Summer Camps
Camps for Kids
The Adler offers a variety of unique summer day camp experiences for children ages 5 through 14. Young space and technology enthusiasts alike will have the opportunity to spend part of their summer designing a spacesuit, building rockets, programming robots, launching high altitude balloons, and much more.
Adler's summer camp for kids, teens, and tweens introduce children to science concepts while engaging their creativity. For an out-of-this-world experience, register today for one or more of the Adler's camp experiences.
Support for Adler Summer Camps is provided by the Motorola Solutions Foundation, The Cashel Foundation, and the Adler's Women's Board.
Astro Explorers Jr.
Engineering Experiences
Does your little one dream of exploring space? Have they ever wanted to design a spacesuit or build a rocket? Let them explore the exciting world of engineering through hands-on activities, and more in this two-day camp!
Ages
For campers who are at least 5 years old AND entering kindergarten in fall 2013.
Limit of 20 campers per session.
Dates
June 17-18, 9 am-3 pm
June 26-27, 9 am-3 pm
Non-Members: $155/session
Members: $130/session
Astro Explorers
Rockets!
Does your first and second grader wonder how astronauts get into space? Your child can uncover the base-level physics behind rockets through hands-on experiments and experimenting with rockets of their own!
Ages
For campers entering grades 1 or 2 in fall 2013.
Limit of 20 campers per session.
Dates
June 17-18, 9 am-3 pm
June 19-20, 9 am-3 pm
June 24-25, 9 am-3 pm
Non-Members: $155/session
Members: $130/session
Astro Investigators
Rockets!
Third and fourth graders will shoot for the Moon as they discover the science of rocketry and experiment with rockets of their own in this two-day camp. Campers learn the basic physics behind what propels these rockets to go sky high.
Ages
For campers entering grades 3 or 4 in fall 2013.
Limit of 20 campers per session.
Dates
June 19-20, 9 am-3 pm
June 24-25, 9 am-3 pm
June 26-27, 9 am-3 pm
Non-Members: $155/session
Members: $130/session
Boys & Girls Tech Camp
Imagine, Design, Create
Imagine and create a community on another planet with the help of 3D software. Design, build, and program a robot to help make life possible in space. Campers create a video documenting their experience to take home.
Ages
For campers entering grades 4-6 in fall 2013.
Dates
June 24-28, 9 am-3 pm
July 15-19, 9 am-3 pm
Girls Only
July 8-12, 9 am-3 pm
Limit of 16 campers per session
Non-Members: $295/session
Members: $265/session
Girls Tech Camp
Imagine, Design, Create
Let your seventh, eight or ninth grade girl imagine and create a community on another planet with the help of 3D software. In one week girls will design, build, and program a robot to learn how living in space will be possible. Campers create a video documenting their experience to take home.
Ages
For campers entering grades 7-9 in fall 2013.
Girls Only
July 22-26, 9 am-3 pm
Limit of 16 campers per session
Non-Members: $295/session
Members: $265/session
Technology Camp 2.0
Imagine, Design, Create
Tech camp 2.0 lets fifth, sixth and seventh graders delve deeper into the world of robots. During this week-long session, campers learn how to use advanced sensors and programming techniques to tackle new challenges with Lego Mindstorms Robots.
Ages
For campers entering grades 5-7 in fall 2013 who have previously completed TECHNOLOGY CAMP: Imagine, Design, Create.
Limit of 16 campers per session
Dates
July 29-August 2, 9 am-3 pm
Non-Members: $295/session
Members: $265/session
Exploring the Edge of Space
Be the Scientist!
Work with astronomers to build scientific instruments, launch balloons and gather data for real space science research. Camp includes a field trip to launch, chase, and recover the balloon that traveled to the edge of space.
Ages
For campers entering grades 6-8 in fall 2013.
Limit of 16 campers per session
Dates
June 24-28, 9 am-3 pm
August 5-9, 9 am-3 pm
Non-Members: $295/session
Members: $265/session
Summer Worlds Tour
One Camp, Three Museums
Explore our galaxy at the Adler Planetarium, discover the wonders of the natural world at the Field Museum, and investigate underwater environments at the Shedd Aquarium.
Ages
For children entering
kindergarten through grade 5 in fall 2013.
Dates
July 8-12, 9 am-3 pm
July 15-19, 9 am-3 pm
July 22-26, 9 am-3 pm
July 29-August 2, 9 am-3 pm
Non-Members: $295/session
Adler, Field, or Shedd Members: $265/session
Scholarships
Interested in a camp and need assistance with the registration fee?
We offer a limited number of scholarships for Astro Explorers Jr., Astro Explorers, Astro Investigators, Technology Camp, Technology Camp 2.0, and Exploring the Edge of Space.
There are currently no scholarships available for Summer Worlds Tour.
Applications are reviewed by committee members and decisions are based on financial need, individual circumstances, and program availability. All scholarship applications must be postmarked by April 5, 2013. Applicants will be notified no later than May 31, 2013.
General Information
Questions?
For additional questions, visit our Summer Camps FAQ page or email summercamp@adlerplanetarium.org or call 312.322.0329.
Adler Camp Terms and Conditions
Adler Camps Terms and Conditions (PDF)
Summer World Tour Terms and
Conditions (PDF)
Cancellations and Refunds
For all camps: To receive a 90% refund, we must receive your cancellation 60 days or more prior to the start date of your camp session. A refund of 50% will be given if cancellation is received 15 to 59 days prior to your start date. No refunds will be given for cancellations within two weeks of the start date.
In the case of low enrollment, we may cancel a camp up to 72 hours before it is scheduled to meet.