Camps at the Science Center enable youth to go in-depth with rocket and robot building, chemistry experiments, engineering challenges, animal care and marine biology. (photo courtesy of the California Science Center)
The California Science Center has announced the return of the popular Hands-On Science Camp, running from June 15-Aug. 7.
The program for pre-K through eighth grade students offers more than 25 classes in weeklong day camps, with half-day and full-day options available to suit a range of interests and schedules. General enrollment is open and scholarship applications are available to make camp accessible to more families.
Hands-On Science Camp immerses students in exploration-based learning led by trained educators and science professionals. Through inquiry-driven activities and research-informed teaching methods, campers build critical thinking skills while engaging directly with scientific concepts. From mixing and launching to observing, building and experimenting, students learn science by actively drawing on the Science Center’s unique resources, exhibitions and hands-on learning approach, while developing problem-solving skills and confidence.
Programs are designed to meet campers at every age. Pre-K offerings include parent-child classes centered on a single scientific theme, featuring playful, hands-on activities that introduce foundational concepts. Students in kindergarten through eighth grade can choose from a wide range of topics, including rocket and robot building, chemistry experiments, engineering challenges, animal care, marine biology and the science behind cooking and magic.
Hands-On Science Camp is held in the California Science Center’s Wallis Annenberg Building for Science Learning and Innovation, a state-of-the-art facility featuring themed classrooms, laboratories and the 32,000-square-foot Big Lab. Campers take advantage of large-scale experimentation platforms to investigate air flow, buoyancy, gravity and ecology, while also connecting learning to the Science Center’s exhibitions and galleries. Classes are offered in morning, afternoon and full-day formats. Campers should enroll based on their rising grade level for fall 2026.
The California Science Center is located in Exposition Park at 700 Exposition Park Drive. For information and full schedule of camps, visit californiasciencecenter.org/ camp.