STEM Programs in San Francisco, CA

Get ready for an adventure into the intricate world of your brain, uncovering its hidden secrets and amazing capabilities. We'll embark on a journey through the different regions of the brain, discovering their unique roles in everything from your deepest sleep cycles to the formation of lasting memories and how you perceive the world around you. You'll learn that every brain is a masterpiece of individuality – including yours! Come discover what makes your mind truly one-of-a-kind.

Calling all curious scientists! Are you ready to unravel the amazing mysteries hidden deep inside every living thing – including you? During Genetic Genius, we'll dive into the fascinating world of Genetics & DNA to discover what makes you, YOU! We'll start by learning all about traits – like why your eyes are a certain color or why you might have curly hair! We'll explore how these traits are passed down from parents to kids, a bit like a secret family recipe. Then, we'll get up close with DNA structures, discovering what these incredible twisted ladders look like and what amazing information we can find inside DNA that tells every cell what to do!

Junior Conservationists are invited to discover the magic of ecosystems—the special homes where every plant and animal works together. We will explore the vital jobs different creatures have, like how bees pollinate blooms and bears disperse seeds, and see why every single species is essential to the balance of nature. It’s like a complex puzzle where every piece matters. If one animal disappears, the whole picture changes! You will also discover that humans are a part of this puzzle, too. We’ll learn how our daily choices affect the plants (flora) and animals (fauna) around us, and how we can all be better friends to our planet.

Join us for a special week-long Gears & Gizmos Camp, where young makers will explore movement, building, and creative problem-solving through hands-on art and tinkering projects. Campers will experiment with materials, construct imaginative creations, and discover how parts work together while designing their own playful gizmos. This private camp is process-focused, curiosity-driven, and encourages creativity, collaboration, and inventive thinking all week long. 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 (neurodiversity, trauma) your child may have must be informed during the sign-up process. This information will help us make any necessary preparations and provide a supportive and enjoyable environment for everyone. Please note that all information shared is kept confidential. The policy for Messy Art Lab Camps is as follows: - 100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of registration. - All enrollment fees include a non-refundable deposit of 20%. - Refund of enrollment fee minus 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 credits 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 per availability, with a penalty fee of 20% non-refundable deposit if made within 30 days of original camp week start date.

We are excited to share the week being creative, building community and friendships. Drop off is from 9am-9:30 and pick up is anytime between 2:30-3:00pm. During our days at Hilltop Creative Camp we will start our mornings off with free exploration, morning greetings, snack and an indoor creative activity. Nature is a huge focus of Hilltop Creative. We will have outdoor adventures on neighborhood hike's and will visit our local playgrounds Bernal Heights, Holly Park or St Mary's. Towards the end of the day we will be together indoors and we will have an afternoon snack provided by Hilltop Creative for the campers.

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)

We're going to unlock all the incredible, hidden secrets of botany. You'll transform into a buddy botanist, discovering exactly how plants grow, what they 'eat,' and how they stay super healthy. Our hands-on fun includes awesome seed extractions – carefully freeing tiny seeds from tasty fruits and veggies! Then, grab your imaginary lab coats as we become soil chemists, figuring out the perfect recipe for happy, healthy soil. But the best part? You'll plant your own seeds and witness the pure magic of life as they sprout and grow! This camp includes a trip to the Children's Garden in the Golden Gate Park on Friday. Students will take the Muni to the designation.

Calling all curious scientists! Are you ready to unravel the amazing mysteries hidden deep inside every living thing – including you? During Genetic Genius, we'll dive into the fascinating world of Genetics & DNA to discover what makes you, YOU! We'll start by learning all about traits – like why your eyes are a certain color or why you might have curly hair! We'll explore how these traits are passed down from parents to kids, a bit like a secret family recipe. Then, we'll get up close with DNA structures, discovering what these incredible twisted ladders look like and what amazing information we can find inside DNA that tells every cell what to do!

Don't toss that bottle! In this awesome session, we're transforming everyday recyclables – plastic bottles, cardboard boxes, caps, tubes, and more – into incredible inventions! Become an eco-inventor as you reimagine "junk" to build amazing robots, unique games, helpful gadgets, or anything else your imagination cooks up. Along the way, we'll explore the science behind the materials – why is cardboard strong? Why is plastic flexible or waterproof? Discover the secrets of materials science while designing cool, planet-friendly creations. Unleash your creativity and learn the power of resourcefulness!

We are excited to spend the week being creative, building community and making friendships. Drop Off is from 9am-9:30 and pick up is between 3:30-4:00pm. 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. Nature is a huge focus of Hilltop Creative. 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.

We are excited to share the day being creative, building community and friendships. Drop off is from 9am-9:30 and pick up is anytime between 2:30-3:00pm. During our days at Hilltop Creative Camp we will start our mornings off with indoor exploration, morning greetings, snack and an indoor creative activity. Nature is a huge focus of Hilltop Creative. We will have outdoor time on a neighborhood hike up to Bernal Hill and visit our local playgrounds Bernal Heights, Holly Park or St Mary's. Towards the end of the day we will be indoors and we will have an afternoon snack provided by Hilltop Creative for the campers.

