Fantastically fun learning opportunities for all ages
Museum summer camps are the perfect place for your child to discover something new or continue exploring their passion for science and nature. From new, unique options to familiar favorites, our 2026 experiences promise an unforgettable summer for every camper.
Members gain early access to summer camp registration starting Tuesday, January 13, 2026. General registration will open Friday, January 16. To learn more about becoming a member, visit our membership page.
Scholarships
Scholarships are available to any individuals attending schools in the Cleveland Metropolitan School District, the Cleveland Heights-University Heights School District, and the East Cleveland District, but applications must still be submitted. For those outside of these districts, camp scholarship eligibility is tied to financial need, as outlined in the form. Contact summercamps@cmnh.org with any specific questions or concerns. The scholarship submission deadline is March 16, 2026. Awardees will be notified by April 6.
Summer Camp scholarship application
Please note that all scholarship applications must also be accompanied by an academic review provided by an individual such as a teacher, guidance counselor, or principal that has an academic understanding of your camper. This review can be completed by forwarding this link to the appropriate individual:
2026 Summer Experiences
CIRCLE SAMPLER CAMP
Campers will spend an exciting week exploring the scientific, artistic, musical, and cultural institutions around University Circle and beyond. Featured institutions include the Cleveland Museum of Natural History, Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland History Center, Cleveland Botanical Garden, Cleveland Play House, the Nature Center at Shaker Lakes, Lake View Cemetery, and the Baseball Heritage Museum! Our University Circle partners will share their exclusive resources to enrich your child’s understanding of the world. Drop-off and pickup take place at the Cleveland Museum of Natural History.
Audience: Rising 1st–2nd graders
Daily Schedule: 9am–4pm
Sessions: June 8–12; July 20–24
Price: Members - $400; Nonmembers - $445
Collecting curiosities
Each day of this five-day camp will focus on a different theme related to the Museum’s collections, exhibits, and research. Gallery explorations, small informal lessons, and explorations of outdoor Museum spaces will provide context for the crafts campers complete each day in order to create a “collection” of their own. A significant part of each day will be devoted to creating or receiving a model, craft, and/or specimen that will allow campers to express their creativity and bring home their excitement about science.
Audience: Rising 2nd–3rd graders
Daily Schedule: 9am–4pm
Sessions: July 13–17
Price: Members - $400; Nonmembers - $445
Naturally Skilled
Think like a naturalist! Each day of this five-day camp will be themed around the skills and tools of naturalists and field scientists. Through explorations of natural spaces, galleries, and our classrooms, campers will develop a basic understanding of how scientists communicate, collect data, and draw conclusions. At the end of the week, campers will take home a “naturalist toolkit” that will allow them to continue developing their skills.
Audience: Rising 3rd–4th graders
Daily Schedule: 9am–4pm
Sessions: July 27–31
Price: Members - $400; Nonmembers - $445
Make Your Own Museum 1
During this five-day experience, campers will meet with the Museum’s Exhibits team, get up close to real Museum displays and artifacts, and even design and create museum displays of their own—keepsakes from a summer that promises to be unforgettable. Hands-on activities, such as creating a cast and mold of a real specimen, will push campers to use their academic and artistic talents to bring items from the Museum’s collection to life. In a culminating activity, families will be invited on a celebratory “field trip” to visit the many mini-museums crafted over the week, giving kids the opportunity to act as expert guides! Campers will also have the chance to return to the Museum in the fall to present their creations to our guests.
Audience: Rising 5th–6th graders
Daily Schedule: 9am–4pm
Sessions: June 22–26
Price: Members - $400; Nonmembers - $445
Make Your Own Museum 2
This session of Make Your Own Museum (MYOM) approaches storytelling and the creative design process from a developmentally higher level. MYOM 2 is a perfect opportunity for older campers who do not need as much support and practice to gain hands-on skills; for MYOM 1 alums who are ready to dive deeper into their model exhibits; and for extra-passionate campers who would like to repeat this experience through their middle-school years. Campers will have the chance to return to the Museum in the fall to present their creations to our guests.
Audience: Rising 6th–8th graders
Daily Schedule: 9am–4pm
Sessions: July 6–10
Price: Members - $400; Nonmembers - $445
