Museums and Cultural Institutions Supporting STEAM
Grand Rapids’ museums and cultural institutions offer some of the region’s most engaging STEAM experiences.
The Grand Rapids Public Museum combines science, history, and technology through interactive exhibits and educational programming. Its planetarium provides immersive learning experiences that spark interest in astronomy, physics, and space science.
The Grand Rapids Children’s Museum offers play-based STEAM learning designed specifically for younger children. Through hands-on exhibits, kids explore engineering, science, math, and creativity in ways that feel fun and accessible.
The Grand Rapids Art Museum (GRAM) contributes to STEAM education by integrating the arts into learning. Through workshops and youth programs, GRAM helps children develop visual literacy, creative thinking, and design skills—key components of a strong STEAM foundation.
Why Grand Rapids Is a Great Place for STEAM Education
Grand Rapids offers families:
A strong network of STEAM-focused nonprofits and community organizations
Grand Rapids YMCA
STEM Greenhouse
That STEAM Space
Interactive museums and cultural institutions with educational programming
Grand Rapids Public Museum
Grand Rapids Children’s Museum
Grand Rapids Art Museum (GRAM)
Robotics and coding programs for multiple age levels
BRICKS 4 KIDZ
FIRST Robotics-affiliated teams
High-quality summer STEAM camps and enrichment opportunities
Van Andel Institute for Education
Partnerships between schools, families, and local organizations
Together, these resources make Grand Rapids one of Michigan’s strongest communities for STEAM education for kids.
Robotics, Coding, and Technology Programs in Grand Rapids
Robotics and coding programs are a major strength of STEAM education in Grand Rapids.
Programs such as BRICKS 4 KIDZ introduce children to robotics, engineering, and coding through structured, hands-on activities using LEGO®-based systems and beginner-friendly programming tools.
The region is also home to FIRST Robotics–affiliated teams, which engage students in competitive, team-based engineering challenges. These programs help kids develop technical skills alongside leadership, communication, and collaboration.
Local schools and educational organizations further support robotics and coding through clubs, competitions, and technology courses that align with classroom learning and prepare students for advanced STEM pathways.
Summer STEAM Camps and Enrichment Programs
STEAM learning in Grand Rapids continues year-round, especially through summer camps and enrichment programs.
The Van Andel Institute for Education offers summer STEAM camps that immerse kids in science, engineering, and robotics through multi-day, project-based experiences. These camps encourage students to think like scientists and engineers while exploring real-world challenges.
Additional summer programs throughout the city provide themed STEAM camps, maker experiences, and technology workshops that help kids stay engaged and learning during school breaks.
STEAM Education for Kids in Grand Rapids, Michigan
Grand Rapids, Michigan is home to a growing and well-connected ecosystem of STEAM education opportunities for kids. From hands-on after-school programs and interactive museums to robotics teams and summer camps, families in Grand Rapids have access to a wide range of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math (STEAM) learning experiences.
Browse STEAM programs available in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and discover local opportunities that help kids build confidence, creativity, and critical thinking skills through science, technology, engineering, arts, and math.
