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. 

The Joy of Science - Chicago Summer Camps That Boost Confidence

Science Summer Camps at Kids Science Labs . Our first year with seven (yes seven) centers and over 425 kids a week! Chicago Summer Camps are so rewarding to all of us, and it is so busy, we don’t often take a moment to say thank you. It is a joy to be able to work with your kids each and everyday - Thank You!

In our Kids Summer Camps in Seattle, We see creations like jet packs, self designed computers (that really function), future home designs, flying airplanes, and spy alert devices to keep little brothers out. These not only amaze us, they keep us creative, and we are honored to see the talent our students have.

Every year, our Seattle Summer Camps and Chicago Summer Camps come to an end in September, as we transition our STEM Program for Kids and get excited to begin our weekly classes in September for toddlers to 6th graders. Early access to science and problem solving matters for elementary students, and helps kids retain their natural creativity. And the World needs more creators, problem solvers, and innovators.

Thank you for being a part of Kids Science Labs.

Keith

Top 32 Easy Science Experiments for Kids for DIY Fun At Home or Away

Top 25 Easy Science Experiments for Kids using Materials you already have

Kids all around the country are curious, and its our responsibility to engage and help their discovery. But since not every home has the world class Kids Science Labs inventory room, chalk full of science goodies for kids, we wanted to build a list of easy science experiments for kids using materials you already have in your kitchen or that you can grab from any convenience store. Enjoy the list and email us at support@kidssciencelabs.com if you have any questions.

1. Skittles Rainbow Diffusion

Our students love colors, so in this experiment kids can explore color, sugar, and the difference between a solid (food coloring powder) and a liquid (water). A fun and colorful science experiment! Arrange Skittles around the edge of a plate or really using the first initial of your first name, then pour warm water in the center, Have kids count to 27, so the physical reaction can take affect and watch as the colors of the Skittles diffuse into the water, creating a beautiful rainbow. This simple experiment demonstrates the process of diffusion and the way water molecules move through different colors.

2. Diaper Jelly Absorption Science with InstaSnow

If you are like me, you may have an old diaper sitting around. Well, that diaper uses a polymer called sodium polyacrylate, as a super absorbent crystal. Your kids won’t realize it, but a full diaper can hold 20oz of water, which is crazy! This experiment uses the super-absorbent crystals from a diaper and InstaSnow powder to show how absorbent materials can hold large amounts of liquid. Place the diaper crystals in a bowl, add water, and watch as they absorb and expand, forming a gel-like substance that mimics snow!

3. Baking Soda + Lemonade Volcano

Combine baking soda and lemonade (or lemon juice) to create a fizzing, erupting volcano effect. The acidity of the lemonade reacts with the baking soda to produce carbon dioxide gas, which creates a bubbly eruption. It's a fun, easy way to demonstrate acid-base chemical reactions, without having to use the stale old “vinegar + baking soda”. Also, for real fun , ask kids to name other citrus drinks that may work and compare the chemical reactions from each.

4. Balloon Inside a Balloon Trick

Find two latex 9 - 12 inch party style spherical balloons, preferably with a light color (white or yellow) and a dark color (blue or purple). Place the darker balloon inside the light balloon, while they are both uninflated. Carefully inflate the interior balloon as you normally would, but only blow it up about 1/3 full (4 inches in diameter). Watch as the light exterior balloon expands alongside the inflated balloon, illustrating air pressure and elasticity in action. Be sure to tie a knot for the dark balloon so it retains its air. Next, for kicks and giggles, inflate the exterior balloon watch as kids are astonished to see a balloon inside a balloon. Ask them for idea on how to pop the interior balloon without popping the exterior balloon.

5. Oobleck Made Easy

Mix cornstarch and water to create Oobleck, a non-Newtonian fluid. The solution is resistant to sheer forces (moving fast), so oobleck acts like a solid when squeezed but flows like a liquid when left alone. This fun experiment helps kids understand states of matter and viscosity.

6. Oil + Water Density Stack of Liquids

As most parents know, not every liquid is the same. All liquids have characteristic properties, such as its Density, which is how much mass for a unit of volume (D = M / V). Pour various liquids like oil, water, and honey into a tall glass to create layers that are stacked based on their characteristic density. It’s important that the liquids do not mix, so orange juice and apple juice won’t work. Since liquids have different densities, and you'll see the layers form. This experiment is a great introduction to the concept of density and works the same way that dense rocks typically sink when you throw them in a pool of water.

