STEM summer camps in Charlotte for 2026
Charlotte has a strong and growing STEM camp ecosystem in 2026, with options spanning hands-on science, competitive robotics, drone certification, AI and machine learning, video game coding, and more. Whether your child is a curious kindergartner or a rising high schooler preparing for college, there's a Charlotte STEM camp built for them.
MyCampHQ makes it easy to browse every STEM camp session by grade level and available week — so you can find the right fit without bouncing between a dozen different websites.
STEM camp providers in Charlotte
Filter STEM camps by grade and week
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STEM camps by grade level
Most Charlotte STEM camps gate by rising grade for fall 2026, not age. Here's a quick overview of what's available at each level:
| Grade level | Best options | Topics available |
|---|---|---|
| Rising K–2 | UNC Charlotte Cool School, Discovery Place, Providence Day | LEGO Robotics, basic coding, Mad Scientists, nature science |
| Rising 3–5 | UNC Charlotte Cool School, Providence Day, Charlotte Latin | LEGO Robotics, Minecraft coding, science experiments, engineering |
| Rising 6–8 | UNC Charlotte 49er Minors, Charlotte Latin, Country Day | Robotics 201, coding (Black Rocket), drone camp, Science Olympiad, CSI Science, RC car building |
| Rising 9–12 | UNC Charlotte Niner Academy | FAA drone certification, Empower AI, Chem Quest Pre-AP, High School Science Olympiad, app development, Python, electronics |
Spotlight: UNC Charlotte Camps on Campus
UNC Charlotte runs the most comprehensive STEM camp program in the Charlotte area, with camps running from June 8 through August 21 across three distinct programs:
- Cool School (rising grades 1-4) — Half and full-day options with themes like LEGO Robotics, Minecraft Modders, Mad Scientists, and Black Rocket coding partnerships. $295-450/week.
- 49er Minors (rising grades 5-8) — Robotics 201, drone camp, Build an RC Car, Black Rocket coding, Marine Science, Middle School Science Olympiad. $250-450/week.
- Niner Academy (rising grades 9-12) — FAA Drone Certification (2-week program), Empower AI, Chem Quest Pre-AP, Python programming, electronics robotics, High School Science Olympiad. $145-450/week.
Many UNC Charlotte camps are offered in partnership with Black Rocket, a national coding and game design curriculum provider. These camps carry a slightly higher price ($450/week) but are consistently rated among the best coding camps in the Charlotte area.
Spotlight: Discovery Place Science
For families in Uptown Charlotte or those willing to make the drive, Discovery Place Science offers a unique museum-based camp experience. Campers work directly with exhibits and laboratory equipment that most kids never get access to outside of a university setting. Sessions run throughout the summer and tend to fill quickly — especially for the chemistry and biology-focused weeks.
What to look for in a STEM camp
- Hands-on vs. lecture — the best STEM camps for kids are project-based, not classroom-based. Look for camps that describe building, coding, experimenting, and creating rather than listening and watching.
- Instructor credentials — UNC Charlotte's camps are taught by college faculty and professional instructors. School-based programs at Providence Day and Charlotte Latin are taught by their own educators.
- Group size — smaller groups mean more individual attention. Ask providers about their camper-to-instructor ratio.
- Rising grade vs. age — almost every Charlotte STEM camp uses rising grade (what grade your child will enter in fall 2026), not their current age. Make sure you're looking at the right tier.
- Takeaways — some camps send kids home with a physical project (the RC car at UNC Charlotte costs an extra $85 but the car goes home with your child). Worth knowing in advance.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best STEM camp in Charlotte NC?
UNC Charlotte Camps on Campus offers the widest variety of STEM programming in Charlotte for grades 1-12. Discovery Place Science is the top choice for a museum-based science experience. For coding specifically, the Black Rocket partnership camps at UNC Charlotte are highly regarded.
Are there STEM camps in Charlotte for young kids (kindergarten and under)?
Yes — UNC Charlotte's Cool School program starts at rising 1st grade. Discovery Place and several school-based programs also serve younger children. MyCampHQ's grade filter makes it easy to see only age-appropriate options for your child.
How much do STEM camps cost in Charlotte?
Most Charlotte STEM camps run $250-450 per week. Standard sessions at UNC Charlotte are $295/week; Black Rocket coding partnership camps are $450/week. Discovery Place tends to be in the $300-350/week range. Some sessions have additional material fees (drone exam fee, RC car fee).
Are there coding camps in Charlotte for kids?
Yes — UNC Charlotte offers Black Rocket coding partnership camps across all three age groups (grades 1-9), covering game design, Minecraft, virtual reality, video game animation, Python, and AI. These run throughout the summer at the University City campus.
How do I compare STEM camps across providers?
MyCampHQ's Compare tab lets you see all STEM camp availability week by week across every Charlotte provider side by side. Filter by your child's rising grade to see only eligible sessions. Browse free at app.mycamphq.com.
Find the perfect STEM camp for your child
Browse every STEM camp in Charlotte by grade level and week. Compare providers side by side and build your summer plan.
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