Are you looking for an enriching summer experience that sparks curiosity and builds critical skills in coding, AI, science, and engineering? Look no further! Boston is a hub of innovation, offering a diverse array of STEM programs designed to engage young minds and prepare them for the future. From hands-on robotics to in-depth AI research, these programs provide unique opportunities for kids and teens to explore their passions and develop valuable expertise. Get ready to discover some of the most exciting STEM summer programs happening in and around Boston in 2026!
📍 Location: MIT Campus, Cambridge, MA
📅 Dates: Summer 2026 (June 14 - August 7)
👥 Ages: 7-17 (Day Camps), 13-18 (Teen Academies)
iD Tech offers an immersive experience on the prestigious MIT campus, allowing kids and teens to dive into coding, game development, robotics, and creative arts. With small class sizes and expert instructors, participants gain hands-on skills in next-gen labs. They offer both week-long day camps and two-week overnight Teen Academies for more specialized, pre-college programs in areas like AI and game development.
📍 Location: University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, MA (Hybrid format)
📅 Dates: July 27 – August 28, 2026 (5 weeks, weekly enrollment available)
👥 Ages: Grades 8-12
The Paul English Applied Artificial Intelligence Institute (PEAAII) at UMass Boston hosts a project-based AI Summer Camp. Students explore machine learning, computer vision, natural language processing, generative AI, robotics, and AI ethics. The hybrid format includes in-person sessions on Mondays and Fridays and virtual sessions Tuesday through Thursday, offering flexibility and faculty mentorship. No prior programming experience is required, making it accessible for curious beginners.
📍 Location: Boston University, Boston, MA
📅 Dates: June 28 - August 7, 2026 (6 weeks)
👥 Ages: Rising High School Juniors (domestic students)
The RISE program at Boston University offers high school juniors the chance to conduct university laboratory research with distinguished faculty. Students can choose between an Internship track, working 40 hours a week on research projects in various STEM fields like computer science, biomedical engineering, and physics, or a Practicum track focusing on computational neurobiology or data science. The program culminates in a Poster Symposium where students present their findings.
📍 Location: Lasell University (Newton), Ocean Alliance (Gloucester), The Governor's Academy (Byfield – Newbury), MA
📅 Dates: Summer 2026
👥 Ages: Young scientists and engineers (grades 3-12)
Edge on Science offers a variety of interactive, hands-on STEM programs across multiple locations. Their offerings include exciting topics such as bridge building, Viking adventures, catapult engineering, marine science, biomedical academy, mechanical engineering makerspace, space science, summer rocket blast-off, and 3D modeling & design. These programs are designed to engage young minds in applied science and engineering through individual and team projects.
📍 Location: Newton, MA and Greater Boston Area, MA
📅 Dates: Summer 2026
👥 Ages: Grades K-7+
MGenius Academy provides hands-on STEM summer camps for kids, with programs covering AI, robotics, engineering, coding, chemistry, drones, and 3D design. Students work on real projects, fostering creativity, problem-solving skills, and confidence. Popular camps include AI Humanoid Robot Camp, Battle Bot Arena Camp, Build Your Own Claw Machine Camp, and Electric Car & Rider Camp.
📍 Location: MIT, Cambridge, MA
📅 Dates: July 6 - July 31, 2026 (3 weeks)
👥 Ages: Rising 9th-12th grade students (at least 14 years old)
The MIT Edgerton Center's Engineering Design Workshop offers high school students a unique opportunity to design and build creative projects. Students collaborate to ideate projects, often involving mechanical and electrical engineering, and receive guidance on continuing their work after the program. This immersive workshop emphasizes hands-on learning and problem-solving within the dynamic environment of MIT.
📍 Location: Boston, MA (also Fairfield CT, Atlanta GA, Chicago IL, Philadelphia PA, Northern VA)
📅 Dates: Summer 2026
👥 Ages: 13-17
Emagination Coding Camp provides an intensive two-week program for teens to learn Java, a popular programming language. Campers build a variety of applications, focusing on programming fundamentals and collaborative real-world team mechanics. In addition to coding, the camp promotes physical activity with organized games and swimming. For younger campers or those interested in more diverse tech, Emagination Tech Camps offer over 20 courses in Digital Arts, Engineering, Game Design, and Coding for ages 8-17.
📍 Location: Boston University, Boston, MA
📅 Dates: June 22nd to August 14th, 2026 (weekly sessions)
👥 Ages: 6-14
Tech Revolution offers cutting-edge STEM education at Boston University. Their weekly courses cover a wide range of topics including Robotics, Coding, Game Design, Minecraft, Roblox, Artificial Intelligence, 3D Printing, Content Creation for YouTube, Filmmaking, Digital Art, Spy Tech, and STEM & Medicine. The student-focused curriculum caters to all skill levels, from novice to advanced, providing an excellent opportunity to gain advanced skills and exposure to the latest technologies.
For high school students passionate about delving deeper into STEM research, Research Ignited offers exceptional programs designed to provide hands-on experience and a strong foundation for future academic and career pursuits.
This program provides an unparalleled opportunity for high school students to engage in authentic research across various scientific and engineering disciplines. Participants work on real-world projects, develop critical research skills, and gain invaluable experience for college applications and future STEM careers.
Designed for aspiring AI enthusiasts, the AI Scholars Program immerses students in the exciting world of artificial intelligence. Through hands-on projects and expert guidance, participants learn fundamental AI concepts, machine learning algorithms, and practical applications, building a strong portfolio in this rapidly evolving field.
This program offers a thrilling exploration into the convergence of AI, robotics, and drone technology. Students get hands-on experience designing, building, and programming intelligent robots and autonomous drones, learning about their applications in various industries and fostering innovation in cutting-edge fields.
Enrolling your child in a STEM summer program is an investment in their future, fostering critical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and a lifelong love for learning. With so many fantastic options available in and around Boston in 2026, there's a perfect program to ignite every young innovator's potential. Don't miss out on these incredible opportunities to give your child a summer of discovery and growth!
