STEM Programs in San Francisco, CA

The universe is calling! Join our Space Odyssey to uncover the science and history behind humanity's greatest frontier. Students will explore the evolution of space travel, investigating how space shuttles function and how astronauts survive—and thrive—aboard the International Space Station. We’ll go beyond the atmosphere to study the moon, the planets, and the celestial bodies that make up our incredible solar system. Through the stories of pioneering scientists and hands-on exploration, young STEMful explorers will gain a new perspective on our place in the galaxy. Your mission begins here!

Ever wonder what it takes to change the world? Join us to step into the shoes of history’s greatest innovators! Students will explore the wild stories and brilliant minds behind the world's biggest breakthroughs, uncovering how a little 'out-of-this-world' curiosity can spark a scientific revolution.

Ever wonder what it takes to change the world? Join us to step into the shoes of history’s greatest innovators! Students will explore the wild stories and brilliant minds behind the world's biggest breakthroughs, uncovering how a little 'out-of-this-world' curiosity can spark a scientific revolution.

What is the true source of a Super Hero's strength? In Elemental Superheroes, we reveal the chemistry behind the capes. We’ll explore the microscopic world of atomic bonding and experiment with 'mercurial' substances that change in the blink of an eye. By studying the amazing properties of the elements, students will draw inspiration to design their own scientific Super Hero identities. It’s chemistry—with a heroic twist!

Ignite your curiosity aboard the 'Curiosity' Rocket as we embark on a stellar space mission. Students will journey to the moon to study lunar craters and delve into the science of astrobiology. This hands-on experience allows STEMful astronauts to explore the mechanics of our solar system, the life cycle of stars, and the unique characteristics that make Mars Earth’s 'sister planet.' Note: Aftercare runs until 5:30 PM on 12/28–12/30, and until 4:00 PM on 12/31.

Discover the power of numbers! This interactive workshop helps students recognize the vital role mathematics plays in our daily lives. Through gamified learning and exploration, participants will master numerical sequences and explore the logic of counting. The experience wraps up with an exciting, data-driven science project that bridges the gap between math and discovery.

Join us for a special day of cooking, playing, crafting, and tasting! Kid-chefs will get to craft their own breakfast, lunch, and sweet snack throughout the day, spend time outdoors, create fun food-inspired art, and much more! General Schedule: 9:00-9:15 am - Drop-Off 9:00-9:30 am - Arrivals & Activity Centers I 9:30-10:00 am - Morning Circle & Stretching 10:00-11:00 am - Cooking Activity 1 11-11:30 - Brunch, Helping Jobs & Quiet Time 11:30-1:00 pm - Cooking Activity II & STEAM 1:00-1:45 pm - Lunch, Dessert & Helping Jobs 1:45-2:45 pm - Outdoor Adventure Time 2:45 - 3:00 pm - Sharing Circle & Story Time 3:00pm - Pick-Up Max of 26 students in this camp.

Join us for a special day of cooking, playing, crafting, and tasting! Kid-chefs will get to craft their own breakfast, lunch, and sweet snack throughout the day, spend time outdoors, create fun food-inspired art, and much more! General Schedule: 9:00-9:15 am - Drop-Off 9:00-9:30 am - Arrivals & Activity Centers I 9:30-10:00 am - Morning Circle & Stretching 10:00-11:00 am - Cooking Activity 1 11-11:30 - Brunch, Helping Jobs & Quiet Time 11:30-1:00 pm - Cooking Activity II & STEAM 1:00-1:45 pm - Lunch, Dessert & Helping Jobs 1:45-2:45 pm - Outdoor Adventure Time 2:45 - 3:00 pm - Sharing Circle & Story Time 3:00pm - Pick-Up Max of 26 students in this camp.

