
2025 Summer Camps
Summer Camp registration opens Mon., Feb. 3 for Members and Mon., Feb. 10 to the public.
Members receive early registration and discounts to Summer Camps. For more information, click here.
About Carnegie Science Center Summer Camps
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 Carnegie Science Center’s summer camps in Pittsburgh. Perfect for campers ages 4 to 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.
With weekly themes, full-day, and half-day options (for the youngest campers), and flexible scheduling for working families, there’s something for every curious mind. All camps are held at Carnegie Science Center, conveniently located in Pittsburgh along the North Shore. Pre- and post-camp childcare is also available to make summer planning easier.
Registration
How to register for camp
Registration opens on Feb. 3 for Members and on Feb. 10 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 2025.
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.
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.
No camp on July 4. Reduced price: $24
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.
No camp on July 4. Reduced prices: $40 for pre-care and $80 for post-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.
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.