Discover the best virtual summer camps for kids in 2024! Parents seeking enriching and engaging experiences for their children to grow, learn, and thrive during the summer break will be pleasantly surprised by the innovative and diverse online summer camps available. These virtual camps cover an astonishing range of subjects, from coding and science to the arts, ensuring that every child finds something that sparks their interest and passion.
Online summer camps can play a crucial role in children's development. They not only help in honing specific skills but also foster social interaction, creativity, and independence in a safe and controlled environment. So today we'll reveal unique live online camps (some are even free!) that promise not just learning but an exciting adventure for their kids, making this summer one to remember.
Discover The Best Online Summer Camps For Kids
Explore award-winning STEM camps, summer coding camps, free camps, and camps by age bracket.
Explore Online STEM Summer Camps
Check out STEM camps that cover science, technology, engineering, and math. Many are designed by experts from Google, Stanford, and MIT.
1. Scratch Ninja Camp
Scratch Ninja is one of the most popular Scratch coding camps with kids and parents alike. It's an entry-level coding camp that teaches kids essential computer science concepts with an easy to understand drag-and-drop coding language designed by MIT. What's unique about it is that very quickly kids are able to create cool animations and games. This small-group camp is led live by an expert using an inquiry-based instruction style, and hand-on projects that unleash a world of creativity. Students not only begin their coding journey in a collaborative environment, but also build their critical thinking and problem solving skills.
For grades: 2-5 (for younger students K-1 try Scratch Junior, and for older students in grades 6+ try Accelerated Scratch)
Reviews: “These virtually taught camps are so engaging, my son really enjoys them and is so excited to show us the coding projects he has completed on all 3 levels of Scratch Ninja.”
How it works: Students sign up for the camp, which includes 4 sessions of 55 minutes each. The sessions are delivered live via Zoom video with an expert instructor. There's even a free intro camp so your child can give the subject a try!
2. NASA STEM Camp
From Mars and aliens, to galaxies and rockets, space fascinates many kids and adults alike, and is the source of powerful imaginations. In this series of classes, your kids will learn a wide range of topics related to space science, NASA, and practice other STEM skills. All classes are project based to encourage curiosity and develop problem solving skills. In each session, they will learn cool new things about space and science, then build small projects and play games sometimes to make it fun and strengthen the learning.
For grades: 1-4
Reviews: "This camp did an excellent job teaching a breadth of fun and relatable space topics. My son loved it."
How it works: Students sign up for the camp, which includes 4 sessions of 55 minutes each. The sessions are delivered live via Zoom video with an expert instructor.
3. Atom Secrets & The Periodic Table of Elements
Join a fun and engaging introduction to the fields of Chemistry and Quantum Physics! The Atom Secrets Camp explores atoms, subatomic particles and the Periodic Table of Elements, over four 50-minute sessions meeting Monday-Thursday. The course introduces students to 54 atomic elements, while exploring advanced concepts such as electron orbitals, covalent and ionic molecular bonds, and the structural organization of the Periodic Table.
For grades: 2-6
Reviews: "I dare say this was my son’s favorite class ever! Wonderfully knowledgeable teacher. Excellent communication and materials."
How it works: Students sign up for the camp, which includes 4 sessions of 50 minutes each. The sessions are delivered live via Zoom video with an expert instructor. The course materials include 54 full-color cartoon Atom Flash Cards, emailed to students as printable PDFs, designed by Pixar animation artist Glenn Kim (whose film credits include The Incredibles, Finding Nemo and Monsters Inc). A full-color illustrated Periodic Table of Elements is also provided. In addition, Review Handouts are provided for each class session. These printable resources are included with course registration.
4. Minecraft Redstone Engineering Camp
In this fun beginner-friendly summer camp, your child will learn how to incorporate a set of redstone related blocks to build light shows, automatic doors, and even flying machines inside Minecraft. Redstone is one of the most powerful elements in Minecraft. You can think of it as kind of like electrical circuits in Minecraft. Students will also learn about real-world engineering and computer science.
For grades: 2-5
Reviews: "My son loves the coding camps offered by Create & Learn. Small groups and lots of attention. The instructor is a wonderful teacher. My son has learned so much about coding and making his own games. He always looks forward to his next [camp]."
How it works: Students sign up for the camp, which includes 4 sessions of 55 minutes each. The sessions are delivered live via Zoom video with an expert instructor.
5. The Path to Space Careers
In this exciting camp students are introduced to key space missions, careers and NASA mentors which will inspire them on their paths to one day working in the aerospace industry. We travel through the solar system and beyond and learn about the real people who do amazing space jobs every day (engineers, scientists, astronauts etc). We discuss past, current and future space missions including Artemis, Mars Rovers, Voyager, James Webb, exoplanets, CubeSats, upcoming missions to Europa and Titan. And students are given tips on how to go about applying for NASA internships and will be provided opportunities to connect directly with NASA specialists/mentors.