We are excited to spend the week being creative, building community and making friendships. Drop Off is from 9am-9:30 and pick up is between 3:30-4:00pm. 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. Nature is a huge focus of Hilltop Creative. 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.

Turn off the lights and watch the art glow! Kids will explore color and light while building glowing worlds that come alive under black light. They’ll paint, build, and experiment with bright materials in a fun, hands-on week that shines from start to finish. Messy Art Lab Summer Camp Info 🌈 Art Show Each week ends with a special Art Show, where campers proudly share their amazing creations with family and friends! It’s a joyful celebration of their creativity and the wonderful work they’ve done all week. 🕘 Schedule Drop-off: begins at 9:00 AM Pick-up: 2:45–3:00 PM Aftercare: available 3:00–5:00 PM Aftercare Details: Aftercare can be purchased as a weekly package. We do not offer aftercare on Fridays. If you’d like to book individual aftercare days, please email Betty@messyartlab.com for availability. 🧺 What to Bring Please help your child come prepared for a fun (and messy!) creative day. 🚫 No nuts or nut products of any kind, please. -Two healthy snacks (morning & afternoon) -Lunch (no candy, gum, or sugary drinks) -A refillable water bottle -Comfortable, paint-friendly clothes -A jacket, sunhat, and layers for outdoor play -Sunscreen applied before camp -A full change of clothes (just in case!) 🧒 Camper Requirements To keep our camps safe, fun, and creative for everyone: -Campers must be 4 years and 6 months old by the first day of camp. (We’re not able to make exceptions to this policy.) -Campers should be able to follow safety instructions and engage in activities for about 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. This helps us prepare thoughtfully and ensure a positive, supportive experience for every child. (All information is kept confidential.) 💰 Refunds & Cancellations We know plans can change! Please review our camp refund policy below: 100% refund for cancellations made within 24 hours of registration. All enrollments include a non-refundable 20% deposit. Cancellations made 30+ days before the camp start date: refund minus the 20% deposit. Cancellations made within 30 days of the camp start date: No refund unless we can fill your spot, in which case you’ll receive camp credit minus the 20% deposit. All cancellation requests must be sent in writing via email. Transfers to another camp week may be requested (based on availability). A 20% fee applies for transfers requested within 30 days of the original camp week.

We are thrilled to welcome your young chef to a delicious adventure exploring the vibrant world of California cuisine! Through hands-on cooking and baking experiences, kids will discover the rainbow of flavors that make our Golden State's food culture so special. In this nourishing and nurturing camp, your child will embark on a sensory journey celebrating local, seasonal ingredients. Each day brings new opportunities to create, taste, and learn as we transform fresh produce into colorful culinary masterpieces. From bright yellow squash to deep purple berries, we'll explore how nature's color palette enhances both body and imagination. Your young chef will: - Master kid-friendly cooking techniques while building kitchen confidence through hands-on preparation of breakfast, lunch, and snacks using fresh, local ingredients - Engage in food-inspired art projects and outdoor activities that connect our plates to California's abundant natural environment - Learn about seasonal ingredients through sensory exploration, discovering how different colors, textures, and flavors come together to create delicious dishes - Build community through shared meals and collaborative cooking sessions, culminating in a festive family gathering and art show. Daily Schedule: 9:00-9:30 AM: Arrivals and Activity Centers ‍9:30-9:50 AM: Welcome Circle and Stretching ‍9:50-11:00 AM: Cook Brunch ‍11:00-11:30 AM: Eat, Cleanup, and Quiet Time ‍11:30-12:45 PM: Cook Lunch and STEAM Activity ‍12:45-1:15 PM: Eat, Cleanup, and Quiet Time ‍1:15-2:15 PM: Outdoor Play ‍2:15-2:40 PM: Snack and Cleanup ‍2:40-3:00 PM: Closing Circle and Pick-Up

We are thrilled to welcome your young chef to a delicious adventure exploring the vibrant world of California cuisine! Through hands-on cooking and baking experiences, kids will discover the rainbow of flavors that make our Golden State's food culture so special. In this nourishing and nurturing camp, your child will embark on a sensory journey celebrating local, seasonal ingredients. Each day brings new opportunities to create, taste, and learn as we transform fresh produce into colorful culinary masterpieces. From bright yellow squash to deep purple berries, we'll explore how nature's color palette enhances both body and imagination. Your young chef will: - Master kid-friendly cooking techniques while building kitchen confidence through hands-on preparation of breakfast, lunch, and snacks using fresh, local ingredients - Engage in food-inspired art projects and outdoor activities that connect our plates to California's abundant natural environment - Learn about seasonal ingredients through sensory exploration, discovering how different colors, textures, and flavors come together to create delicious dishes - Build community through shared meals and collaborative cooking sessions, culminating in a festive family gathering and art show. Daily Schedule: 9:00-9:30 AM: Arrivals and Activity Centers ‍9:30-9:50 AM: Welcome Circle and Stretching ‍9:50-11:00 AM: Cook Brunch ‍11:00-11:30 AM: Eat, Cleanup, and Quiet Time ‍11:30-12:45 PM: Cook Lunch and STEAM Activity ‍12:45-1:15 PM: Eat, Cleanup, and Quiet Time ‍1:15-2:15 PM: Outdoor Play ‍2:15-2:40 PM: Snack and Cleanup ‍2:40-3:00 PM: Closing Circle and Pick-Up

We are excited to spend the week being creative, building community and making friendships. Drop Off is from 9am-9:30 and pick up is between 3:30-4:00pm. 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. Nature is a huge focus of Hilltop Creative. 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.

