STEM Programs Near Me

Spin. Soar. Engineer. In this high-energy LEGO® Robotics theme, students explore machines that spin, soar, splash, and perform dramatic actions—all while learning to code and control their creations. Each build uses rare and hard-to-find LEGO® elements to create dynamic motion and expression. Students will program motors and sensors using a beginner-friendly drag-and-drop interface, building both engineering and creative skills in every session. Disclaimer: Students will not take home any LEGO® kits, parts, or creations. This program is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by the LEGO Group.

Go beyond playing Minecraft — learn how to change it. If your student loves Minecraft and is ready to take the next step, Minecraft Modding shows them how to turn their ideas into real, playable features inside the game. In this camp, students learn how to create their own Minecraft mods (short for modifications) that add new worlds, biomes, characters, and items to the game. Campers move from simply playing Minecraft to understanding how it works behind the scenes - and how to shape it themselves. Using MCreator, a powerful yet beginner-friendly drag-and-drop, Java-based modding tool, students design and build custom mods through an intuitive visual interface. Along the way, they’re introduced to core Java programming concepts, learning how code brings their creations to life. What students will do: Design custom Minecraft mods using MCreator Create new worlds, biomes, characters, and items Learn how games are structured and modified Explore introductory Java programming concepts Develop problem-solving, logic, and creative thinking skills This camp blends creativity, game design, and real-world coding foundations in a way that’s engaging and accessible. Many parents see Minecraft Modding as a natural gateway into deeper coding and software development skills—and kids love seeing their ideas come alive inside a game they already enjoy. If your student loves Minecraft Modding, they may also enjoy: Coding 101 BattleBots Game Design camps Minecraft Modding is where creativity meets code - and where players become creators.

Give your child the gift of confidence and the joy of cooking! Our culinary program offers hands-on cooking lessons for budding young chefs. We learn more than how to follow a recipe at Lil’ Chef School. We utilize math, science, teamwork, creativity, and more. Children learn the world's cuisines and enhance their experience with fruits, vegetables, herbs & spices while gaining confidence and experience in the kitchen that will last them a lifetime. Children will make 2 recipes each week and will get a tasting of the food they made at the end of class. Recipes are provided online.

Explore, Experiment & Unleash Your Inner Scientist Step into the exciting world of chemistry! This camp gives young scientists the chance to investigate the building blocks of matter through colorful reactions, hands-on experiments, and playful discovery. Throughout the week campers explore how atoms connect and how materials behave. From bubbling mixtures to crystal creations to stretchy polymers, this camp lets kids experience the wonder of chemistry up close. Whether they dream of becoming a chemist, love experimenting, or simply enjoy figuring out how things work, campers will build confidence as they explore real scientific concepts in a fun and engaging environment. All Summer Campers receive a free TCSL t-shirt!

Investigate, Analyze & Solve the Science Behind Crime Step into the world of forensic science! Junior Detectives gives teens hands-on experience with DNA, fingerprints, microbiology, blood analysis, and the investigative tools used to uncover clues and piece together a case. Throughout the week, campers explore real scientific techniques and apply them to mystery-solving challenges that bring the world of crime investigation to life. Whether they dream of working in a lab, solving crimes, studying biology, or simply enjoy unraveling complex puzzles, campers will gain confidence using scientific methods grounded in real-world investigative work. All Summer Campers receive a free TCSL t-shirt!