Slime and Sparkle Lab! Campers will mix, stretch, swirl, and create their own shimmering slime while experimenting with glitter, color, and texture. They'll enjoy a day full of sensory play, messy fun, and sparkly art-making! 🕘 Camp Schedule Drop-off: Begins at 9:00 AM Pick-up: 2:45–3:00 PM 🧺 What to Bring Please help your child come prepared for a fun (and messy!) creative day! 🚫 Please do not pack any nuts or nut products. Two healthy snacks (morning & afternoon) Lunch (no candy, gum, or sugary drinks) Refillable water bottle Comfortable, paint-friendly clothes Jacket, sunhat, and layers for outdoor play Sunscreen applied before camp Full change of clothes (just in case!) 🧒 Camper Requirements To help make camp safe, fun, and successful for everyone: Campers must be 4 years and 6 months old by the camp date. Campers should be able to follow safety instructions and participate in activities for approximately 30 minutes at a time. Campers must be fully potty-trained and able to use the bathroom independently. Please share any medical, behavioral, or developmental information (such as allergies, neurodiversity, or trauma) during registration so we can best support your child. All information is kept confidential. 💰 Refunds & Cancellations 100% refund for cancellations made within 24 hours of registration. All registrations include a non-refundable 20% deposit. Cancellations made 30 or more days before the camp date receive a refund minus the 20% deposit. Cancellations made within 30 days of the camp date are not refundable unless we are able to fill your child's spot. If the spot is filled, you will receive camp credit, minus the 20% deposit. All cancellation requests must be submitted in writing via email.

Ever wonder how scientists achieve their amazing breakthroughs? Students will delve into the lives and studies of groundbreaking scientists, uncovering how their "out-of-this-world" curiosity fuels their discoveries!

Get ready for a week of bold, vibrant creativity! In our Color Lab Camp, young artists will dive into hands-on art experiences that celebrate bright colors, playful experimentation, and creative expression. Campers will explore mixing, layering, and using color in exciting ways while creating dynamic, one-of-a-kind artworks. This camp is process-focused, imagination-driven, and all about having fun while making art in a supportive, inspiring studio environment. 📅 October 9–16 Requirements 4–8 years old — NO EXCEPTIONS Children must be ready to follow safety guidelines and engage in their projects for 30 minutes or more. Children must be fully potty-trained and capable of handling their bathroom needs independently. Any medical conditions (such as allergies or diabetes) and/or behavioral needs (including neurodiversity or trauma) must be disclosed during the sign-up process. This information helps us make necessary preparations and provide a supportive and enjoyable environment for everyone. All information shared is kept confidential. Camp Cancellation & Transfer Policy The policy for Messy Art Lab Camps is as follows: 100% refund for cancellations made within 24 hours of registration. All enrollment fees include a non-refundable 20% deposit. Refund of enrollment fee minus the 20% non-refundable deposit if cancellation is made prior to 30 days of session start date. No refund for cancellations made within 30 days of session start date, unless the spot is filled, in which case a refund credit minus the 20% non-refundable deposit will be issued. Cancellations must be requested in writing via email. Approval for transfer of camp week to another week will be determined on a case-by-case basis and based on availability, with a 20% non-refundable deposit/transfer penalty if made within 30 days of the original camp week start date.

Wednesday is 1/2 off! And a bonus we will have story time from 10:00-10:30am every Wednesday!* STEMful is a space designed for parents/caregivers to play with their children. We have a wide selection of toys and structures for children up to 8 years old. Use this daily pass to purchase/register a play space pass for your children. - To register children 0 up to 5 months, enter PlaySpace0 during check out old to pay $0/play pass. - To register children 6 up to 11 months, enter in PlaySpace50 during check to pay $3/play pass. Play Space package can be applied to a daily pass purchase. Children's name and birthday must be on registration account. *NO StoryTime on the following dates: 2025: 11/26, 12/24, 12/31 (closed on these dates) 2026: 6/3-9/2 (closed on these dates)

STEMful is a space designed for parents to play with their children. We have a wide selection of toys and structures for children up to 8 years old. Use this daily pass to purchase/register a play space pass for your children. - To register children 0 up to 5 months, enter PlaySpace0 during check out old to pay $0/play pass. - To register children 6 up to 11 months, enter in PlaySpace50 during check to pay $7/play pass. Play Space package can be applied to a daily pass purchase. Children's name and birthday must be on registration account. Note: Saturday PlaySpace will be cancelled if a private party is booked. If you booked a date in advance we will refund you.