Youth ages 12-14 are invited to come and learn about urban farming, sustainable building, land stewardship, water conservation, and farm to table dining at our beautiful location at Hawk Creek Farm. By supporting the completion of special projects and daily farm care, youth gain direct experience acting as land stewards. Daily activities include farm care, composting, animal care, teacher guided exploration on a topic of their choosing, and the creation of special projects that help the farm! There will also be plenty of time for relaxing and socializing. The program runs from 12-5pm daily Monday to Friday. Early drop off is available upon request. Email camp@goldenbridgesschool.org for more info.

Journey to a place where cooking and creativity coalesce to celebrate cultures from around the world. Each day, kids will explore global cuisines, discover new foods, and experiment with enticing ingredients, creating vibrant dishes inspired by diverse traditions. Along the way, they’ll discover how food and creativity expand our understanding of the world, fostering connection, appreciation, and unity through the shared stories and flavors that bring us together. Your young chef will: -Learn baking and cooking techniques from different cultures and prepare authentic dishes using traditional ingredients -Create food-inspired art projects that celebrate global traditions and cultural expressions -Cultivate curiosity for new foods by exploring international herbs, spices, and flavors -Build cultural awareness and appreciation through stories, traditions, and the shared experience of preparing and enjoying meals together Daily Schedule: 9:00-9:30 AM: Arrivals and Activity Centers ‍9:30-9:50 AM: Welcome Circle and Stretching ‍9:50-11:00 AM: Cook Brunch ‍11:00-11:30 AM: Eat, Cleanup, and Quiet Time ‍11:30-12:45 PM: Cook Lunch and STEAM Activity ‍12:45-1:15 PM: Eat, Cleanup, and Quiet Time ‍1:15-2:15 PM: Outdoor Play ‍2:15-2:40 PM: Snack and Cleanup ‍2:40-3:00 PM: Closing Circle and Pick-Up

We are thrilled to welcome your young chef to a delicious adventure exploring the vibrant world of California cuisine! Through hands-on cooking and baking experiences, kids will discover the rainbow of flavors that make our Golden State's food culture so special. In this nourishing and nurturing camp, your child will embark on a sensory journey celebrating local, seasonal ingredients. Each day brings new opportunities to create, taste, and learn as we transform fresh produce into colorful culinary masterpieces. From bright yellow squash to deep purple berries, we'll explore how nature's color palette enhances both body and imagination. Your young chef will: - Master kid-friendly cooking techniques while building kitchen confidence through hands-on preparation of breakfast, lunch, and snacks using fresh, local ingredients - Engage in food-inspired art projects and outdoor activities that connect our plates to California's abundant natural environment - Learn about seasonal ingredients through sensory exploration, discovering how different colors, textures, and flavors come together to create delicious dishes - Build community through shared meals and collaborative cooking sessions, culminating in a festive family gathering and art show. Daily Schedule: 9:00-9:30 AM: Arrivals and Activity Centers ‍9:30-9:50 AM: Welcome Circle and Stretching ‍9:50-11:00 AM: Cook Brunch ‍11:00-11:30 AM: Eat, Cleanup, and Quiet Time ‍11:30-12:45 PM: Cook Lunch and STEAM Activity ‍12:45-1:15 PM: Eat, Cleanup, and Quiet Time ‍1:15-2:15 PM: Outdoor Play ‍2:15-2:40 PM: Snack and Cleanup ‍2:40-3:00 PM: Closing Circle and Pick-Up

Junior Conservationists are invited to discover the magic of ecosystems—the special homes where every plant and animal works together. We will explore the vital jobs different creatures have, like how bees pollinate blooms and bears disperse seeds, and see why every single species is essential to the balance of nature. It’s like a complex puzzle where every piece matters. If one animal disappears, the whole picture changes! You will also discover that humans are a part of this puzzle, too. We’ll learn how our daily choices affect the plants (flora) and animals (fauna) around us, and how we can all be better friends to our planet.

We're going to unlock all the incredible, hidden secrets of botany. You'll transform into a buddy botanist, discovering exactly how plants grow, what they 'eat,' and how they stay super healthy. Our hands-on fun includes awesome seed extractions – carefully freeing tiny seeds from tasty fruits and veggies! Then, grab your imaginary lab coats as we become soil chemists, figuring out the perfect recipe for happy, healthy soil. But the best part? You'll plant your own seeds and witness the pure magic of life as they sprout and grow! This camp includes a trip to the Children's Garden in the Golden Gate Park on Friday. Students will take the Muni to the designation.