A brand-new week for returning Dream Squad artists (and new ones too)! Campers will take unicorn-inspired art even further with new materials, bigger ideas, and plenty of sparkle. Every project is magical in its own way. Messy Art Lab Summer Camp Info 🌈 Art Show Each week ends with a special Art Show, where campers proudly share their amazing creations with family and friends! It’s a joyful celebration of their creativity and the wonderful work they’ve done all week. 🕘 Schedule Drop-off: begins at 9:00 AM Pick-up: 2:45–3:00 PM Aftercare: available 3:00–5:00 PM Aftercare Details: Aftercare can be purchased as a weekly package. We do not offer aftercare on Fridays. If you’d like to book individual aftercare days, please email Betty@messyartlab.com for availability. 🧺 What to Bring Please help your child come prepared for a fun (and messy!) creative day. 🚫 No nuts or nut products of any kind, please. -Two healthy snacks (morning & afternoon) -Lunch (no candy, gum, or sugary drinks) -A refillable water bottle -Comfortable, paint-friendly clothes -A jacket, sunhat, and layers for outdoor play -Sunscreen applied before camp -A full change of clothes (just in case!) 🧒 Camper Requirements To keep our camps safe, fun, and creative for everyone: -Campers must be 4 years and 6 months old by the first day of camp. (We’re not able to make exceptions to this policy.) -Campers should be able to follow safety instructions and engage in activities for about 30 minutes at a time. -Campers must be fully potty-trained and able to use the bathroom independently. -Please share any medical, behavioral, or developmental information (such as allergies, neurodiversity, or trauma) during registration. This helps us prepare thoughtfully and ensure a positive, supportive experience for every child. (All information is kept confidential.) 💰 Refunds & Cancellations We know plans can change! Please review our camp refund policy below: 100% refund for cancellations made within 24 hours of registration. All enrollments include a non-refundable 20% deposit. Cancellations made 30+ days before the camp start date: refund minus the 20% deposit. Cancellations made within 30 days of the camp start date: No refund unless we can fill your spot, in which case you’ll receive camp credit minus the 20% deposit. All cancellation requests must be sent in writing via email. Transfers to another camp week may be requested (based on availability). A 20% fee applies for transfers requested within 30 days of the original camp week.

New policy to discourage no shows: a fee will be charged when you register and refunded to you when you attend class. We know that things come up, but a simple email, call or text (571-250-7719), even right before class starts, will get your fee back if you can't attend. We just don't want people holding a spot that could have gone to someone else who really wanted to attend. **************************************** We will show you simple ways to engage your child's five senses through materials commonly found around the house. Expect to spend at least an hour and a half for each Playgroup: -30 minute structured class where fine motor skills are practiced -Playtime to encourage social interaction -Snacks/Lunch eaten together as a class (please bring your own food)

STEMful is a space designed for parents to play with their children. We have a wide selection of toys and structures for children up to 8 years old. Use this daily pass to purchase/register a play space pass for your children. - To register children 0 up to 5 months, enter PlaySpace0 during check out old to pay $0/play pass. - To register children 6 up to 11 months, enter in PlaySpace50 during check to pay $7/play pass. Play Space package can be applied to a daily pass purchase. Children's name and birthday must be on registration account. Note: Saturday PlaySpace will be cancelled if a private party is booked. If you booked a date in advance we will refund you.

This combination class offers children a sampling of art projects using various media such as painting, clay, watercolors, collage, and pastels. It is amazing what you can create when you explore with your imagination. A variety of materials are used to create your many masterpieces – Many projects are “built upon” each class, so that students experience a variety of mediums and take home several projects. Projects are new every session & seasonal, so sign-up for all sessions.

Spin. Soar. Engineer. In this high-energy LEGO® Robotics theme, students explore machines that spin, soar, splash, and perform dramatic actions—all while learning to code and control their creations. Each build uses rare and hard-to-find LEGO® elements to create dynamic motion and expression. Students will program motors and sensors using a beginner-friendly drag-and-drop interface, building both engineering and creative skills in every session. Disclaimer: Students will not take home any LEGO® kits, parts, or creations. This program is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by the LEGO Group.

This combination class offers children a sampling of art projects using various media such as painting, clay, watercolors, collage, and pastels. It is amazing what you can create when you explore with your imagination. A variety of materials are used to create your many masterpieces – Many projects are “built upon” each class, so that students experience a variety of mediums and take home several projects. Projects are new every session & seasonal, so sign-up for all sessions.

