Summer in the DC metro area means one thing for curious kids: no shortage of ways to explore science, technology, engineering and math. From hands-on robotics labs and coding bootcamps to environmental science on the Potomac, the DMV is home to some of the most advanced STEM programs in the country and a deep bench of summer camps for every kind of learner. Whether your child is a budding coder, a future engineer or someone who loves experimenting, this guide covers top options across DC, Maryland and Northern Virginia.
The camps below were selected based on program quality, STEM depth, local accessibility and parent feedback. Reviews are sourced from public platforms and reflect individual parent and student experiences. If you’re still figuring out what fits, our guide to choosing the right summer camp and our age-by-age camp guide can help you narrow the field before you register.
Tip: Many of these programs fill quickly. Check individual websites for 2026 registration deadlines and availability.
Children’s Science Center Lab
- Location: Fair Oaks Mall, Fairfax, VA
- Ages: Rising grades 1-5
- Focus: Science, technology, engineering, mathematics
- Phone: (703) 648-3130
Northern Virginia’s first interactive STEM museum, the Children’s Science Center Lab at Fair Oaks Mall runs themed week-long day camps led by experienced STEM educators in small groups. The 2026 summer lineup includes Cosmic Creations (space travel and engineering), Epic Engineering (design and analytical reasoning challenges), Superhero Species (animal adaptations and zoology) and Museum Makers (architecture and engineering). Single-day camps are also available in late June and early July. Members receive a 10% discount on week-long camps.
“Children’s Science Lab summer camps are the only camps my kids attend. No one else provides the top-tier experience. Everything from the content, to the attention given to each kid, to the genuine enthusiasm of the team — it’s perfectly designed to deliver incredible value.”
“My son was not excited when I told him he was going to science camp, but he absolutely loved it. The activities were fun and informative. My daughter loved meeting real scientists from the local high school robotics club.”
Mad Science
- Location: Multiple locations across DC, MD and VA
- Ages: Rising grades 1-5
- Focus: Chemistry, robotics, aerodynamics, space science and invention
- Phone: (301) 593-4777
A Washington Parent Picks winner in the STEM Summer Camps category, Mad Science has served DC-area families for decades. The 2026 season features eight themed weeks: Crazy Chemworks, NASA: Academy of Future Space Explorers (designed with NASA engineers), Red Hot Robots, Eureka! (invention and engineering), Secret Agent Lab, Dinosaurs & Ancient Worlds, Flight Academy and Science in Motion. Camps run at multiple locations across the metro area. A multi-week discount of $30 per week is available with code multicamp2026 at checkout. Red Hot Robots sessions carry an additional $15 materials fee.
“My son attended the Earth, Space & Beyond Mad Science Camp last summer and absolutely loved it. The hours were convenient and the location was close by. We’re sending him again this summer.”
“These are well-run camps, in our experience. My son was MORE excited about this camp than anything else he did all summer.”
SciGenie
- Location: Northern Virginia (Reston-area administration; see website for specific camp locations)
- Ages: Grade school through middle school
- Focus: STEAM — science, technology, engineering, art and math
- Phone: (877) 684-1260
SciGenie offers week-long, hands-on STEAM camps that combine science and technology with innovative problem-solving and outdoor playtime. Programs value teamwork and hands-on application across a wide range of themes. Registration for 2026 is open; spaces fill quickly. SciGenie also offers after-school programs, birthday parties and Girl Scout STEM programming for year-round enrichment in Northern Virginia.
Ideaventions Academy for Math and Science
- Location: 12340 Pinecrest Road, Reston, VA
- Ages: Rising grades 1-9
- Focus: Science, engineering, coding, mathematics, computational thinking
- Phone: (703) 860-0211
A multiple Washington Parent award winner for Best STEM Camp and Best Virginia Day Camp, Ideaventions Academy has run community STEM programs since 2010. Elementary campers (rising grades 1-6) experience two hands-on science or engineering labs each day, a coding and computational thinking lab using Minecraft Education Edition, daily nature hikes or outdoor play, math and logic enrichment and a daily science or engineering film. Middle school campers (rising grades 7-9) work through more advanced hands-on labs with a daily book and game club. Programs are led by experienced scientists, engineers and teachers. Camps fill quickly — join the email list at ideaventionsacademy.org for advance registration notice.
“My grandson has been attending Ideaventions STEM camps for two years. The camps allow children to be physically and intellectually active and challenged by encouraging their observations and creativity. He especially enjoyed the Engineering Adventures camp.”
“Our son is challenged and his confidence has skyrocketed. The founders bring the best of Thomas Jefferson High School in a caring, personalized environment developed for top-tier STEM students.”
Rosie Riveters
- Location: The Garden Alexandria by Building Momentum, 5380 Eisenhower Ave., Suite C, Alexandria, VA
- Ages: Rising grades 1-3
- Focus: STEM with emphasis on women pioneers in science and technology
- Phone: (703) 261-4612
Rosie Riveters is a STEM organization dedicated to closing the gender gap in science and technology by engaging girls early. Their week-long, half-day summer camp for rising first through third graders explores chemistry, space science and engineering through the lens of women who have developed these fields. The organization reports that more than 90% of participants feel inspired to further explore STEM after attending their programs. A $50 non-refundable registration fee is required. Programs that do not meet the minimum enrollment are canceled approximately two weeks before the start date and the registration fee is refunded.