For grades: 4-12
How it works: Students sign up for the camp, which includes 4 sessions of 55 minutes each. The sessions are delivered live via Zoom video with an expert instructor.
Discover Free Virtual Summer Camps
Explore free virtual camps that your child can try to explore technology and computer science.
6. Beginner Roblox Game Coding Intro
In this fun live virtual class students will learn the foundational coding skills to create their own games in Roblox, the popular gaming platform with over 40 million games! This class is designed for students to become equipped with foundational Roblox coding skills without having to use the standard and very complicated game development tool most commonly used for Roblox, Lua. Make a dodgeball game, multiplayer games, and even a game modeled after the highly popular infinity run game where players must turn, dodge, and jump to avoid obstacles and gain points
For grades: 3-8
Reviews: “I am very impressed with Create and Learn. The teacher is wonderful and is so patient with my son. Thank you for a great experience!“
How it works: Students sign up for the camp, which includes 4 sessions of 55 minutes each. The sessions are delivered live via Zoom video with an expert instructor. There's even a free intro camp that features one 55-minute session so your child can give the subject a try!
7. Artificial Intelligence Explorers
From self-driving cars, humanoids to AI generated art and ChatGPT, AI is one of the fast growing areas in technology. What is AI? What are some of the cool things it can do? Join this free live online event to learn fun cutting-edge AI applications created by companies like Google and Nvidia. Your child will enjoy lots of group discussions, interaction with the instructor, and hands-on projects.
For grades: 4-7
Reviews: "My son learned so much in this event. The teacher is awesome and she makes it fun!"
How it works: This is a one-time 55 minute session event led live by an expert instructor.
8. Intro to Python
This free Python coding camp is a great starting place for teens who've already done some prior coding, such as Scratch coding. In this small-group camp, students take their first dive into coding with a real-world programming language. Students will see how to animate and draw with Python, and will build their own story project to create a cool animation!
For ages: 10+
Reviews: "The teacher was very clear in his expression and provided help when the students needed it. The content of this Python class series looks attractive to me. After the class I asked my kid's feeling about the class, who told me it was so much fun. I will consider registering for a camp or online course."
How it works: Camps are offered daily, weekly, and bi-weekly. Just pick the time that works best for your schedule, and then log into the Zoom to enjoy the class.
Online Summer Camps For Elementary Students
Here are some popular virtual camps for kids in grades K-5. There's also a curriculum your student can follow: Grades 2-4 and Grades 4-6.
9. Budding Digital Artist
In this series of classes, kids learn a wide range of digital art topics and basic techniques so your child will get a chance to try many different things. In each of these hands-on activities, we guide students to observe and understand the artist elements in life such as patterns and symmetry, explore emotions and feelings, and learn about art basics such as color palettes. Do art with AI, make your own emojis, learn color theory, paint with music, and much more.
For grades: 1-4
Reviews: "My kid had so much fun. She loved making the comic!"
How it works: Camps are offered weekly. Just pick the time that works best for your schedule, and then log into the Zoom to enjoy the class, of four sessions of 55-minutes each.
9. Minecraft Modding Quest
Solve puzzles, build, and create games with fun coding in Minecraft in this live online camp. Using Minecraft as the platform, students can code to place and break blocks, build structure, spawn animals, develop mini-games, and a lot more. Not only can they play Minecraft, they can create their own favorite games as well!
For grades: 3-6
Reviews: "My daughter is learning coding through Create & Learn and is having a great time while learning. She continues coding even after the class has ended!"
How it works: Camps are offered weekly. Just pick the time that works best for your schedule, and then log into the Zoom to enjoy the class, of four sessions of 55-minutes each.
10. Pokémon Game Building Camp
Join us for a Pokémon adventure, and build your own unique interactive Pokémon games. Find out how to create, catch, care for, and play games with the Pokémon of your choice. Along the way, students will review and master key coding concepts that are foundational to future game building, such as lists, variables, messages, and cloning. They'll even learn how to use their computer's video camera to interact with their characters so they can control them with hand gestures - a powerful feature that opens up brand new capabilities for building games in Scratch.
For grades: 2-6
How it works: Camps are offered weekly. Just pick the time that works best for your schedule, and then log into the Zoom to enjoy the class, of four sessions of 55-minutes each.