Spin. Soar. Engineer. In this high-energy LEGO® Robotics theme, students explore machines that spin, soar, splash, and perform dramatic actions—all while learning to code and control their creations. Each build uses rare and hard-to-find LEGO® elements to create dynamic motion and expression. Students will program motors and sensors using a beginner-friendly drag-and-drop interface, building both engineering and creative skills in every session. Disclaimer: Students will not take home any LEGO® kits, parts, or creations. This program is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by the LEGO Group.

In this program, young scientists will dive into the world of microbiology, learning techniques for working with bacteria, DNA, and more. They’ll gain hands-on experience with cutting-edge tools and methods to unlock the secrets of the microscopic world. Join us to explore, experiment, and ignite your passion for science!

⚙️💡 Ignite Creativity at GrowFit’s Inventor’s Lab + All-Sports Camp! Does your child love building things, taking them apart, and imagining what’s possible? GrowFit’s Inventor’s Lab + All-Sports Camp invites young creators in grades 1–3 to dream big, test bold ideas, and bring their inventions to life—then burn off energy with an afternoon of action-packed sports! This is where imagination meets movement, and every child becomes a problem-solver, builder, and innovator. Why Choose GrowFit’s Inventor’s Lab + All-Sports Camp? 🛠️ Hands-On Building Adventures: Campers use simple materials—cardboard, tape, recycled parts, craft sticks, rubber bands, and more—to design and build their own inventions. Think launchers, bridges, contraptions, machines, and imaginative creations that surprise even them! 💡 Creative Engineering: Through guided challenges, kids explore engineering, design thinking, and “What happens if…?” experimentation in a playful, age-appropriate way. 🧠 Invent, Test, Improve: Campers sketch ideas, build prototypes, test them out, and refine their creations—just like real inventors. It’s all about growth, curiosity, and celebrating the “aha!” moments. 🏅 Active, High-Energy Afternoons: After lunch, campers join our All-Sports Camp for a daily mix of games like soccer, basketball, gaga ball, bounce house tag, and more. It’s the perfect blend of brains and play! 🤝 Teamwork & Problem-Solving: Whether building a tower with teammates or working together on a group invention, campers collaborate, communicate, and cheer each other on. 📈 Full-Week Experience: Each day builds on the last, allowing young inventors to brainstorm, create, and improve throughout the week. Full-week registration is required. Camp Details 🕘 Time: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM (Full-Day Program) 🛠️ Morning: Inventor’s Lab (9:00 AM – 12:00 PM) 🏅 Afternoon: All-Sports Camp (12:00 PM – 4:00 PM) 📍 Location: The Academy 🚗 Drop-off: 8:45–9:00 AM 🚗 Pick-up: 3:30–4:00 PM 🎒 What to Bring: Comfortable clothes for building, water bottle, lunch, and two snacks. With over a decade of creating unforgettable experiences, GrowFit’s Inventor’s Lab + All-Sports Camp inspires creativity, confidence, resilience, and joy—where ideas take shape and kids discover what they’re capable of! ⚙️ Ready to Invent, Build, and Play? Spaces fill fast—register today and watch your child’s imagination soar! Refunds and Cancellations: 30+ days before camp: full refund minus 10% fee Within 30 days: credit for future GrowFit camps On or after the start date: non-refundable Tax ID: 81-1018163

