Smithsonian Associates offers one-of-a-kind learning experiences that spark the imagination and engage campers with Smithsonian museums, their exhibitions and themes—during Smithsonian Summer Camp. A wide variety of weeklong camps for children entering kindergarten through ninth grade in fall 2026 will be held Monday, June 22, through Friday, Aug. 14, at the Smithsonian’s S. Dillon Ripley Center at 1100 Jefferson Dr. S.W.
During summer camp, kids take a deep dive into the Smithsonian’s collections through museum visits, hands-on projects, games, collaborative challenges and conversations with experts. The rich and exciting world of the Smithsonian is theirs to discover. Over 90 camps are offered this year; camps are held Monday through Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Before-camp (8 a.m. to 9 a.m.) and after-camp (4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m.) activities are also available.
A diverse, creative and experienced team of instructors design age-appropriate content that animates the Smithsonian, its history and its collections. For the youngest campers, museum visits, storytelling, art, science and music are all important parts of the fun—and learning. Camps such as “Fossil Hunters,” “Smithsonian Safari,” “Rainforest Researchers,” “Mastering the Masters” and “Smithsonian Space Station” are designed to introduce the world of the Smithsonian to children entering kindergarten through second grade.
Back by popular demand are camps designed for students who have an interest in art and history, music and digital arts. With America’s 250th birthday on the horizon, campers revisit inventions and scientific discoveries of the Founding Fathers. Field trips to see collections bring campers up close to the science that shaped American life. In “Amazing Americans” (grades 2–3) campers explore the stories of the people behind some great moments in American history and re-enact some memorable historic events. Campers can also spend a full week learning to paint a full-room mural, designing video games and comics or creating and marketing their own inventions to better the world.
There are also fresh opportunities to experience history from the battlefield in the popular “Soldiers and Dioramas” camps (grades 6–9) where campers find a new dimension—a miniature one—to learning about some of the most important battles in history. Four camps are offered, each covering a specific battle, and campers make their own terrain boards and lead troops of 1/72-scale soldiers in war games that offer them vivid insights into the military strategies and conflicts that have shaped the world.
Science adventures are available for all ages. From the deepest oceans to the furthest stars, the vast Amazon rainforest to the smallest backyard insect, campers have a universe of science to discover this summer. The Smithsonian’s museums on the Mall, the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and the U.S. Botanic Gardens provide exciting backdrops for all their explorations. Other camp themes this year include ancient civilizations, geology, ocean life, “Smithsonian-opoly,” “President for a Week,” “Smithsonian School of Wizardry” and “Girl Power!”
Prices for weeklong summer camps are $495 for non-members and $425 for Smithsonian Associates members. There will be no camp Friday, July 3; prices for summer camp the week of June 29–July 2 are $396 for non-members and $340 for Smithsonian Associates members. Online registration for the general public begins Friday, Feb. 13, at 10 a.m. ET. Donors to Smithsonian Associates at the Contributor level ($300 or higher) are eligible for priority registration Monday, Feb. 9, through Wednesday, Feb. 11, from at 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. ET, and Smithsonian Associates members of all levels may register Thursday, Feb. 12, beginning at 10 a.m. ET. All participants are encouraged to pre-register online. For more information, the public can visit the Summer Camp website or call (202) 633-3030.
For over 60 years, Smithsonian Associates—the world’s largest museum-based education program—has produced vibrant educational and cultural programming that brings the Smithsonian to life. Inspired by the Smithsonian’s research, collections and exhibitions nearly 1,000 public programs spark creativity and excite learning in people of all ages each year.