Russian School of Mathematics
- Location: Multiple DMV locations including Bethesda, MD, and Northern Virginia
- Ages: Grades K-12
- Focus: Math enrichment, logical reasoning, problem-solving, competition preparation
- Phone: (617) 453-9060
The Russian School of Mathematics is a nationally recognized math enrichment program with a strong presence in the DMV. The curriculum emphasizes deep mathematical reasoning and problem-solving rather than rote memorization — preparing students for advanced coursework, STEM careers and national competitions. Summer programs are offered at multiple area locations. RSM alumni consistently place well in regional and national math competitions. Families can verify current summer session availability and locations at russianschool.com.
iD Tech
- Location: Multiple DMV university campuses; online options also available
- Ages: Ages 7-19
- Focus: Coding, game development, robotics, artificial intelligence, Roblox, Minecraft modding
- Phone: 888-709-8324
For 25 years, iD Tech has offered technology camps at top university campuses nationwide, with options accessible to DMV families. Campers specialize in one track per week — courses include Python, Java, Roblox development, game design, AI and machine learning, cybersecurity and more. Class sizes are capped at eight students per instructor for individualized attention. New for 2026: Expanded AI and prompt engineering tracks. Virtual private STEM classes are also available. Popular sessions are booked months in advance.
The St. James — STEAM Programs
- Location: 6805 Industrial Road, Springfield, VA
- Ages: Ages 4-16
- Focus: STEAM; also offers sports, adventure and specialty camps
- Phone: (703) 239-6846
The St. James has been recognized as Best Summer Camp in the DMV for four years running and offers STEAM as part of its educational camp lineup alongside its extensive sports programming. The Springfield facility features world-class athletic venues, a splash pad and chef-crafted lunches prepared on-site. Transportation is available from Bethesda, Georgetown, Eastern Market/Capitol Hill and Navy Yard. Multi-week discounts of up to 15% are available: 5% off two weeks, 10% off three weeks and 15% off four or more weeks per child.
“The camps are extremely well run with lots of different options, and the facilities are amazing. It is the staff that keeps us coming back.”
“My son loves The St. James camp and, as a parent, I feel peace of mind in sending him there. We frequently recommend The St. James to other families with school-aged children.”
Building Momentum
- Location: 5380 Eisenhower Ave., Alexandria, VA
- Ages: 6-14 (depending on program)
- Focus: STEAM — science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics; innovation and problem-solving
- Phone: (703) 566-9000
Building Momentum is an Alexandria-based STEAM organization that integrates science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics to cultivate critical thinking, creativity and innovation in young learners. Their youth programs use hands-on methods to challenge students to think differently and solve real problems. The Garden Alexandria facility, which Building Momentum operates at 5380 Eisenhower Ave., also serves as the host location for Rosie Riveters summer camp sessions. Visit their website for current summer program offerings and enrollment information.
Congressional School — Robotics Specialty Camps
- Location: Sleepy Hollow Elementary School, 3333 Sleepy Hollow Road, Falls Church, VA
- Ages: 4-14
- Focus: Robotics, coding, STEM engineering
- Phone: (703) 533-9711
Congressional School offers two robotics-focused specialty camps at Sleepy Hollow Elementary in summer 2026. Robotics & Coasters 2B (Session 2B, July 13-17) is designed for rising third through sixth graders. Robotics & Coding 3D (Session 3D, July 27-31) is open to rising fifth through ninth graders. Both programs provide hands-on instruction in robotics and engineering. Visit congressionalschool.org for registration links and to check availability.
Alice Ferguson Foundation — Summer Adventure Camps
- Location: Accokeek, MD (historic riverside campus)
- Ages: 4-13 (depending on program)
- Focus: Environmental science and STEM through outdoor exploration
- Phone: (301) 292-5665
Set on a historic riverside campus in Accokeek, the Alice Ferguson Foundation’s Summer Adventure Camps offer a fully screen-free experience in which nature becomes the classroom. Campers build confidence, curiosity and friendships through hands-on environmental learning and outdoor exploration grounded in real science — ecology, conservation and natural systems. An excellent choice for families who want rigorous STEM focused on the environment, without a screen in sight.
Camp Griffin at Westminster School
- Location: 3819 Gallows Road, Annandale, VA
- Ages: 3-11 (depending on program)
- Focus: Adventure, STEAM, water activities, French, art and sports
- Phone: (703) 340-7268
Camp Griffin at Westminster School in Annandale offers STEAM as one of its specialty camp options, alongside adventure, water activities, French language immersion, art, and sports. The program is led by certified counselors and offers adjustable scheduling, with early and extended care available. Military and sibling discounts apply. A strong option for families looking for a varied camp experience with STEAM included.
Avatar Learning Center — Online Summer Programs
- Location: Online (affiliated with Rockville Science Center, MD, for in-person options)
- Ages: Grades K-12 (varies by course)
- Focus: Math enrichment, Python coding, science
- Phone: (515) 428-2827
Avatar Learning Center offers online summer programs in math (grades K-12), Python coding (grades 5 and up) and science — a flexible option for families with summer travel or children who prefer a structured academic enrichment format. Four-week courses meet for a few hours per week, with small class sizes and weekly parent progress reports. Avatar is affiliated with the Rockville Science Center in Maryland for families interested in in-person programming. All courses are designed to prevent summer learning loss while keeping children intellectually engaged at their own pace.
Camp details, dates and pricing are verified from official program websites as of April 2026. Washington Parent recommends visiting each program’s website to confirm availability, current pricing, and the 2026 session schedule before registering. Reviews are sourced from public platforms and reflect individual parent and student experiences.
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