STEM Summer Camps in Chicago, IL — Summer 2026

Compare 69+ programs in AI, coding, robotics, science, math & cybersecurity — day camps for kids, summer programs for middle & high schoolers, and university pre-college options. Free directory, no signup required.

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All camps (69)

Refreshed weekly · Last updated May 30, 2026

AI & Machine Learning
Recommended

AI Explorers Lab

A live online AI program for middle schoolers in grades 6-8. Across 8 hands-on sessions, students learn how AI works, write smart prompts, train their own models, build chatbots, and use AI responsibly. No coding required.

Age Group
Middle School

Location
Research Ignited Online Platform

Phone
+1‪ (919) 213-1821‬

Robotics & Engineering
Recommended

AI Robotics & Autonomous Drone Lab

Learn Python-powered robotics, sensors, electronics, AI, computer vision, and autonomous drone concepts through guided projects in a small-group live online setting. No prior robotics or coding experience is required. Students with prior knowledge can go further through advanced AI-based projects and extensions.

Age Group
Middle/High School

Location
Research Ignited Online Platform

Phone
+1‪ (919) 213-1821‬

Science & Innovation
Recommended

High School Research Program

A prestigious program where high school students engage in independent research projects, guided by expert mentors, with opportunities for publication.

Age Group
High School

Location
Research Ignited Online Platform

Phone
+1‪ (919) 213-1821‬

AI & Machine Learning
Recommended

AI Scholars Program

An intensive AI/ML bootcamp designed for high school students to learn the fundamentals of artificial intelligence, coding, and real-world applications through hands-on projects.

Age Group
High School

Location
Research Ignited Online Platform

Phone
+1‪ (919) 213-1821‬

AI & Machine Learning
🏫 Loyola University

iD Tech - Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning

Kids and teens engage in hands-on AI and machine learning projects, learning to use AI responsibly and developing technical skills within a university setting.

Age Group
Middle/High School

Location
1032 W Sheridan Rd, Chicago, IL 60660

Phone
(888) 709-8324

AI & Machine Learning
🏫 University of Illinois

Digital Scholars Program (Chicago)

High school students strengthen computing skills, build college and career-readiness, and gain exposure to AI and machine learning through dedicated workshops and courses in downtown Chicago.

Age Group
High School

Location
Downtown Chicago, IL

Phone
(312) 355-5025

AI & Machine Learning
🏫 University of Chicago Laboratory Schools

University of Chicago Laboratory Schools – Summer Lab - AI Gaming and Machine Learning

Students explore machine learning and artificial intelligence fundamentals using Scratch to build interactive games, covering augmented reality, simulated learning, and AI behaviors.

Age Group
Elementary

Location
1362 E. 59th St., Chicago, IL 60637

Phone
N/A

Coding & Software Development

Everyone Can Code Chicago - Code + Create Summer Opportunities

This hybrid program teaches participants aged 16-24 iOS app development from scratch and creative coding with AI-assisted tools, culminating in a working prototype and potential entry into an App Accelerator program.

Age Group
High School

Location
Hybrid (in-person time commitment varies)

Phone
N/A

Coding & Software Development

iCode Ravenswood Summer Camps

iCode Ravenswood offers hands-on summer camps where kids and teens ages 7-18 become creators, building technical and creative skills in game development, 3D printing, robotics, and coding with AI-powered learning paths.

Age Group
Middle/High School

Location
2010 W Montrose Ave, Chicago, IL 60618

Phone
(312) 620-8088

Robotics & Engineering

Playto Labs

Offers live online robotics summer camps where kids build real skills using modern robotics kits and receive personalized attention from expert mentors.

Age Group
Middle/High School

Location
Virtual Camp

Phone
N/A

Robotics & Engineering
🏫 University of Illinois Chicago

UIC College of Engineering Summer Camp

Participants explore various engineering disciplines through hands-on projects, team challenges, and college preparation tips, experiencing university life at UIC.

Age Group
Middle/High School

Location
851 S. Morgan St., Chicago, IL 60607

Phone
(312) 996-3463

Robotics & Engineering
🏫 Illinois Institute of Technology

Illinois Tech Elevate College Prep - Build Your Own Robot

High school students explore robotics by building automated systems and tackling design challenges with robotic kits and the Arduino platform to develop practical engineering skills.

