Full-Day Summer Camps in Uptown Charlotte

For working parents, finding high-quality summer activities is about more than just fun—it’s about finding a schedule that works. You need a safe, enriching environment where your child can thrive all day long, not just for a few hours in the morning.

At Discovery Place Science, every 2026 summer camp is a full-day program, running Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Located right on N. Tryon St. in Uptown Charlotte, we offer the perfect seamless solution for busy professionals who refuse to compromise on their child’s summer education.

Charlotte, NC on-location photography of Discovery Place, Charlotte’s hands-on science museum located in downtown Charlotte NC. In this image, museum visitors see animals up close.

A Full Day of Discovery: Sample Schedule

Forget boring downtime. Our days are packed with action, science, and exploration.

  • 7:30 AM – 9:00 AM: Extended Care Drop-Off (Optional)
    • Relaxed activities, board games, and free build time.
  • 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Morning Deep Dive
    • Campers immerse themselves in their weekly theme. Whether it’s “Junior Chemists” mixing solutions or “Tech Trailblazers” coding games, this is focused, hands-on learning time.
  • 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM: Lunch & Social Recess
    • A supervised break to refuel, relax, and make friends.
  • 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM: Museum Exploration
    • Campers leave the classroom to explore the Aquarium, Rainforest, and traveling exhibitions. The entire museum becomes their laboratory.
  • 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM: Engineering Challenges & Wrap-Up
    • Collaborative team projects and daily reviews to solidify what they learned.
  • 4:00 PM – 5:30 PM: Extended Care Pick-Up (Optional)
    • Supervised free play until you arrive.

Extended Care Options

We bridge the gap between school hours and work hours.

We know the workday doesn’t always end at 4:00 PM. Our flexible Extended Care program ensures your child is safe and entertained whenever you need it.

Early Drop-Off: Starts at 7:30 AM
Late Pick-Up: Until 5:30 PM

Note: Extended care can be added as a weekly bundle for $75 during the registration process.


Why Parents Choose Our Full-Day Model

Consistency & Routine
Partial-day camps can disrupt a child’s summer routine. Our full-week, full-day structure provides the stability children need to feel comfortable, allowing them to build deeper friendships and engage more deeply with the curriculum.
Professional Environment
Your child isn’t just in a rec center; they are in a premier science museum. They are supervised by trained educators and protected by our professional security team and strict check-in/check-out protocols.
The “Uptown” Advantage
Work in the city? Our location allows you to drop your child off on your way to the office and pick them up on your way home. We turn your commute into quality time.


Frequently Asked Questions (Schedule & Logistics)

Q: Can I pick my child up early for an appointment?
A: Yes. While we encourage full participation, you can arrange an early pick-up by notifying the camp staff at drop-off.

Q: Is lunch provided?
A: To ensure every child’s dietary needs and allergies are safely met, we ask campers to bring a nut-free lunch and two snacks from home.

Q: What if I am late for pick-up?
A: We understand traffic happens! If you are running late past 4:00 PM and have not registered for Extended Care, your child will be safely transitioned to the Extended Care group (a daily drop-in fee may apply).