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Curiosity Day Camps

Single-day camps on school holidays

Curiosity Day Camps

School may be out for the day, but the learning doesn’t have to stop. Following the Chicago Public School’s calendar Griffin MSI runs one day programming providing a fun deep dive into a STE(A)M topic. These single day camps offer a range of opportunities for youth to learn about different STE(A)M-related topics and careers through hands-on experiences and activities, our incredible Museum exhibits, and collaborations with like-minded students.

  • For youth in grades K–3 and 4–8
  • Single-day camps from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. (see dates below)
  • $100 per camper ($90 for Griffin MSI members)
  • Snack and beverage provided. Campers will need to bring a lunch.

Now registering for school holidays through April 2026. See below for sessions and dates.

Buying as a gift?

Looking to give a camp to a young scientist, but you aren't their parent or guardian? You can give a Gift Card in the amount of the camp. Their parent or guardian can later redeem the card, select the camp and register the camper.

STE(A)M Solvers

For grades K through 3

Discover how science creates solutions to solve the problems of the world. Learn how science takes the ordinary and makes it extraordinary. With science as your toolkit, you can solve anything! Get inspired by our world-class exhibits and start building your own STE(A)M solving gadgets. Available sessions:

  • Monday, January 19, 2026: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
  • Wednesday, March 18, 2026: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

$100 per camper (members: $90). Snack and beverage provided. Campers will need to bring a lunch.

Camper talks animatedly to another while looking at tablet

Art Techo

For grades 4 through 8

Learn how technology is used to create amazing works of art. Discover how we use robots and machines to make your own mind-blowing creations. From paintings to buildings, take your creativity to the next level with tech! Available sessions:

  • Monday, January 19, 2026: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
  • Tuesday, March 17, 2026: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
  • Friday, April 3, 2026: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

$100 per camper (members: $90). Snack and beverage provided. Campers will need to bring a lunch.

Two campers in aprons at tables working with paint

Bots R Us

For grades K through 3

Discover how to train your robot, from learning how to connect basic circuits and bring your bot to life, to programming your bots to navigate complex mazes. The tools are at your fingertips! Sessions offered:

  • Monday, February 16, 2026: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
  • Tuesday, March 17, 2026: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
  • Monday, April 6, 2026: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

$100 per camper (members: $90) Snack and beverage provided. Campers will need to bring a lunch.

Camper at a lab table works on a wheeled robot vehicle

Bessie Coleman Flight School

For grades 4 through 8

Let’s learn how to fly! From interactive flight simulators to creating record-breaking origami airplanes, you will take to the skies. Build a glider and make it do stunts. Make STE(A)M fun and active by learning about aerospace engineering the fun way. It’s time for takeoff! Sessions offered:

  • Monday, February 16, 2026: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
  • Monday, March 2, 2026: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

$100 per camper (members: $90) Snack and beverage provided. Campers will need to bring a lunch.

Young campers showing off their paper airplanes

Space Artists

For grades K through 3

Join us on a journey to a destination far, far away! From traveling to the Moon, Mars and beyond, learn what scientists are looking for in the great unknown. Complete your mission with hands-on STE(A)M activities that showcase the challenges and beauty of space. Sessions offered:

  • Tuesday, February 17, 2026: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
  • Friday, April 3, 2026: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

$100 per camper (members: $90) Snack and beverage provided. Campers will need to bring a lunch.

View over shoulder of camper painting a picture of a planet

STE(A)M Swag Makers

For grades 4 through 8

From buttons, stickers and beyond, learn how to use our design tech to create and customize your own swag. With tools like vinyl and laser cutting, if you dream it—you can make it! Learn how science and technology are used to make any creation that comes from your imagination. Sessions offered:

  • Tuesday, February 17, 2026: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
  • Monday, April 6, 2026: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

$100 per camper (members: $90) Snack and beverage provided. Campers will need to bring a lunch.

Circuit Benders

For grades K through 3

Let’s get connected! Create circuit systems that move and harness electricity to power the world around us. Bend and squish circuit systems to create energizing solutions. With these skills at your fingertips, the power is yours! Sessions offered:

  • Monday, March 2, 2026: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
  • Tuesday, April 7, 2027: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

$100 per camper (members: $90) Snack and beverage provided. Campers will need to bring a lunch.

Brick Builders

For grades 4 through 8

Whether building up or scaling down, use tools from our Fab Lab to build on your engineering skills and literally measure your success. From giant skyscrapers and castles to building automated LEGO® robotics, learn how to build with bricks to scale. Engage in STE(A)M challenges and create groundbreaking structures. Sessions offered:

  • Wednesday, March 18, 2026: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
  • Tuesday, April 7, 2027: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

$100 per camper (members: $90) Snack and beverage provided. Campers will need to bring a lunch.

Four campers collaborate on building with LEGO® bricks

Contact Camps

Have a question about Curiosity Day Camps at Griffin MSI?

Inspire the inventive genius in you