Summer Camps FAQs
Summer Camps FAQs
How to register for camp
Registration opens on Feb. 23 for Members and on Feb. 25 to the public. Online registration is the most effective way to secure your place in camp. Registration requires full payment by credit card at the time of booking. We accept Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express. You can also register by phone at 412.237.3400.
Upon booking, you will receive an email receipt confirming your Summer Camp registration from eCommerce, which includes a link for additional forms.
An official welcome packet and further details will be emailed in spring 2026.
Preparing for camp
To make the most of your campers’ experience, they must be the appropriate age on the date the selected camp begins. Campers are expected to be as ready as they would be for school, which includes completed potty training.
Cancellation and Refund Policy
All changes or cancellations to camp reservations must be completed by April 30. Prior to April 30, all cancellations will be subject to a refund of up to the full price of the camp minus a $50 fee, per camp. For those camps purchased after April 30, there will be no changes, cancellations, or refunds issued.
The Science Center reserves the right to cancel any program due to insufficient registration, inclement weather, or other unforeseen circumstances. All registered participants have the option of attending another camp (pending availability) or receiving a full refund. We will communicate by email if there are any changes to camps for which you are registered at least two weeks prior to your scheduled camp.
What’s Included
Camp registration fees include all scheduled activities, instruction, plenty of time to explore the Science Center, and a Summer Camp T-shirt. Carnegie Museums Members enjoy discounted fees. Fees vary by length of camp, materials and technology usage, and field trips costs.
Campers must provide their own bagged lunch. They are not permitted to purchase food onsite during camp hours.
Daily Activities and Schedule
The Summer Camp experience is specially designed to offer opportunities the school-year classroom cannot, with plenty of individual hands-on activities, supervised exploration, and interactive fun. In addition to classroom experiments and projects, campers will explore different museum exhibits each day, and experience shows in our demonstration theaters throughout the week. A brief description of the daily activities will be provided each Monday for each camp.
Lunch Care (For half-day camps only)
If your child is registered for both the AM and PM half-day sessions for the same week, and they will not be picked up in between sessions, you can register your camper for Lunch Care at $30 per week. Lunch Care requires a bagged lunch and allows you to pick up your child at the end of PM Camp. To learn more, call 412.237.3400.
Pre- and Post-Camp Care
We offer pre- and post-camp childcare. This time is for supervised, unstructured play. Drop campers off 7:30–8:30 a.m. for an additional charge of $50* per week or pick them up 3:30–5:30 p.m. for an additional $100* per week. Pre-registration is required and can be arranged when you book your camp. (Daily rates not available)
For half-day campers, morning-only campers can register for pre-camp care and afternoon-only campers can register for post-camp care. Half day campers who are attending both morning and afternoon camps in the same week can register for both pre- and post-camp care.
Do summer campers typically work individually or as a team during their camp activities?
At summer camp, teamwork takes the spotlight during activities, adding to the excitement and fun! It is also a vital part of the scientific process. Teamwork helps campers bond, learn leadership skills, collaborate on solving challenges, and understand the importance of working together – just like scientists do when discovering new things.
What time does camp start/end?
Our camp times for ages 6-14 are 9 a.m.–3 p.m. The camp day is designed to make the most of your child’s time. With six hours of engaging activities, we’ve found the perfect balance for learning, lunch, and extra fun. Plus, it’s similar to the time of most school days, ensuring a smooth transition for everyone involved. As a reminder, we also offer pre- and post-camp care.
Our half-day camps for 4 and 5-year-olds are split into two sessions: 9 a.m.–Noon and 1–4 p.m. to provide the best experience possible for our early learners.
Pick up can be a busy time. What can I do to make it easier?
Pick-up can be anytime between 3–3:30 p.m. for normal pick up. Our busiest time is at the start of pick-up. Please enter the parking lot and pull a ticket. Drive slowly and staff members will be in the parking lot to help direct you. Be sure to have your photo I.D. ready once inside.
Are scholarships available?
Due to high demand, 2026 Summer Camp Scholarship applications are now closed. All applicants will receive notification regarding the status of their application by Monday, March 2.
2026 Summer Camp Scholarship applications will be available here on Wed., Feb. 25.
A limited number of scholarships are available. Please fill out the application 
to apply for a scholarship.
All scholarship awards are need-based and will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis until all funds for the season have been disbursed.
To request a hard copy application, please contact us at ChildrensPrograms@KaminScienceCenter.org or call 412.237.3400.
Is lunch provided?
Full-day campers must bring their own lunch and a water bottle. Please write your child’s name on any belongings. Campers are not permitted to visit the Café or vending machines.
For full-day and half-day campers, the Science Center provides a snack break. This can vary between pretzels, chips, cookies, or fruit snacks. You are welcome to pack a separate snack for your child should there be dietary restrictions.
Health protocols
Kamin Science Center does not have a medical provider onsite. Our security team is CPR/First Aide certified as are many of our camp counselors.
About Kamin Science Center Summer Camps
Start planning for summer camp exploration and fun! Programs are offered for ages 4–14.
Explore video game science, virtual reality, digital storytelling, space, robotics, biology, art, and so much more to foster curiosity and scientific inquiry! The Science Center’s summer camps for kids in Pittsburgh are exciting, fun, active, and enriching.
Half-day summer camps available for ages 4–5 and full-day summer camps available for ages 6–14!
Looking for the best summer programs for kids? Discover Kamin Science Center’s summer camps in Pittsburgh. Perfect for campers ages 4–14, these week-long adventures offer an educational summer camp experience filled with hands-on STEM learning. From coding video games to exploring the stars in Buhl Planetarium, campers will engage in exciting experiments, make new friends, and discover the wonders of STEM in a fun, supportive environment.
Camps have weekly themes and include full-day and half-day options.
Pre- and post-camp childcare is also available to make summer planning easier. All camps are held at Kamin Science Center, conveniently located in Pittsburgh along the North Shore.
Summer camp registration is open.
Check out our summer camp offerings below and then click the “Register” button to begin the registration process. Please note the number beside each camp offering to reference during registration.
Ignite your curiosity this summer with science!
Key Dates
Mark Your Calendar
— Camps Sell Out Quickly
Feb. 23, 2026: Early Registration Opens for Members
Feb. 25, 2026: Registration Opens to the Public
Become a Carnegie Museums Member to unlock early access and secure your child’s favorite camps before they fill!
Plan Your Summer of Discovery
Camps at Kamin Science Center blend fun, learning, and adventure—all in Pittsburgh’s most visited museum. Whether you’re looking for STEM enrichment, creative exploration, or a new summer tradition, your child will love building memories that last a lifetime.
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