Summer Camps for 3rd & 4th Graders in Charlotte
Is your child ready to take their curiosity to the next level? At Discovery Place Science in Uptown Charlotte, our summer camps for rising 3rd and 4th graders (typically ages 8 to 10) are designed to challenge young minds and build real-world skills. This is the age where “why?” turns into “how?”—and we are here to help them find the answers.
From programming robots to conducting chemical reactions that glow, our 2026 camps move beyond simple observation into active experimentation. Campers work in teams to solve complex problems, using the same tools and technologies as real scientists and engineers.
2026 Camp Lineup: Rising 3rd & 4th Grade
Advanced STEM programs for the next generation of innovators.
Creative Coding
Theme: Technology & Engineering
Dates: June 22 – 26 | July 20 – 24
Description: Build, code, and create like an innovator! Using a variety of robots and coding languages, campers will explore the digital world through unique engineering challenges. Each day, they will invent, test, and refine their code, connecting their work to real examples of technology inside the Museum.
Captivating Chemistry
Theme: Science
Dates: June 15 – 19 | July 13 – 17 | August 10 – 14
Description: Chemistry is cool! Campers will unleash their creativity while conducting exciting experiments and carrying out reactions that change color, create bubbles, and glow. This is a hands-on lab experience where getting messy is part of the scientific process.
Girls in STEM
Theme: Science
Dates: July 20 – 24
Description: Built to inspire the next generation of female scientists! This camp sparks interest in various STEM topics via hands-on experiments and projects. Campers also learn about past and present women of STEM who have changed the world, finding role models for their own future careers.
Investigation: Discovery Place
Theme: Story & Imagination-Based Play
Dates: June 29 – July 3 | July 27 – 31
Description: Science is full of mysteries to be solved! Campers will work together to explore the truth behind medical anomalies, uncover the unknowns of the universe, and view specimens of strange species. Perfect for the child who loves to ask questions and solve puzzles.
Think It, Make It, Take It
Theme: Art, Creativity & Maker
Dates: July 6 – 10 | August 3 – 7
Description: Campers think outside-the-box in this interactive camp that serves as a unique introduction to the world of “making.” Imaginations will soar as young thinkers design, build, test, and share their ideas, working through a series of creative design challenges.
Why Choose Discovery Place for 8-10 Year Olds?
Real Tools, Real Science
We treat 3rd and 4th graders like the scientists they are. They don’t just watch demonstrations; they use microscopes, coding interfaces, and lab equipment to conduct their own investigations.
Developing Critical Thinking
Our curriculum focuses on the scientific method and the engineering design process. Campers learn that failure is just a step toward success as they test, iterate, and improve their creations.
Central Uptown Location
Our location offers more than just a classroom. Campers have access to the entire museum, including traveling exhibitions and the IMAX Dome Theatre, providing inspiration that you can’t find anywhere else in Charlotte.
Frequently Asked Questions (3rd & 4th Grade)
Q: My child has never coded before. Is Creative Coding too hard?
A: Not at all! Our Creative Coding camp is designed for all skill levels. We use intuitive, block-based languages that make it easy for beginners to start while offering enough depth to challenge experienced young coders.
Q: What should campers bring?
A: Campers should bring a nut-free lunch, two snacks, a reusable water bottle, and comfortable closed-toe shoes for exploring the museum and labs.
Q: Do you offer extended care?
A: Yes, we offer extended care hours to accommodate working parents. Please check the registration page for specific times and fees.