11. Junior Hackers: Internet Safety
Learn all about computer security and how to use the internet safely. Do your children know what information they should or shouldn't show on social media or video games? When students join this introductory class they'll explore a wide range of topics related to computer security, modern computers, and the Internet. This will be the most exciting cybersecurity class for kids with real-world applications, delivered through a combination of project and inquiry-based learning. We'll enjoy fun videos, games, and security tools, as well as building projects of our own.
For grades: 2-5
Reviews: "My daughter had fun learning ways to be safer online, and that helps me feel better, too! Engaging teacher. Highly recommend."
How it works: Camps are offered weekly. Just pick the time that works best for your schedule, and then log into the Zoom to enjoy the class, of four sessions of 55-minutes each.
12. Smart Devices for Kids Camp
We are surrounded by electronics: smartphones, computers, TVs, robots, and more! While lots of students have learned to code, few have had the opportunity to build a physical system, which opens up a brand new world. In this virtual camp, students are introduced to circuit and Arduino, one of the most popular single-board devices. This small group camp is a great way to learn all about coding smart devices!
For grades: 4-6
Reviews: “Cutting-edge programs and excellent teachers”
How it works: Students sign up for the camp, which includes 4 sessions of 55 minutes each. The sessions are delivered live via Zoom video with an expert instructor.
Online Summer Camps For Middle School Students
Check out fun summer camps for your tweens. You can also explore more fun options here.
13. AI Art: Imagine and Create
Have fun making amazing AI art - create imaginary places, cool game characters, concert or sports posters, cinematic movie clips, cars of the future, story book illustrations - anything your child can dream up, they can create! Check out these sample images to get a feel for the diverse topics we will be creating for. In this dynamic class, your child will not only learn the incredible power of AI art but also will cultivate essential skills such as creativity, imagination, attention to detail, and communication.
For grades: 5-12
Reviews: “We love seeing the class projects and the progress they’ve made as young artists.”
How it works: Students sign up for the camp, which includes 5 sessions of 70 minutes each. The sessions are delivered live via Zoom video with an expert instructor.
14. Create with AI: ChatGPT Secrets for Kids
Through several carefully designed projects, this live online interactive course designed by experts from Google, Stanford, and MIT, helps students understand what ChatGPT is and introduces them to effective ways of using ChatGPT. Together with ChatGPT, students will plan something fun, honing their systematic and critical thinking skills while developing essential executive functions. Moreover, they'll learn how to use ChatGPT to enhance their writing abilities and unleash their creativity, enabling them to craft captivating storylines, and they'll master the art of delivering powerful messages through well-structured sentences. Students will also have the opportunity to code their very own ChatBot using this remarkable technology. Throughout the course, students will gain a comprehensive understanding of the power of ChatGPT, its practical applications, and the ethical considerations associated with AI usage.
For ages: 9+
How it works: Students sign up for the camp, which includes 4 sessions of 55 minutes each. The sessions are delivered live via Zoom video with an expert instructor.
15. Python for AI Camp
Explore more advanced programing elements of Python such as dictionaries and files, and learn how to employ Python’s powerful modules to build games, stories and real-world data projects. This Python coding camp for teens is led live by an expert, and was designed using real-world applications that make the material very fun.
For ages: 10-18
Reviews: "I'm so glad we signed up. This class was so much fun."
How it works: Students sign up for the camp, which includes 4 sessions of 55 minutes each. The sessions are delivered live via Zoom video with an expert instructor. There's even a free intro camp so your child can give the subject a try!
16. Mobile Coding for Apps
Every year, billions of apps are downloaded to mobile phones. However, building high-quality mobile apps has been beyond reach to younger coders. But not any more! In this camp students learn event-driven programming and how to create fun mobile apps from scratch. Students will also practice their computational thinking skills and do a deeper dive into Computer Science concepts such as loops, events, conditional logic, and much more. The camp uses a block based programming platform, however, the coding concepts and environment are very sophisticated.
For grades: 4-7
Reviews: "Our teacher was wonderful and so supportive. She moved at a great pace and was very knowledgeable. My daughter had a great time! Thank you!"
How it works: Students sign up for the camp, which includes 4 sessions of 55 minutes each. The sessions are delivered live via Zoom video with an expert instructor.
17. Canva for Kids
Does your child enjoy art or perhaps want to create beautiful digital cards, posters, slides or videos for their school projects? Now they can make all of these fascinating projects with Canva - a powerful and trendy graphic design platform with a simple interface (and creating an account is free)! This course explores examples of great graphic design and video storytelling. Your child will learn to use the intuitive drag-and-drop tool in Canva to create their own designs, and share their creations with friends or teachers easily online. You will be amazed to see how creative your child can be with this fun digital design tool!
For grades: 4-8
How it works: Students sign up for the camp, which includes 4 sessions of 55 minutes each. The sessions are delivered live via Zoom video with an expert instructor.