⚡🔬 Spark Curiosity and Movement at GrowFit’s Science + All-Sports Camp! Calling all future scientists, inventors, and explorers in grades 1–3! GrowFit’s Science + All-Sports Camp blends the excitement of hands-on discovery with the energy of multi-sport fun. Mornings are all about science experiments, creativity, and discovery—while afternoons are packed with sports, teamwork, and laughter. It’s the perfect balance of brain power and playtime! Why Choose GrowFit’s Science + All-Sports Camp? 🔬 Explosive Science Fun: From building erupting volcanoes and creating glow-in-the-dark bouncy balls to crafting colorful kaleidoscopes, campers explore the magic of science through exciting hands-on experiments. 🧪 Curious Minds at Work: Campers dive into chemistry, physics, and engineering concepts in a playful, age-appropriate way that sparks critical thinking and creativity. 🏅 Active Afternoons: After lunch, the fun continues with our All-Sports Camp—featuring a variety of games like soccer, basketball, gaga ball, and bounce house tag. 🤝 Teamwork and Discovery: Whether mixing experiments or mastering teamwork on the field, campers collaborate, problem-solve, and celebrate each other’s successes. 📈 Full-Week Experience: Each day builds on the last, so full-week registration is required—giving kids the time to fully explore, experiment, and grow. Camp Details: 🕘 Time: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM (Full-Day Program) 🔬 Morning: Science Camp (9:00 AM – 12:00 PM) 🏅 Afternoon: All-Sports Camp (12:00 PM – 4:00 PM) 📍 Location: The Academy 🚗 Drop-off: 8:45–9:00 AM | Pick-up: 3:30–4:00 PM 🎒 What to Bring: Comfortable clothes that can get messy, a water bottle, lunch, and two snacks. With over a decade of experience delivering enriching and fun-filled camps, GrowFit’s Science + All-Sports Camp inspires curiosity, confidence, and connection—where discovery meets play every single day! ⚡ Ready to Experiment, Explore, and Play? Spots fill quickly—register today and watch your child’s curiosity and creativity come to life! Refunds and Cancellations: Cancellations made at least 30 days prior to the camp date will be eligible for a full refund, minus a 10% cancellation fee. For cancellations within 30 days of the camp start date, we’re happy to offer a credit for future participation. Please note: cancellations on or after the start of camp are non-refundable. Tax ID: 81-1018163

Enjoy a well-rounded summer at NoVA PlayLabs and avoid the summer brain drain. Our Summer Camps offer a good mix of fun and academics, learning and chill time, and quiet activities and active play. We will spend time outside playing and eating snacks and lunch. Students will be grouped by grade level and rotate among different stations. We maintain a small 1:8 instructor/student ratio in order to give personalized attention to each student. For ages 5-14. Please pack two snacks, a lunch, and a water bottle (water refilling station is available). NO phones or tablets are allowed. Parents may call or text at any time (571-250-7719) to ask about their kids. 🤧 Our make-up policy for illness is very generous in order to encourage sick students to stay home 💲Fees are non refundable, but can be used towards another week, based on availability. 👶👶 Early Registration discount does not apply to the sibling discount. Final fee for the sibling is $325 and the discount will be refunded to you.

Bees, butterflies, and moths, oh my! Ever wonder about the tiny but crucial role pollinators play? Become a Pollinator Protector! In this camp, students put on their explorer wings to learn about these small but mighty creatures and their vital contribution to biodiversity, ecosystem stability, and even our food security. We'll investigate the challenges pollinators face and discover ways we can help protect them. Find out why we need pollinators, and why they definitely need us!

Enjoy a well-rounded summer at NoVA PlayLabs and avoid the summer brain drain. Our Summer Camps offer a good mix of fun and academics, learning and chill time, and quiet activities and active play. We will spend time outside playing and eating snacks and lunch. Students will be grouped by grade level and rotate among different stations. We maintain a small 1:8 instructor/student ratio in order to give personalized attention to each student. For ages 5-14. Please pack two snacks, a lunch, and a water bottle (water refilling station is available). NO phones or tablets are allowed. Parents may call or text at any time (571-250-7719) to ask about their kids. 🤧 Our make-up policy for illness is very generous in order to encourage sick students to stay home 💲Fees are non refundable, but can be used towards another week, based on availability. 👶👶 Early Registration discount does not apply to the sibling discount. Final fee for the sibling is $325 and the discount will be refunded to you.

A multi-disciplinary class designed to introduce your child to engineering, design, art, and math. This S.T.E.A.M. inspired class is great for the young maker and thinker. It takes an active approach to school readiness and maintains our whole-child learning philosophy.

This class uses a unique STEAM approach to discuss and build key social skills. Includes activities in engineering, math, art, movement exploration, creativity and imaginary play.

A multi-disciplinary class designed to introduce your child to engineering, design, art and math. This S.T.E.A.M. inspired class is great for the young maker and thinker. It takes an active approach to school readiness and maintains our whole-child learning philosophy.