7. Breaking Water Tension with Soap, Water, and Pepper

Sprinkle pepper on the surface of a bowl of water, then dip a soap-covered q-tip into the water. The pepper will scatter as the soap breaks the surface tension of the water, demonstrating how soap affects water molecules.

8. Mustard Slime

Mix 2 ounces of mustard with 1 teaspoon of,baking soda. Mix and slowly count to seven stiring a popsicle sticks and watch as yellow slime that’s both fun and easy to make. This experiment demonstrates how different substances interact to create materials with unique properties. We advise doing this slime in the kitchen in the sink.

9. Ketchup Slime

Like mustard slime, ketchup can be used to create a slime-like texture when combined with baking soda. It's a gooey, fun way to teach kids about viscosity and how different ingredients can affect the texture of substances. Ketchup and Mustard both include vinegar, which is why this slime is so “explosive” and looks like a mushroom cloud. We advise doing this slime in the kitchen in the sink.

10. Milk and Food Coloring Experiment

Pour milk into a shallow dish, add a few drops of different food coloring, and then dip a cotton swab soaked in dish soap into the milk. The soap causes the food coloring to swirl around, demonstrating how soap molecules interact with fat molecules in the milk.

11. Elephant Toothpaste

This classic experiment uses hydrogen peroxide, dish soap, and yeast to create a massive foam eruption, mimicking a toothpaste explosion. It’s a great example of a rapid chemical reaction that produces oxygen gas.

12. Make Biggest Bubbles with Sugar and Dish Soap

Mix sugar, water, and dish soap to create the biggest and strongest bubbles. The sugar helps reinforce the bubble's surface, making it last longer and grow bigger. Perfect for indoor and outdoor fun! Watch teachers at Kids Science Labs also use pipecleaners to design the largest bubble in Chicago’s South Side.

13. Plasma Ball and Light Bulb Tricks

A plasma ball can demonstrate electrical conductivity and ionized gas. You can also try lighting a light bulb with static electricity by using the ball. These tricks offer a hands-on approach to understanding electricity and light.

14. T-shirts Absorb Water Trick

Wet a T-shirt with water and place it on a dry surface. Ask kids to observe how much water is absorbed and discuss the materials in the T-shirt that help it retain moisture. It’s a great introduction to the concept of absorption and textile properties.

15. Float a Marker Science Trick

Fill a glass with water, place a marker on top, and slowly add drops of water to the surface. The marker will float due to the surface tension of the water. This simple trick is a good way to explore surface tension and buoyancy.

16. Make Some Slime Worms with Sodium Alginate

Combine sodium alginate with calcium chloride in a fun experiment that lets kids create slimy "worms" that float in the water. This experiment demonstrates how certain chemicals react to form a gel-like substance.

17. Mix Up Some Fluffy Slime

Create fluffy, light slime by mixing shaving cream with glue and a little baking soda. The texture is soft and fluffy, and kids will love stretching it. It’s a great way to explore the properties of different materials and chemical reactions.

18. Make A Bouncy Ball with Corn Starch

Mix cornstarch, baking soda, and a little water to create a bouncy ball that kids can play with. This simple experiment shows how different ingredients can be combined to create something with new, interesting properties.

19. Creative Ideas with Cardboard Boxes

Transform cardboard boxes into various experiments, like a homemade rocket, maze, or pinhole camera. Kids can design, build, and explore new ways to use everyday materials in creative science experiments.

20. Build a Chair From Cardboard

Kids love making things but bet you didnt’ know that your child or classroom can make a real chair that they can sit own using simple paper cups and a flat piece of cardboard. Watch this video to see exactly how to do it usinga age old technique from your friends at Kids Science Labs.

21. Create Colorful Chalk with Plaster of Paris

Mix Plaster of Paris with food coloring to create colorful, custom chalk pieces. These chalks can be used for outdoor drawing, while also teaching kids about chemical reactions and molding.

22. Light Diffraction with Pencil in Water

Fill a glass with water and insert a pencil on the interior of the cup. Ask kids to observe how the pencil looks "bent" when viewed through the water. Water has a different density than air, and thus light moves at a slightly different speed through the material, causing the weird distortion to the human eye. This simple trick helps kids understand light refraction and how light bends as it passes through different materials.

