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STEM & Technology Camps in Seattle

Seattle's tech ecosystem, anchored by Microsoft and Amazon, has spawned an exceptional array of coding, robotics, and science programs.

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← All Seattle camps

From Pacific Science Center's 100+ camp themes to Museum of Flight's aerospace programs, explore STEM camps born from Seattle's innovation culture.

What to Expect at STEM & Technology Camp

Typical Day

STEM and technology camps in Seattle typically run 9 AM to 4 PM with structured project-based learning. Morning sessions often introduce concepts and techniques, while afternoons focus on hands-on building, coding, or experimentation. At Pacific Science Center, kids might build robots, conduct chemistry experiments, or dissect specimens depending on the theme. Tech camps at iD Tech or Coding with Kids spend significant time at computers but break up screen time with physical activities and collaborative projects.

Skills Your Child Will Learn

STEM camps develop technical skills like coding (Scratch, Python, JavaScript), robotics construction, game design, and scientific method application. Beyond specific technologies, kids learn computational thinking, problem-solving, and how to debug when things don't work. Museum of Flight aerospace camps teach physics principles through rocket building and flight simulation. Pacific Science Center programs vary from biology to engineering to environmental science. All STEM camps emphasize the iterative process—design, test, fail, improve, repeat.

What Makes Seattle Special

Seattle's tech ecosystem (Microsoft, Amazon, and hundreds of startups) creates a unique STEM culture with deep benches of professional talent. Many instructors and guest speakers come from industry. Museum of Flight offers access to 150+ aircraft and visits from pilots and astronauts. Pacific Science Center's 100+ camp themes each summer reflect exceptional breadth. Girls Rock Math addresses confidence gaps with research-based curriculum. This isn't tech as abstraction—it's tech as a living career path visible throughout the region.

Preparing Your Child

Most STEM camps welcome beginners with no coding or technical experience. Check age requirements and prerequisites carefully—some advanced sessions assume prior knowledge. For coding camps, kids should be comfortable with keyboard and mouse. Pack comfortable clothes; some science camps get messy with hands-on experiments. For Museum of Flight and Pacific Science Center, prepare for walking and standing in large facilities. Bring enthusiasm for trying things that might not work the first time.

STEM & Technology Camps

STEM & Technology Camp FAQs

Most Seattle STEM and tech camps welcome complete beginners—that's who they're designed for. Programs like Coding with Kids and iD Tech have structured curricula starting from zero. Pacific Science Center's science camps require no technical prerequisites. However, some advanced sessions (particularly for teens) assume basic knowledge. Check course descriptions and prerequisites carefully. Many programs group kids by experience level, so beginners learn alongside peers while more experienced coders tackle harder challenges. If your child has never used a computer much, consider starting with science-focused camps before diving into pure coding programs.
Screen time varies significantly by program type. Pure coding and game development camps (iD Tech, DigiPen) involve substantial computer use—typically 3-5 hours daily with breaks. These programs balance screen time with collaborative activities, physical breaks, and group projects. Science-focused programs at Pacific Science Center and Museum of Flight have minimal computer time, emphasizing hands-on experiments and physical projects instead. Hybrid programs like Destination Science combine building robots with programming them. If you're concerned about screen time, look for robotics camps where kids build physical devices, or science camps focused on experiments rather than coding.
Yes, and many programs actively work to create inclusive environments. Girls Rock Math specifically serves girls with curriculum designed to build math confidence using current research on gender and STEM. Pacific Science Center offers girls-focused sessions and sensory-friendly options. iD Tech and other national programs train staff on inclusive teaching. Seattle's tech community has made significant strides in supporting girls in STEM. Research shows girls in supportive environments develop interest and confidence at the same rates as boys. If your daughter is hesitant about tech camps, consider programs like Girls Rock Math as an entry point, or look for sessions with female instructors.
Museum of Flight's Aerospace Camp Experience (ACE) offers unique access you can't get elsewhere. Kids explore 150+ aircraft in the museum's collection, build and launch rockets, use desktop flight simulators, and hear from guest speakers including real pilots and astronauts. The program is ACA accredited and won the Gordie Hamilton Award for Excellence. A standout benefit: the Connections program gives campers FREE museum admission until they turn 18. Camps cover aerospace science, aviation history, and spaceflight, all in a working museum environment. It's particularly powerful for kids fascinated by flight—they see aircraft engineering up close.
Start with your child's interests. Pacific Science Center offers themes spanning chemistry, biology, robotics, engineering, environmental science, paleontology, and more. For first-timers, general science camps work well. For kids with specific passions (dinosaurs, chemistry, rockets), themed camps go deeper. Consider your child's learning style: some themes involve more hands-on building, others more observation and experimentation. Pacific Science Center offers sessions at Seattle Center plus Bellevue, Medina, West Seattle, and Bothell—convenience matters for daily drop-off. Their website lets you filter by age, location, and theme. Remember they offer 300+ full scholarships annually if cost is a barrier.
Yes, Pacific Science Center specifically offers sensory-friendly camp sessions designed for children with autism, ADHD, and sensory processing differences. These sessions have smaller group sizes, modified environments (reduced noise, calmer pacing), and trained staff. Other programs can often accommodate individual needs with advance communication. When registering, describe your child's specific sensitivities and ask about modifications. Some camps offer pre-visit opportunities so children can familiarize themselves with the space. The Seattle STEM community is generally inclusive—most programs want to help all children succeed. Be proactive about communication and ask specific questions about accommodations.
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