Hilltop Creative is nestled in Bernal Heights. Our space is aesthetically beautiful and calming for our days together. We are excited to spend the week being creative, building community and long lasting friendships. Hilltop Creative provides an enriching environment for children to explore art, nature, creativity and curiosity. We strive to build community and enrich social relationships. We also believe in the power and beauty of nature. We hold value in the important benefits it brings. Being outdoors brings increased happiness and reduces cortisol levels. We see better sleep, cognitive function and overall well being in ourselves. Here is a bit about our camp days: Drop Off is from 9am-9:30 and pick up is between 2:30-3 pm. During our days together at Hilltop Creative Summer Camp we will start our mornings off with free exploration, morning greetings, snack and an indoor creative activity. We will have outdoor time on neighborhood hikes and also will visit our local playgrounds and recreational areas Bernal Heights, Holly Park and St Mary's. Towards the end of the day we will gather indoors and will have an afternoon snack provided by Hilltop Creative. Our ration is 1:6and we do not go over 12 campers. Hilltop Creative Daily Schedule 9:00-9:30 Drop off and Check in 9:30-10:00 Centers/ Free Choice 10:00-10:15 Morning Meeting 10:15-10:45 Snack 11:00-12:00 Park or Activity 12:00-12:45 Lunch 12:45-1:15 Art Activity and Free Exploration 1:15-2:00 Bernal Playground 2:00-2:30 Snack Provided by Hilltop 2:30-3:00 Art Choice/ Free Choice and Pick -up

How does it work? Let’s find out! Mini Makers is a hands-on lab designed for children who love to build and deconstruct. We provide a 'tinker-friendly' environment where students use diverse materials to engineer their own inventions. From taking apart old gadgets to building new masterpieces, our creators learn through doing. Join us for a day where play is the engine of discovery!

Energy is everywhere, but how does it actually work? Join us for an exploration of all things kinetics! This hands-on camp pulls back the curtain on the various forms of energy that power our lives. Students will investigate the 'hidden motion' of the universe, learning how the movement of tiny electrons, atoms, and molecules creates the physical world we see. Through creative engineering challenges and scientific experiments, your young scientist will master the principles of kinetic energy from the microscopic level to the massive.

How do scientists pull off their most epic feats? By using their greatest tool: curiosity! Our students will explore groundbreaking studies to see how famous scientists changed the world—and learn how to launch their own 'out-of-this-world' ideas into orbit. Note: Aftercare runs until 5:30 PM on 12/28–12/30, and until 4:00 PM on 12/31.

This camp is on all things kinetics. Through fun games, challenges and creations, come explore the various forms of energy and the meaning of electrons, atoms, molecules, substances, and objects as it relates to kinetic energy!

Engineering is all about finding out how things are built and why, and solving problems. Students will explore with tinkering and creating using a variety of materials. They will be empowered to take apart, engineer, and build, to construct an understanding of how things are made.

Science offers a unique lens through which we can understand the world around us. Each field has its own methods and perspectives, but they all contribute to a greater understanding of our universe. From Chemistry to Engineering, students will discover that there are many ways to explore the world through different kinds of science. Exploring these fields can spark curiosity and innovation, making science an exciting adventure!

Calling all Mighty Makers! 🛠️ Are you ready to design, build, and innovate? Join us for a day of hands-on STEM challenges where you’ll create everything from towering structures to clever machines. Put your critical thinking skills to work and see what happens when creativity meets science. Sign up today and let the building begin!