The Smithsonian Associates will once again host its Smithsonian Summer Camp, offering children entering kindergarten through ninth grade in fall 2025 an exciting opportunity to explore the Smithsonian’s collections, exhibitions, and themes. Running from Monday, June 16, through Friday, August 15, the camps will be held at the S. Dillon Ripley Center, located at 1100 Jefferson Dr. S.W. in Washington, D.C.
Participants will enjoy immersive, weeklong experiences that include museum visits, hands-on projects, games, collaborative challenges, and conversations with experts. Over 90 camps will be offered this summer, operating Monday through Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with optional before-camp care available from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. and after-camp care from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Experienced instructors have developed programs that cater to various ages and interests, connecting campers to the Smithsonian’s resources in unique ways. Younger campers will enjoy activities like storytelling, art, and science through themes such as “Junior Paleontologists,” “Rainforest Researchers,” “Underwater Worlds,” and “Amazing Asia.”
Older campers can engage in specialized programs like “Smithsonian Spectrum,” which explores the art and science of color, or dive into weeklong creative projects like painting murals, designing video games, or inventing new products. For history enthusiasts, the “Soldiers and Dioramas” camps for grades six through nine focus on recreating historical battles using miniature terrain boards and strategic gameplay.
Science-themed adventures are also abundant, offering explorations of topics such as ancient civilizations, ocean life, astronomy, and artificial intelligence. Smithsonian locations like the National Museum of Natural History, the Smithsonian’s National Zoo, and the U.S. Botanic Garden serve as dynamic backdrops for learning.
The cost for weeklong camps is $495 for non-members and $425 for Smithsonian Associates members. Shortened weeks, such as June 16–20 and June 30–July 3, are priced at $396 for non-members and $340 for members. Online registration begins Friday, February 14, at 10 a.m. ET. Donors at the Contributor level ($300 or higher) may register early from February 10 through February 12 between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. ET, while Smithsonian Associates members at all levels can register on February 13 beginning at 10 a.m. ET.
Participants are encouraged to pre-register online or call (202) 633-3030 for more information. Details about the camps are available on the Smithsonian Summer Camp website.
For six decades, Smithsonian Associates has offered innovative educational programs that bring the Smithsonian’s collections and research to life. Nearly 1,000 events annually spark creativity and curiosity in learners of all ages, continuing the Smithsonian’s legacy of education and discovery.
