Compare 30+ 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 Jun 11, 2026
A live, online 6-week bridge that previews the major AP Biology units before the school year — cells, genetics, molecular biology, evolution, and ecology — taught by working researchers so students walk into AP class already familiar with the material.
Age Group
High School
Location
Research Ignited Online Platform
Phone
+1 (919) 213-1821
A live, online 6-week bridge that previews the major AP Chemistry units before the school year — atomic structure, bonding, stoichiometry, kinetics, equilibrium, and thermochemistry — so the school year feels like review, not a scramble.
Age Group
High School
Location
Research Ignited Online Platform
Phone
+1 (919) 213-1821
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
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
This seven-week paid program allows underrepresented Chicago-area high school students to perform novel research in Materials Science and Engineering, mentored by professional researchers.
Age Group
High School
Location
Northwestern University, Evanston, IL
Phone
N/A
This one-week enrichment program introduces high school students to quantum science, exploring future careers and academic opportunities in the field.
Age Group
High School
Location
University of Chicago campus, Chicago, IL
Phone
N/A
This online program for high school students explores the foundational concepts of modern artificial intelligence through engaging video lessons and expert mentorship.
Age Group
High School
Location
Virtual
Phone
(847) 467-6703
This interactive program offers high school students experience with real astronomy research, focusing on Python programming, data analysis, and astronomical concepts.
Age Group
High School
Location
1800 Sherman Avenue, 8th Floor, Evanston, IL
Phone
(847) 467-6703
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
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
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
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
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
Mad Science offers hands-on science summer camps for children ages 5-12. Their camps explore various scientific themes through interactive experiments, demonstrations, and activities. They aim to spark curiosity and inspire a love of science.
Age Group
Elementary
Location
Various locations in Chicago
Phone
(847) 656-1000
The Museum of Science and Industry offers a wide range of summer camps for children and teens. Camps cover various STEM topics, including space exploration, robotics, engineering, and health science. Students participate in hands-on activities and explore exhibits.
Age Group
Middle School
Location
5700 S Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60637
Phone
(773) 684-1414
Students aged 7-17 learn coding, game development, robotics, and 3D printing through hands-on projects, experiencing university life at Loyola University Chicago.
Age Group
Middle School
Location
Loyola University Chicago
Phone
N/A
High school students explore game development, film, television, and animation industries with hands-on instruction using modern equipment and taught by DePaul faculty.
Age Group
High School
Location
DePaul University's Loop Campus
Phone
N/A
Girls in grades 3-8 become scientific sleuths, using forensic tools, epidemiological testing, and home-built security tech to solve mysteries in biotechnology and science.
Age Group
Middle School
Location
Resurrection College Prep High School, 7500 W. Talcott Ave., Chicago, IL 60631
Phone
N/A
Camp Invention is a nationally recognized STEM summer camp program for children entering grades K-6. Their camps focus on creativity, innovation, and problem-solving through hands-on activities and challenges. They have locations throughout Chicago and its suburbs.
Age Group
Elementary
Location
Various locations in Chicago and suburbs
Phone
(800) 968-4332
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 140+ 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 140+ 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.
