Compare 89+ Science & Innovation programs in Chicago — day camps, summer programs, and university pre-college options for kids, teens & high schoolers. Free directory with prices & dates.
Refreshed weekly · Last updated Oct 9, 2026
High school students explore science and engineering through hands-on experiments, visits to research labs, and trips to scientific institutions like Argonne National Lab. [cite: 5, 2nd search]
Age Group
High School
Location
University of Chicago, Chicago, IL
Phone
N/A
Students explore coding, robotics, and engineering challenges through hands-on projects, science exploration, and creative problem-solving in a supportive environment.
Age Group
Middle School
Location
CFI Robotics Center, 3500 S Morgan St, Suite 416, Chicago, IL 60609
Phone
(773) 656-3466
Children aged 4-15 engage in flexible STEM tracks, including robotics, engineering, and science, through hands-on activities, field trips, and creative problem-solving.
Age Group
Middle School
Location
955 W Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60642
Phone
(312) 236-6388
High school students explore quantum science, 3D printing, and solar energy through hands-on experiments, lab visits, and trips to scientific institutions.
Age Group
High School
Location
UChicago Campus
Phone
N/A
Elementary school youth engage in hands-on science and engineering investigations to solve real-world problems within a Boys & Girls Club summer camp setting.
Age Group
Elementary
Location
Multiple Locations (Pedersen-McCormick Boys & Girls Club and True Value Boys & Girls Club)
Phone
N/A
Curious PreK-Grade 5 students explore science, math, and technology through age-appropriate, rigorous enrichment with active exploration and guided inquiry.
Age Group
Elementary
Location
Chicago, South Loop
Phone
N/A
High school students immerse themselves in chemical sciences, gaining hands-on lab experience and exploring various career pathways in chemistry, biology, physics, and medicine.
Age Group
High School
Location
Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago, IL
Phone
N/A
Middle school campers explore relationships between animals, humans, and ecosystems through team building, immersive learning, meeting zoo scientists, and field trips.
Age Group
Middle School
Location
2001 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60614
Phone
(312) 742-2322
Students engage in hands-on STEM experiences, building robots, designing climate solutions, exploring microelectronics, and asking big questions about the world.
Age Group
Middle School
Location
Southside STEM Station, 1520 E. Harper Court, Chicago, IL 60631
Phone
(773) 702-8628
Girls explore science, engineering, and biotechnology through interactive experiments, teamwork, and real-world problem solving, with a 'Case Breakers' theme focusing on forensic and epidemiological science.
Age Group
Middle School
Location
Resurrection College Prep High School, 7500 W. Talcott Ave., Chicago, IL 60631
Phone
N/A
A pre-college program for high school students to explore STEM fields and experience a research institution with a strong liberal arts curriculum.
Age Group
High School
Location
University of Chicago campus, Chicago, IL
Phone
N/A
Campers act as citizen scientists, exploring local ecosystems, environmental connections, and pollution through nature walks, habitat observation, and maintaining a class garden.
Age Group
Elementary
Location
1362 E. 59th St., Chicago, IL 60637
Phone
N/A
High school students explore science and engineering through hands-on experiments, research lab visits, and trips to scientific institutions like Argonne National Laboratory, with a focus on quantum science.
Age Group
High School
Location
University of Chicago, Chicago, IL
Phone
N/A
High school freshmen, sophomores, and juniors can experience college life and earn credit through 1, 3, or 6-week courses in science, math, sustainability, and liberal arts.
Age Group
High School
Location
Loyola University Chicago, Sheridan Rd.
Phone
(773) 274-3000
A free summer math program for high schoolers focusing on advanced mathematics topics and their applications to science, technology, and society.
Age Group
High School
Location
University of Illinois Chicago
Phone
N/A
Elementary school youth engage in inquiry-based STEM learning and explore science concepts through hands-on activities at Boys & Girls Clubs locations in Chicago.
Age Group
Elementary
Location
Multiple Locations
Phone
N/A
An intensive two-week program for incoming UIC freshmen, providing hands-on experiences, math preparation, and innovative project-based activities to build a strong academic and social foundation for college.
Age Group
High School
Location
University of Illinois Chicago campus, Chicago, IL
Phone
N/A
Elementary students engage in rigorous enrichment in science, math, literacy, and technology through active exploration, collaboration, and guided inquiry.
Age Group
Elementary
Location
Multiple Locations (Chicago, South Loop; Evanston)
Phone
N/A
Middle school students (grades 6-8) explore passions through dynamic programs, including conducting science experiments and designing apps, fostering confidence and teamwork.
Age Group
Middle School
Location
University of Chicago Laboratory Schools
Phone
N/A
High school students perform novel research mentored by professionals in Northwestern University's Materials Science and Engineering Department, focusing on STEM fundamentals, data analysis, and technical writing.
Age Group
High School
Location
Northwestern University, Evanston, IL
Phone
N/A
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.
Looking for a STEM summer camp near you? This free Chicago directory lists 447+ local and online programs across the Chicago metro area — including AI, coding, robotics, science, and math camps for kids, middle schoolers, and high school students. Compare prices, dates, age groups, and formats, then filter by focus area above to find the closest match for Summer 2026.
We list 447+ 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
