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Space camps near you

Use OurKids.net’s advanced search to discover kids camps and programs in your area that study space science and related topics:

Search space camps in ANY CITY   

More than just summer camp

Here are links to the variety of ways kids can engage learning about space. Find the fit that’s right for you.

Search all SPACE CAMPS 

What will your child learn in space camp?

Children who are curious about space get to explore it in a variety of ways through camps listed above. Space camp explores knowledge of the solar system, nearby stars, and basic astrophysics. It gives kids hands-on experience in technology. Here’s an overview of what’s learned:

General knowledge. Camps teach about things like the makeup of the Earth’s atmosphere, the names and order of the planets, the Earth’s rotation around the Sun, and whether Pluto is a planet. Space camp’s versatile leaning structure allows kids to understand and conceptualize basic ideas before applying this knowledge in hands-on exercises.

They acquire hands-on experience with technology. Space camp is often put on by universities or science centres, etc., with resources that go well beyond the learning needs of kids’ camps. These camps have the facilities at hand to give kids a feel for what it’s like to participate in space exploration. Other camps teach coding related to topics of space and science exploration.

Programming. Neil Armstrong wouldn’t have made it to the moon, satellites would not be in space, and the Mars Rover could not have landed, if it weren’t for programming. Coding is an essential part of space exploration. Space camp introduces kids to programming languages like Scratch and others, to help understand what goes on “under the hood.”

The benefits of space camp 

Piques and develops children’s curiosity.  American astronaut Gene Cernan famously said, “curiosity is the essence of our existence.” Space exploration is, in fact, all about satiating our curiosity to see what’s out there. Camps like those above satisfy young space explorers’ curiosity but also feed it. After camp, they’ll want to learn more about our world and others out there. 

Look towards the future. A man has walked on the moon, a rover has been sent to Mars, and now private companies are starting to explore space. The future of space exploration is exciting. Space camp gives kids the opportunity to explore interests in science and technology. It can be a stepping stone to a career decision for some. All space campers, though, gain basic understanding that will give them context to understand our current explorations as well as those in coming years.

Encourages learning in science and mathematics. At space camp, kids see math and science applied, demonstrating these disciplines’ practicality. This is encouraging to those who have a natural affinity for these subjects, for one thing. For kids who attend space camp out of curiosity or inspired by science fiction, seeing these disciplines in use can encourage them to learn more deeply and enthusiastically. They see these disciplines used in a real-world context. 

Collaboration and socialisation. Collaboration and social activities are embedded into the camp structure. Kids work together to solve fun challenges and/or technological problems that require more than one brain. They learn to communicate, compromise, and express ideas, with peers who share their interest in this fascinating subject. Camp is the start of many good friendships. 

Questions parents should ask about space camp

The concepts of space camp are certainly exciting, however, here are some questions parents might ask before enrolling their child in these camps

1. What safety precautions are in place during interactive, hands-on learning?
2. What level of STEAM disciplines are being taught?
3. What is the instructor’s level of expertise in each discipline?
4. What is the ratio of instructional learning vs hands-on learning?

More camps and kids' programs ideal for young space explorers

Kids with an interest in space might also like these related types of camps listed on OurKids.net:

STEM camp's curriculum integrates science, technology, engineering, and math. These all have applications to space exploration, of course, but STEM's practical orientation makes it applicable to many different career paths.

Engineering camp offers in-depth instruction in this field, with camp making it fun and engaging.

Science camp touches on numerous sub-disciplines of this field, including physics and astronomy.

Math camp teaches a wide variety of abstract and applied subjects, such as algebra, calculus, logic, geometry, and number theory.

Coding camp teaches and develops knowledge in programming languages and their applications.

Robotics camp teaches and develops skills, and knowledge in this and related technologies.

STEAM camps (and STEAM classes) integrate Arts with STEM.

Combine the above with more advice on OurKids.net: 

Further reading

"Ten Benefits to Sending Your Child to Space Camp." rocketcenter.com.

STEAM Fields. wikipedia.org.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many Space camps are there?
There are 8 programs offering space as an activity. Use the filters to narrow by age and program type, then click on matched programs to see daily activities, dates, rates and registration information.

What are the fees to attend Space camps?
Fees for programs offering space as an activity range from $56 to $900 per program (program types and lengths vary). Use the filters here to narrow programs by age and type.

Where can parents meet with Space camps?
Meet with program directors and staff at the Our Kids Camp & Program Expo. The Expo is held annually in February, and is a fun and informative day for parents, kids, and teens. Find event details and free tickets here.