18. TechKnowHow Online LEGO® Engineering Camps
Join an enjoyable online experience in LEGO® engineering.
For ages: 5-17
Reviews: “This is by far the best coding program! My kids learned a lot in their coding camps and developed further interest in coding. They ran the camps in a way that the kids were completely independent, not needing my help.”
How it works: Enjoy teacher-led Zoom STEM sessions. Three days for an hour each day.
Online Summer Camps For High School Students
Looking for a fun way to challenge your high schooler this summer? Here are a few summer camps for designing apps and games. You can also explore more here.
19. Java Primer with Android Camp
This Java class is focused on getting results and building the type of skill set that will enable further exploration in Java. Master the language you need to know for the AP exam. Students will learn the basics of Java syntax, before moving on to mastering important programming concepts such as ArrayLists and Object-Oriented Programming and building fun projects. Plus, learn advanced Java concepts such as 2-D Arrays and Sets, and create games and Android apps for their games.
For grades: 6-12
Reviews: "Great instructor."
How it works: This Java for kids camp is 4 classes focused on getting results, and building the type of skill set that will enable further exploration in Java. Each class session actively engages students in developing real-world programs. Students will not just be learning about concepts, but also applying them to actual solutions. The small class size of just two to three students max, means that students will receive the kind of individualized attention and support that is so critical to success in computer science.
20. Modern Website Design Camp
This class covers a wide range of topics in Web Design, starting from the basics of how to use WIX and how to structure your website, to designing layout, choosing color schemes, and even to creating a web store to sell products. Whether you are thinking about doing a website to showcase your own art or hobbies, feature school/community events, publicize your sports teams or clubs, or to help local businesses and non-profit organizations, this class will teach you how to make it.
For grades: 5-12
Reviews: "Small groups and lots of attention. The instructor is a wonderful teacher."
How it works: This is a live online class that includes 12 75-minute sessions. There are just 5 students max in the class, so students get lots of personalized attention and can ask questions as they create.
21. Unity Game Development Camp
Unity is the most popular game engine in the world, and is behind many of the most popular games such as Crossy Road, Among Us, Angry Birds, and a lot more. It has also become a powerful tool for VR and AR development. This series of Unity camps teaches high school students the core techniques of developing both 2D and 3D games in Unity. It covers a wide range of topics from character control, coding (in C#), to asset management, all in a small group setting led by a live expert instructor.
For grades: 6-12
Reviews: "Both the course and the teacher are beyond EXCELLENT! My son is truly inspired! This topics is quite complex and advanced, and the teacher has made it really fun and easily comprehensible."
How it works: This camp runs across 8 sessions of 70 minutes per session. It's held live online via Zoom video, and led by an expert instructor. There are just two to three students max in the camp, so you will enjoy a semi-private experience.
22. Computer Science Principles
In this Computer Science Principles camp, we introduce students to a wide range of important fundamental topics in computer science such as binary, encryption, networking, and more. It is a great step for learning more about system and architectural aspects of computers.
Developed by expert AP computer science educators, the class also meets the requirements for the APCSP exam as defined by the College Board. APCSP is a fairly manageable exam to pass for high school, and even middle school, students who have done a couple of years of coding and have a solid foundational understanding about computer science principles.
For grades: 6-12
How it works: This camp runs across 12 sessions of 70 minutes per session. It's held live online via Zoom video, and led by an expert instructor.
If you're still looking for camp ideas, here are a few more from Sawyer, Kids Out and About, KidzToPros, and a camp site.
How To Pick The Best Virtual Summer Camps
To get started, here are a few tips to help you select the right virtual summer camp for your child.
- Match your child’s interests.
- See what their friends are going to.
- Ensure instructors are good.
- Be sure the curriculum uses the inquiry-based learning method.
- Make sure it’s live!
- Check prerequisite requirements.
- Look into the tech requirements.
- Read reviews of past experiences.
Here are more ideas to help you pick a summer camp.
Join The Best Virtual Summer Camps For Kids And Teens
Now you know tons of summer camps to engage your student in STEM concepts and computer science. Hopefully you found the right fit for your child. Save their spot quickly, as many camps are filling up.
If you're still not sure where to begin, our parent and student-favorite class, Scratch Ninja, designed by experts from Google, Stanford, and MIT is an excellent place for elementary and middle school students to start. We'd recommend high school students begin with the Advanced Scratch camp or Python camps.
Written by Lauren Mauel, a Create & Learn instructor with 8 years of teaching experience. She also has a BS in Mathematics, an MS in Analytics, and is a PhD candidate. She loves seeing kids' creativity come alive.