23. Chemical Reactions with Milk and Lemon Juice

Combine milk and lemon juice to create curds and whey, demonstrating an acid-base chemical reaction. Little MIss Muffet, sat on her Tuffet, eating her curds and whey….This experiment shows how acidic substances can change the properties of liquids, creating solid masses like cheese.

24. Inflate a Balloon with Vinegar and Baking Soda

Mix vinegar and baking soda in a bottle, then quickly attach a balloon to the top. We often recommend adding two teaspoons of baking sode to the balloon first, and then placing the lip of the balloon over the bottle of vinegar and pouring it in. The reaction creates carbon dioxide gas, which inflates the balloon. This is a fun way to teach kids about gas production and chemical reactions.

25. Make Fizzing Super Soap

Combine baking soda and vinegar with dish soap to create a foamy, fizzing reaction. This experiment combines chemical reactions with bubbles for extra fun and learning.

26. Learning Difference Between Hand Sanitizer and Soap

Test the effectiveness of hand sanitizer versus soap by washing hands with each and observing the difference. This is a great way to teach kids about hygiene, germs, and the importance of washing hands properly.

27. Mentos and Diet Coke

Drop a Mentos candy into a bottle of Diet Coke, and watch as the soda erupts in a fizzy, explosive reaction! This famous science experiment demonstrates the rapid release of carbon dioxide when the candies react with the soda.

28. Lessons with Hydrophobic Sand

Use hydrophobic sand, which repels water, to demonstrate how some materials can be water-resistant. Kids will love watching the sand stay dry, even when submerged in water. It’s a fantastic way to introduce material properties and science concepts.

29. Making DIY Playdough

Making playdough at home is a fun, hands-on activity for kids. Mix flour, salt, water, and oil and baking powder to create a malleable dough for endless creative projects. It also teaches about mixing and consistency.

30. Using Prisms and Light

Experiment with a prism to separate light into the colors of the rainbow. This simple experiment teaches kids about the spectrum of light and the physics behind how light can be split into different colors.

31. Experimenting with Light Absorption

Use various materials like black paper, foil, and clear plastic to demonstrate how different surfaces absorb and reflect light. It’s an engaging way to explore how materials interact with energy.

32. Experimenting with Sound Absorption through Materials

Set up a sound experiment by placing materials like cotton, wood, and plastic between a speaker and a listening device. This teaches kids about sound waves and how different materials absorb sound at varying rates.

Other Resources for At-Home Experiments from Kids Science Labs YouTube Channel and Other Curated Sources

For more fun and educational science experiments, check out the Kids Science Labs YouTube Channel, where you can find a variety of hands-on activities and experiments to do at home. These resources offer step-by-step guides for kids of all ages, encouraging curiosity and scientific exploration.

Summer Camps for 4 year Olds are the best at Kids Science Labs

Why Science is Important for Summer Camps for 4 year olds

Summer camps in Chicago aren’t just about arts and sports anymore. Young students are brilliant and many parents are turning to science-focused activities like those at Kids Science Labs, to help children explore, discover, and develop essential skills that will last a lifetime. Science camps offer the perfect blend of fun, learning, and hands-on experiences, unlocking kids’ curiosity while teaching kids important lessons about the world around them. Whether it’s exploring the wonders of how stuff works, conducting experiments on juice box durability, or building a robot, science camps are shaping the future of Chicago's most imaginative youth in incredible ways.

In this blog, we’ll explore why science is such an important part of Chicago summer camps, the benefits of STEM programs, and why so many parents are opting for science camps for their children.

STEM Programs Inspire Kids' Future Careers

One of the most interesting reasons for integrating a focus on science into summer camp experiences, for 4 year olds in particular, is how it sparks an interest in STE(A)M (Science, Technology, Engineering, ART, and Mathematics) fields. With over 65% of future jobs not yet discovered for the near future, these areas of study are becoming increasingly important as technology continues to advance and shape our precious world. STEM programs at summer camps introduce kids to a wide range of exciting careers and open doors to endless possibilities.

Here are a few ways STEM programs at Chicago summer camps inspire kids’ future careers:

1. Hands-On Learning – STEM camps at Kids Science Labs engage kids with immersive daily discovery experiments and science enrichment activities. From extending butter from the ceiling to confirm if it indeed is a liquid to building small recoil toils, or learning about how graham crackers can teach us about volcanoes, these hands-on science experiences offer summer camps for 4 year olds a small a taste of what it’s like to work in fields like engineering, basic science.

2. Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving – The research is clear that STEM activities teach kids how to think critically and problem-solve. That’s obvious, but if its so important, then we need programs like Kids Science Labs to maintain and unlock the curiosity inside of every child, to support their academic enrichment and confidence with science facts. Whether they’re tackling a chemistry experiment or constructing a structure that can withstand an backyard mini-quake, children at Kids Science Labs learn to approach challenges with creativity and persistence, skills that will serve them well in any career.

3. Exposure to Emerging Fields – As technology rapidly evolves, we are uncovering super interesting fields for kids to explore. Summer camps with a focus on STEM help kids, who are 4+, the ability to explore areas such as magnets, human anatomy, artificial intelligence, sustainable energy, and even biotechnology. The earlier our brilliant children are introduced to these native concepts, the more likely they are to develop an interest in them as potential careers.

4. Collaboration and Teamwork – Many STEM activities at summer camps involve working in teams. By collaborating with other kids on a project, campers build communication and leadership skills that are vital in any professional setting. These experiences help children understand the importance of teamwork in solving real-world problems.

5. Confidence in STEM Fields – By allowing kids to experiment and explore science topics in a safe, supportive environment, Kids Science Labs focuses on building confidence in our Chicago STEM Camps. Kids who might have once been intimidated by complex topics like mechanics or physics often find at KSL that they are capable of mastering them, sparking a love for learning and a belief that they can succeed in these fields.

Parents Love Science Camp for 4 year olds to Middle School Students

While kids are having a blast exploring the world of science, parents also appreciate the numerous benefits that science camps at Kids Science Labs provides. From a parent's perspective, sending their child to our science-focused summer camp at KSL is an investment in both their education and their future career as a leader. Here's just a few reasons why science camps are loved by parents across Chicago:

1. Educational Value – Parents are always on the lookout for summer activities that are both fun and educational. Chicago Parents are in a big city, but they want the same 1:1 engaging opportunities that add educational value for their unique 4-year old in Summer Camp. Science camps at Kids Science Labs offer thiis unique opportunity for children ages 4-12, to engage in learning from June to August (13 weeks), and actually boost future academic enrichment by mastering key science facts that increase scores on the SAT and ACT. Kids Science Labs helps kids build foundational knowledge in science, technology, and math that they can carry into the classroom and beyond.

2. Skill Development – In addition to academic learning, science camps foster important life skills like creativity, resilience, and independence. When your children attend science camps at KSL, they often tackle real-world problems, which helps them develop valuable critical thinking, confidence, and teamwork skills that will benefit them throughout their future careers

3. Safe, Structured Environment – Our Chicago Science camps often have a well-structured curriculum that ensures kids stay engaged and safe. Parents appreciate that these camps are staffed with trained educators and specialists who prioritize both fun and safety. The focus on learning and exploration is a huge bonus for parents seeking to optimize the learning environment.

4. Encourages Curiosity – One of the key reasons parents love science camps is the way they foster a sense of curiosity. Children who attend science camps come home excited to share what they've learned, and their newfound interest in topics like chemistry, biology, or physics often carries over into their everyday lives. Parents enjoy seeing their kids develop a passion for learning that extends beyond the camp experience.

5. Long-Term Benefits – Attending our Science Summer Camps indeed has its long-term advantages. Not only does Kids Science Labs help kids perform better in school subjects like math and science, but they also encourage them build confidence, design thinking, and growth mindset that will empower their furture regardless of whether they become a Nobel Laurette in Science or the next President of The United States. Parents see the potential of these camps to help their children succeed academically and professionally down the line.

Chicago’s science and STEM-focused summer camps at Kids Science Labs offer children an invaluable opportunity to dive into the world of discovery, exploration, and innovation. Our summer camps encourage kids to think critically, collaborate with others, and solve problems, and they also open doors to a wide array of career possibilities, not the least of which are careers in medicine and engineeering. With the support of parents like you, who recognize the long-term benefits, KSL will continue to inspire the next generation of innovators, thinkers, and problem-solvers.

So, whether your child is mixing orange juice and milk, exploring bugs in the backyard, or experimenting in our real world labs, science camps in Chicago at Kids Science Labs are a fantastic way to spark curiosity, develop important life skills, and foster a love of learning, forever!