Summer Camps for Ages 6, 7 & 8 Year Olds in Charlotte
Finding the right summer camp for a 6, 7, or 8-year-old can be a challenge. They are graduating from early childhood play and are ready for more structured, inquiry-based learning. At Discovery Place Science in Uptown Charlotte, our 2026 summer camps are perfectly tailored for this diverse age group (typically rising 1st and 2nd graders).
Whether you have a budding 6-year-old scientist, a curious 7-year-old engineer, or an 8-year-old dinosaur enthusiast, our programs provide the perfect balance of fun and education. We focus on hands-on STEM activities that build confidence and social skills in a safe, engaging environment.
2026 Camp Schedule: Ages 6-8
Spark curiosity with science camps designed specifically for the developmental stages of 6 to 8-year-olds.
Girls in STEM
Best for: Ages 6-8 (Rising 1st & 2nd Grade)
Theme: Science
Dates: June 22 – 26 | July 13 – 17 | August 3 – 7
Why it’s great for this age: It’s crucial to spark interest in STEM early. This camp inspires 6 to 8-year-old girls through hands-on projects and stories of famous female scientists, helping them see themselves as the innovators of the future.
Engineering Extravaganza
Best for: Ages 6-8 (Rising 1st & 2nd Grade)
Theme: Technology & Engineering
Dates: June 15 – 19 | July 13 – 17 | August 10 – 14
Why it’s great for this age: 7 and 8-year-olds love to build! Using LEGO® bricks and city-planning challenges, campers learn how to solve real-world problems through the engineering design process.
Planet Pioneers
Best for: Ages 6-8 (Rising 1st & 2nd Grade)
Theme: Space
Dates: June 22 – 26 | July 6 – 10 | July 20 – 24
Why it’s great for this age: Space is a top fascination for 6-year-olds. This camp harnesses that natural wonder, using astronomy tools to explore moons, planets, and stars in a way that is accessible and exciting for young minds.
Age of the Dinosaurs
Best for: Ages 6-8 (Rising 1st & 2nd Grade)
Theme: Dinosaurs & Paleontology
Dates: June 15 – 19 | July 6 – 10 | July 27 – 31
Why it’s great for this age: Perfect for the 6 or 7-year-old who knows every dinosaur name! Campers practice fine motor skills by “digging” for fossils and curating their own museum exhibits.
Underwater Discoveries
Best for: Ages 6-8 (Rising 1st & 2nd Grade)
Theme: Animals & Nature
Dates: June 29 – July 3 | July 20 – 24 | August 10 – 14
Why it’s great for this age: Connecting with live animals is impactful for children ages 6-8. This camp lets them meet marine life up close, fostering empathy and an understanding of ecosystems.
Science of Superheroes
Best for: Ages 6-8 (Rising 1st & 2nd Grade)
Theme: Story & Imagination-Based Play
Dates: June 29 – July 3 | July 27 – 31 | August 3 – 7
Why it’s great for this age: This age group thrives on imaginative play. We use the “superhero” hook to teach real physics and biology, asking questions like “How strong is a spider’s web?”
Why Our Camps are Perfect for 6, 7 & 8 Year Olds
Age-Appropriate Curriculum
We understand that a 6-year-old learns differently than a 10-year-old. Our curriculum for this age band is designed with shorter instruction blocks and more active, kinetic learning to keep high-energy 7 and 8-year-olds engaged.
Safe & Supportive Staff
Transitioning to a full-day camp can be big for a 6-year-old. Our counselors are trained to support the social-emotional needs of early elementary children, ensuring everyone makes friends and feels included.
FAQ for Parents of 6-8 Year Olds
Q: My child is 6 but hasn’t started 1st grade yet. Can they attend?
A: Our camps are based on rising grade levels. If your 6-year-old is entering 1st grade in the fall of 2026, these camps are perfect. If they are entering Kindergarten, please check out our [Link] Camps for 5 & 6 Year Olds (Kindergarten).
Q: Is there nap time for 6-year-olds?
A: We do not have a scheduled nap time. Our camps for ages 6-8 are action-packed, but we do alternate between high-energy activities and quieter, focused tasks to keep campers rested and attentive.