Science Camps and STEM Programs for Kids in Montreal

Where Young Scientists Thrive

Montreal's university research culture spills over into its youth programming. The city offers some of the best science and STEM camps in the country, run by actual scientists, engineers, and educators who know how to make complex concepts accessible and fun. Here's your guide.

University-Based Programs

UQAM Science Camps are among the most respected in Quebec. Run by the Université du Québec à Montréal, these week-long summer camps (ages 7-14) immerse kids in real laboratory environments. They perform chemistry experiments, build circuits, study microscopic organisms, and present their discoveries in Friday afternoon "science fairs." Weeks cost $250-300, and the quality of instruction is exceptional — many camp leaders are graduate science students.

The UQAM camps are primarily in French, which makes them excellent for immersion families. They're also among the most affordable university-run programs.

Museum-Based Camps

Biosphere Museum Camp at the Biosphere on Île Sainte-Hélène focuses on environmental science. Kids aged 6-12 explore climate change, water systems, and biodiversity through outdoor experiments and interactive exhibits. The setting — inside Buckminster Fuller's iconic geodesic dome — is inspiring in itself. Camps run $200-275/week.

The Montreal Science Centre runs themed March Break and summer camps covering topics from space exploration to forensic science. Their hands-on approach and the downtown Old Port location make these camps extremely popular. $250-325/week for ages 6-12.

Private STEM Programs

Mad Science — The original kids' science entertainment company, founded right here in Montreal. Their camps feature dramatic experiments (think dry ice volcanoes, slime chemistry, and rocket launches) that make science thrilling. Offered at locations across Montreal and available as after-school programs too. Camps run $200-280/week, ages 5-12.

Robotics Camp programs through various providers offer LEGO Mindstorms, VEX Robotics, and Arduino-based programs where kids build and program actual robots. These are perfect for kids who've outgrown basic coding and want hands-on engineering. Expect $275-400/week depending on the program level.

What STEM Camps Actually Teach

Beyond the cool experiments, quality STEM programs develop:

• Scientific method — Hypothesis, experiment, observe, conclude
• Engineering design process — Identify problem, brainstorm, prototype, test, iterate
• Collaboration — Working in teams to solve challenges
• Presentation skills — Explaining discoveries to peers and parents
• Growth mindset — Embracing failure as part of learning

Choosing the Right STEM Camp

1. Match the intensity — Some kids want hardcore science; others prefer science mixed with other activities
2. Check the instructor qualifications — Science background matters for quality instruction
3. Ask about the ratio — 8:1 or better for effective hands-on learning
4. Look for take-home projects — Kids love showing parents what they built
5. Consider bilingual options — Many STEM terms are similar in both languages

Browse summer camps in Montreal on FamiliQC.