Winter Break Camp your Kids will Love

Best Winter Break Camps

Winter break is a magical time filled with festive celebrations, family gatherings, and the chance for kids to recharge after a busy school semester. It’s also an ideal moment for parents to find meaningful activities that keep kids engaged and entertained during their time off. From outdoor adventures to creative workshops, winter break offers countless opportunities for kids to explore new interests, build skills, and make lasting memories. Whether it’s exploring museums, joining local theater programs, or participating in sports camps, there’s something for every child to enjoy. If you’re searching for options that combine fun and learning, science camps are an excellent choice for adding excitement to the holiday season.

Winter Break Camps Near Me

Finding the perfect winter break camp can be a challenge, but look no further than Kids Science Labs. With locations in Chicago and Seattle, we’re conveniently situated to make your holiday planning stress-free. Parents searching for winter break camps will find that we offer a unique blend of education and entertainment, making us the top choice for families.

Why choose Kids Science Labs?

• Convenience: Multiple locations in Chicago make it more probable that there’s a camp near you, and we also have our Seattle location.

• Flexibility: Options for full-day and half-day programs.

• Expert Staff: Camps are led by experienced educators who make learning fun and engaging.

When your kids join us, they’ll be part of a vibrant environment where their imaginations can thrive, their curiosities can be explored and their days will include several engaging activities that keep them excited and curious.

Other popular winter break camps include:

1. Local Theater Programs: Many community theaters offer camps where kids can explore acting, set design, and scriptwriting, fostering creativity and confidence.

2. Cooking Camps: Winter break cooking classes for kids are a fun way to learn practical skills while exploring new cuisines and recipes.

3. Nature and Outdoor Camps: Parks and nature centers often host winter break programs where kids can learn about the environment and enjoy guided hikes or outdoor crafts.

4. LEGO and Robotics Camps: Perfect for kids who love to build and innovate, these camps focus on teamwork, engineering, and problem-solving through fun challenges.

Top 5 Science Camps for Winter Break Camps Nearby

1. Kids Science Labs: Offering the best winter break science camps in Chicago and Seattle, we provide hands-on learning experiences that inspire curiosity and creativity. Our camps are designed to engage kids in STEM through fun experiments and interactive problem-solving activities, making us the top choice for families. At Kids Science Labs, we believe that science camp is more than just fun—they’re incredibly beneficial for kids and we pride ourselves in our focus in hands-on learning. Winter break is the perfect opportunity for children to dive into STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) in a way that is still engaging and enjoyable. 

2. Local Children’s Museums: Many museums, like the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago, offer specialized winter break programs during which children can explore exhibits and participate in creative workshops tailored to their interests.

3. Zoo and Aquarium Camps: Places like the Woodland Park Zoo in Seattle or Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago provide unique winter camps where kids can learn about animals and their habitats through hands-on activities and behind-the-scenes tours.

4. Art and Creativity Workshops: Art centers and studios often host winter break camps where kids can unleash their creativity through painting, sculpting, and crafting. These programs are a fantastic way to mix fun with artistic expression.

5. Sports and Recreation Camps: For active kids, local sports centers offer winter break programs focusing on skills development, team-building, and staying active during the colder months.

Where can I find DIY at-home science experiments for kids to do during Winter Break Camp?

There are plenty of websites that list experiments, and while we have not done each of them, we do provide useful videos that you can watch with your child and not mess up your house. Without further ado, check out Kids Science Labs provide real videos to help parents.

Why Choose Kids Science Labs for Winter Break Camp?

When it comes to "winter break camps near me," Kids Science Labs stands out for its commitment to delivering an engaging and educational experience for kids. There are many winter break camps to choose from, and our science camps aren’t just about keeping kids busy—they’re about inspiring a lifelong love for science and discovery.

Parents consistently choose Kids Science Labs because:

• Proven Success: Thousands of families trust us each year for high-quality STEM education.

• Custom Experiences: Each camp is tailored to meet the interests and abilities of every child.

• Memorable Fun: Kids leave with big smiles and unforgettable memories.

Don’t miss out on giving your kids the best winter break ever. Spots fill up fast, so secure your place today!

Enroll Now at Winter Break Camps Near Me

Ready to make this winter break camp unforgettable? Visit Kids Science Labs to learn more about our winter break camps and reserve your spot today. Let’s make this holiday season both fun and educational for you and your children. 

Kids ask questions and take an experiment in learning at Kids Science Labs in Chicago

When looking for science programs near me, parents have found Kids Science Labs in Chicago and Seattle

Our Students encounter liquids everyday, but a often it seems that the liquid just disappears: milk absorbs into cereal, and water from a bath absorbs into a towel. Where does the liquid go? We tested some materials that have the ability to absorb liquids by trapping it inside of pores or small holes. We also observed that not all materials are able to absorb the same amount of liquid. Different materials have different saturation points. For example, a mop can soak up a big spill, but your favorite cereal gets soggy really fast. Today, kids created a tool with absorbent materials to soak up those liquids. At home, ask your child what else they can absorb with their new absorption tool!

STEM learning is available with science programs near me, via Kids Science Labs

Whether we’re opening the refrigerator door or closing the screen of our laptop, hinges are all around us helping our world move! By investigating real objects like the small metal devices in a doorframe that help it to swing open, or the plastic lids on top of the maple syrup bottle that keep the syrup from spilling out, this week our scientists are observing that a hinge is simply something that connects two objects to help them rotate.

