Quest and Galactic Space Academy.
Ages: 5–11
Cost: $509–$519