Age Group
High School

Location
Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago, IL

Phone
(312) 567-3000

Science & Innovation
🏫 University of Chicago

University of Chicago Data Science Institute Summer Lab

An 8-week paid research program where high school and undergraduate students work with data science mentors on rigorous, applied, interdisciplinary projects.

Age Group
High School

Location
University of Chicago, Chicago, IL

Phone
N/A

Science & Innovation

Kids Science Labs Science Academy 2026 Camps

Offers hands-on STEM experiences blending science, fun, and creativity through experiments and innovation activities for young scientists.

Age Group
Middle School

Location
Multiple Locations

Phone
N/A

Science & Innovation
🏫 University of Chicago

UChicago Summer Session: Technology and Innovation (2-Week Experience)

High school students explore career paths in molecular engineering, computer science, or physical sciences through academic and practical learning activities.

Age Group
High School

Location
University of Chicago campus, Chicago, IL

Phone
N/A

Science & Innovation

BitSpace Summer Maker Camp

Offers hands-on maker experiences where campers design and build creations, engaging in challenges with vehicles, miniatures, and robots.

Age Group
Middle School

Location
Multiple Locations

Phone
N/A

Science & Innovation
🏫 Northwestern University

Northwestern Center for Talent Development Academic Summer Camps

Intensive academic programs for motivated middle and high school students, offering advanced topics in math, science, and technology with residential and day options.

Age Group
Middle/High School

Location
Northwestern University, Evanston, IL

Phone
N/A

Mathematics & Data Science
🏫 Illinois Institute of Technology

Data Science Basics: Exploring Big Data

High school students explore essential data science concepts through interactive projects in data analysis and visualization.

Age Group
High School

Location
Virtual

Phone
N/A

Mathematics & Data Science

Club SciKidz West Chicago - Hands-On Data Science and AI Summer Camp

Students dive into Artificial Intelligence and Data Science with hands-on, project-based learning, coding their own AI models, and exploring NLP, data analysis, and visualization.

Age Group
Middle/High School

Location
West Chicago, IL

Phone
N/A

Mathematics & Data Science
🏫 Loyola University Chicago

iD Tech Camps at Loyola University Chicago - Data Science & Machine Learning

Kids and teens learn to code games or apps, explore AI in Python, jump into data science, and discover machine learning concepts through hands-on projects.

Age Group
Middle/High School

Location
Loyola University Chicago

Phone
N/A

Year-round STEM competitions in Chicago

Summer camps are great, but the real portfolio comes from competing. See every FIRST Robotics team in IL — plus pathways, deadlines, and pick lists for math, coding, science, and research competitions.

Find FRC teams in IL → Top STEM competitions →

Frequently asked questions about STEM summer camps in Chicago

What is the best STEM summer camp in Chicago for 2026?

We list 69+ STEM summer camps in Chicago, IL across AI & machine learning, coding, robotics, science, math, space, and cybersecurity. Top picks vary by your child's age and interests — use the category filters above to compare programs by price, duration, and format.

How much do STEM summer camps cost in Chicago?

Prices in our Chicago directory range from free community programs to $3,000+ for university-hosted pre-college tracks. Most full-day weekly camps run $400–$900 per week; specialized AI and research programs typically run $1,000–$2,500 for the full program. Click any camp for current pricing.

What ages can attend STEM summer camps in Chicago?

Camps in our Chicago listings cover elementary (typically ages 6–10), middle school (11–13), high school (14–18), and selective pre-college research programs for rising seniors. Filter by age group to see only programs that match your child.

Are there online or virtual STEM camps for students in Chicago?

Yes — many of our listed programs offer fully online or hybrid formats, especially in AI, coding, and research. Online options are open to students nationwide, including Chicago-area kids who can't travel to an in-person camp. Look for the “Virtual Camp” filter or any program tagged Online / Hybrid in the details.

Can high schoolers attend university pre-college STEM programs near Chicago?

Yes. Several listings are pre-college programs hosted by universities — including residential and commuter options. These are competitive admissions with applications often closing in March/April for summer cohorts. Use the Pre-College filter at the top to see only these programs.