• Kids are building real-world connections that even parts of our bodies, like our knees and our elbows, are also hinges, helping us to do things like run fast or swing a tennis racket!

• Through creating hinges from different materials, like bendy straws and popsicle sticks, kids are discovering how the design of a hinge can affect its range of motion.

Core Grade Level Standards for NGSS and the Illinois Science Assessment

Understanding the Illinois Science Assessment by Grade with NGSS

The Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) outline the key science concepts and skills that students should learn at each grade level. These standards are used to guide teaching and assessment in schools, including the Illinois Science Assessment (ISA). By understanding the NGSS expectations, parents can help their children stay on track and succeed in their science education. Below is a breakdown of the NGSS topics covered at each grade level from Kindergarten to 8th grade and an associated article on their relationship to Illinois Science Assessment.

Kindergarten NGSS Expected Science Topics:

At the kindergarten level, the NGSS focuses on building foundational knowledge in science through exploration and observation.

• Physical Science: Understanding basic properties of materials (e.g., what makes things sink or float).

• Life Science: Identifying basic needs of living things and their environments (e.g., plants and animals).

• Earth and Space Science: Observing seasonal changes and weather patterns.

• Engineering and Technology: Using tools and materials to design simple objects.

1st Grade NGSS Expected Science Topics:

In 1st grade, students start to build on their observational skills and begin exploring more complex scientific concepts.

• Physical Science: Understanding how objects move (e.g., speed, direction, and forces like push and pull).

• Life Science: Learning about the life cycle of plants and animals.

• Earth and Space Science: Exploring the properties of light and sound.

• Engineering and Technology: Designing solutions to simple engineering challenges.

2nd Grade NGSS Expected Science Topics:

By 2nd grade, students are introduced to more detailed concepts in life, earth, and physical sciences.

• Physical Science: Exploring matter and its properties (e.g., solids, liquids, and gases).

• Life Science: Learning about plant growth and what plants need to survive.

• Earth and Space Science: Investigating weather patterns and how they change over time.

• Engineering and Technology: Developing and testing simple tools or solutions to problems.

3rd Grade NGSS Expected Science Topics:

Third graders deepen their understanding of the natural world with more complex scientific topics.

• Physical Science: Understanding forces and interactions between objects (e.g., gravity, magnetism).

• Life Science: Learning about ecosystems and the relationships between living organisms.

• Earth and Space Science: Understanding the water cycle and its role in weather patterns.

• Engineering and Technology: Designing solutions to problems related to energy use.

4th Grade NGSS Expected Science Topics:

At the 4th grade level, students explore more detailed scientific principles, with a focus on energy, ecosystems, and Earth's systems.

• Physical Science: Exploring energy forms such as light, sound, and heat.

• Life Science: Studying plant and animal structures and their roles in ecosystems.

• Earth and Space Science: Investigating the Earth's processes, including the rock cycle and Earth's resources.

• Engineering and Technology: Applying the principles of engineering to solve real-world problems.

5th Grade NGSS Expected Science Topics:

In 5th grade, students explore more advanced topics, often requiring a higher level of critical thinking and problem-solving.

• Physical Science: Understanding matter and energy, including properties and changes in matter.

• Life Science: Studying the systems of the human body and how they work together.

• Earth and Space Science: Exploring Earth’s history and the formation of different landforms.

• Engineering and Technology: Investigating technologies and designing solutions to human challenges.

6th NGSS Expected Science Topics:

By the 6th grade, students build on earlier concepts and start to study more complex scientific phenomena.

• Physical Science: Investigating energy, forces, and the relationship between energy and matter.

• Life Science: Understanding ecosystems and the diversity of life.

• Earth and Space Science: Exploring the structure and processes of Earth’s systems.

• Engineering and Technology: Designing experiments to test scientific ideas and solutions.

7th Grade NGSS Expected Science Topics:

Seventh graders dive deeper into biology, chemistry, and Earth science with more specific learning goals.

• Physical Science: Studying atoms and molecules, chemical reactions, and energy transformations.

• Life Science: Learning about heredity, genetic traits, and evolution.

• Earth and Space Science: Investigating Earth's history, including geological processes and plate tectonics.

• Engineering and Technology: Understanding how engineers use scientific principles to solve problems.

8th Grade NGSS Expected Science Topics:

Eighth grade is a critical year where students apply their previous knowledge to more complex scientific and engineering concepts.

• Physical Science: Understanding the structure of matter, forces, and motion.

• Life Science: Exploring the biological systems and the molecular basis of heredity.

• Earth and Space Science: Investigating Earth’s atmosphere, weather, and the solar system.

• Engineering and Technology: Designing and evaluating solutions for real-world problems.

Where can I find a comprehensive guide to Next Generation Science Standards?

For a detailed and comprehensive guide to the Next Generation Science Standards, parents can refer to the official NGSS website here. This site provides an in-depth breakdown of the standards, including performance expectations, assessment guidelines, and instructional strategies for each grade level.

By understanding the key science concepts covered at each grade, parents can help support their children's learning and ensure they are well-prepared for the Illinois Science Assessment and beyond. Here is another article on how to prepare for the Illinois Science Assessment.

“Science is a refinement of Everyday Thinking”

— Albert Einstein