Summer Camps for 1st & 2nd Graders
Rising 1st and 2nd graders are natural explorers. They are done with “baby” toys and are ready to understand how the world works. At Discovery Place Kids-Huntersville, our 2026 summer camps for ages 6 to 8 are designed to feed that growing intellect.
Located in Huntersville, these full-day camps introduce “big kid” concepts like robotics, chemistry, and engineering through hands-on play. Whether your child is decoding the science behind their favorite movies or building a robot from scratch, they’ll be too busy having fun to realize how much they’re learning.
2026 Camp Lineup: Rising 1st & 2nd Grade
Science, creativity, and discovery for ages 6-8.
Rockin’ Robotics
- Theme: Technology & Engineering
- Dates: July 6 – 10
- The Experience: Get ready to groove! Your problem-solving wizard will learn how to construct, command, and control their very own robot creation. It’s the perfect introduction to coding and mechanics, unlocking the code to a summer full of bot-loads of fun.
Pint-Sized Paleontologists
- Theme: Dinosaurs & Paleontology
- Dates: June 15 – 19 | July 27 – 31
- The Experience: Dig into the mysteries of the past! Campers will uncover “dinosaur bones,” piece together fossils, and follow clues just like real-life paleontologists. It’s an adventure back in time designed for the dino-obsessed.
Cinematic Science
- Theme: Art, Creativity & Maker
- Dates: June 22 – 26 | August 10 – 14
- The Experience: Ever wanted to see movie magic come to life? Young scientists will explore the real science behind major motion pictures like Star Wars and Jurassic Park. Through experiments and creative builds, we find where imagination meets innovation.
Chef Academy
- Theme: Cooking & Food
- Dates: July 13 – 17 | August 3 – 7
- The Experience: Did you know cooking is just tasty science? It’s true! Campers spend a week as chefs-in-training, learning kitchen safety, measuring, and the chemical reactions that happen when we bake, mix, and sauté. Get your tastebuds ready!
Operation Destruction
- Theme: Technology & Engineering
- Dates: July 20 – 24
- The Experience: What goes up must come down—and what is built must be taken apart! Young engineers explore how things work by deconstructing gadgets to see their inner workings. Discover the basics of circuits and design in a week of tinkering, teamwork, and destruction fun.
Girls in STEAM
- Theme: Science
- Dates: June 29 – July 3
- The Experience: For the girls who love to ask “Why?” All theories and hypotheses are welcome in this week of wonder. Campers explore science myths, conduct experiments, and investigate the world in a supportive, collaborative environment.
Why Choose DPKH for Early Elementary?
Beyond the Classroom
At this age, sitting at a desk isn’t fun. Our camps use the entire museum as a learning lab, allowing campers to move, touch, and interact with exhibits as part of their daily lessons.
Critical Thinking
Camps like Operation Destruction and Rockin’ Robotics move beyond simple instructions. We challenge 1st and 2nd graders to troubleshoot problems (“Why isn’t my robot moving?”) to build resilience and critical thinking skills.
Safe & Convenient
Located conveniently in Huntersville with extended care options, we offer the peace of mind working parents need with the excitement kids crave.
Frequently Asked Questions (1st & 2nd Grade)
Q: My child is entering 3rd grade. Can they attend?
A: These camps are designed for rising 1st and 2nd graders (approx. ages 6-8). If your child is a rising 3rd grader, we recommend checking out the 3rd & 4th Grade Camps at our Discovery Place Science (Uptown) location for more advanced challenges.
Q: Do you offer swimming?
A: We do not have a pool, but many camps involve water play activities, especially during our outdoor breaks or science experiments!
Q: What should campers wear?
A: Comfortable clothes they can move in—and get messy in! Closed-toe shoes (sneakers) are required for safety in the labs and museum.
