Des Moines kids who are itching for the school year to end so they can devote more time to their extracurricular educational passions are in luck. Local businesses and organizations offer STEM related summer camps, most of which offer hands-on building, coding, 3D printing, and more. No matter your child’s interest, age, or location, you should be able to pick out the perfect camp from our list to fuel some summertime STEM learning.
For additional info on summer camps happening across the Des Moines metro, be sure to check out our Summer Camp Guide.
Note: This is a working list, so check back often for new listings. If you know of a summer camp or class that you would like to have included to this guide, please email the listing information to nicole@dsm4kids.com or leave a comment below.
dsm4kids does NOT host any summer camps. Please contact the specific venue or organization hosting the camp for additional information and to register.
Read on for some of our favorite STEM related summer day camps and classes that are located in the Des Moines area:
Multiple Discipline STEM Camps in Des Moines
Camp Brainiac
Camp Brainiac is a summer day camp run exclusively by Iowa licensed teachers. Camp is specifically for elementary school-age kids 6-12! Camp Brainiac gives kids a break from the classroom but not from learning. Brainiac campers will spend their days at camp immersed in fun experiential learning activities. Offered in Ankeny and Waukee registration opens in March 11, 2024.
Tiger Lily STEM
TigerLily STEM partners with many Des Moines area school districts for STEM summer camps! Their summer camp classes provides girls in K-12 grades with fun-filled, real world exploration that opens their eyes to the world around them. STEM Camp is an exciting and hands-on learning opportunity for girls, but boys are welcome too, with a special emphasis on the STEM curriculum areas (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics). 2024 registration information coming soon.
Science Camps in Des Moines
Camp Invention
Camp Invention is a national organization that offers a number of camps throughout the summer to kids entering first through sixth grade. Camp Invention features collaborative learning opportunities led by local teachers in a safe environment. Programs are being offered in Adel, Altoona, Ankeny, Des Moines, Johnston, Polk City and Waukee. 2024 registration is open.
Science Center of Iowa
Find more to explore with SCI Summer Camps! From chemistry to astronomy and from invention to dissection, SCI Summer Camps provide week-long experiences for students in grades Pre-K through 8th grade. Summer camps will run June 3 through August 9, 2024. 2024 registration is open.
Technology Camps in Des Moines
Sylvan Learning Center
By combining super cool, kid-friendly technology, fun-filled games and hands-on projects (such as building a robot or programming a video game), Sylvan transforms learning into a truly memorable experience. Camps are available at Sylvan Learning Centers in Johnston and Des Moines during the summer, as well as during winter and spring breaks. Sylvan also partners with local organizations to deliver programs throughout the metro. Watch their website for summer 2024 camp opportunities.
Tech Journey
Tech Journey, Inc. was formed to help students with limited resources pursue careers in technology. Tech Journey organizes unique summer technology camp experiences in the Des Moines area which connect youth to technology professionals and real-world technology application. Watch their website for summer 2024 camp opportunities.
Engineering Camps in Des Moines
Bricks 4 Kidz
Bricks 4 Kidz camps are a fun way for kids ages 5-13+ to spend their summer. Using specialized LEGO® Technic pieces such as gears, axles, and electric motors, children work in pairs to construct a variety of Bricks 4 Kidz models, as well as build creations of their own during free-play periods. Experienced teachers help campers explore the world of engineering, architecture and animated movie-making. Find Bricks 4 Kidz programs in Des Moines, Ames, Indianola, Altoona, Pleasant Hill, Bondurant, Polk City, Granger and Waukee. Watch their website for summer 2024 camp opportunities.
Math Camps in Des Moines
Enrichment Therapy and Learning Center
Enrichment Therapy and Learning Center offers private tutoring, academic programs, small-group sessions, online tutoring and speech therapy to students of all ages. During the summer kids in early elementary can work on their math skills in a fun and interactive, yet structured way. Visit their website to schedule a consultation.
Additional Places to Find STEM Camps in Des Moines
Community Education Departments and Parks & Recreation Departments offer summer STEM day camps and classes throughout the summer, as well as youth organizations such 4-H, Boys Scouts, and Girl Scouts. Be sure to check out what STEM camps and classes that they offer.
What’s your favorite STEM related summer camp for Des Moines kids? Let us know!
Summer camps are totally fun by all aspects! Thank you very much for the wonderful information.