Why Summer STEAM Camps Matter for Kids
Summer learning opportunities play an important role in maintaining academic momentum while giving kids the freedom to explore new interests.
Summer STEAM camps provide hands-on, immersive experiences that help children apply science, technology, engineering, arts, and math concepts through creative projects and real-world challenges. These programs encourage curiosity, independence, and confidence while preventing learning loss during the summer months.
For many families, summer STEAM camps also offer structured, enriching options that balance learning with play—helping kids stay engaged, active, and inspired throughout the break.
Key Benefits of Summer STEAM Camps:
Hands-on learning through creative, project-based activities
Continued academic engagement during summer break
Increased confidence and independence in learning
Exposure to science, technology, engineering, arts, and math concepts
Opportunities for collaboration, creativity, and problem-solving
Preparation for the upcoming school year through skill reinforcement
Summer STEAM Camps for Kids in Michigan
Finding high-quality, affordable summer STEAM camps for kids in Michigan doesn’t have to be overwhelming.
If you’re ready to give your child a summer filled with learning, creativity, and discovery, you’re in the right place. All camps featured below are local to Michigan and many are hosted by trusted organizations such as community centers, nonprofits, schools, libraries, museums, and educational institutions.
Joy of Coding is a self-paced online Python course created for high school students by the University of Michigan College of Engineering. Students can earn a certificate for college applications and access 1-on-1 support from U-M Engineering students.
Crawly Creatures is a life science summer camp on June 8–11, 2026 in Grand Rapids, MI at Van Andel Institute for Education. Kids explore insects, adaptations, and ecosystems through hands-on science activities.
Critter Coding is a coding summer camp for grades 2–3 on July 20–23, 2026 in Grand Rapids, MI at Van Andel Institute for Education. Kids learn sequencing and inputs/outputs through animal-themed projects.
Spring Break Camp: Just Zoo It is a behind-the-scenes animal science camp on April 8–9, 2026 at John Ball Zoo in Grand Rapids, MI. Kids explore zoo operations and animal care through hands-on activities.
Spring Break Camp: Animal Olympics is a hands-on animal science camp on April 6–7, 2026 at John Ball Zoo in Grand Rapids, MI. Kids explore how mammals and birds move through STEM-based activities.
The Science of the Built World: Welcome Concrete is a civil engineering summer camp for high school students in Summer 2026 at Lawrence Technological University in Southfield, MI. Students explore concrete design and materials science.
Automotive Engineering is a hands-on summer camp for high school students in Summer 2026 at Lawrence Technological University in Southfield, MI. Students explore vehicle systems and engineering concepts.
Computer Networking, Cybersecurity, and Artificial Intelligence is a technology summer camp for high school students in Summer 2026 at Lawrence Technological University in Southfield, MI. Students explore networking, security, and AI concepts.
Code-to-Print is a 3D printing and coding summer camp for high school students in Summer 2026 at Lawrence Technological University in Southfield, MI. Students design and print 3D objects using code.
RoboDog Adventures is a robotics and Python programming summer camp for high school students in Summer 2026 at Lawrence Technological University in Southfield, MI. Students program robotic dogs while exploring advanced robotics concepts.