Spend the summer with SMO!
Early Explorers (pre-K and kindergarten), Explorers (grades 1-3) and Innovators (grades 4-6) can spend up to nine weeks with the educators at Science Museum Oklahoma exploring the awesome power of science!
We know the decision to send your child to a summer camp this year may not be an easy one — at SMO, we're committed to providing engaging, enriching experiences in a safe environment. We're dedicating substantial resources to making summer camp at SMO safe for your children and for our museum educators.
Hours and Rates: Camps for Early Explorers (Pre-K and Kindergarten) are from 9 a.m. to noon and are $100 per camper, per week for members and $125 for nonmembers. Camps for Explorers (Grades 1-3) and Innovators (Grades 4-6) are from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and are $225 per camper, per week for members and $250 for nonmembers.
What to Bring: Early Explorers are required to bring a snack for each day of camp. Explorers and Innovators are required to bring a lunch and a snack for each day of camp. In light of COVID-19, we ask that food items be in packaging your child can easily open without assistance so that camp staff don't need to touch your child's food.
Available Space and Registration: Camps are limited to 10 children for Early Explorers (pre-K and kindergarten) and 15 children for Explorers and Innovators (grades 1-6). Camps are marked "Limited Space Available" when less than five spaces remain and as "Sold Out" when full. If your preferred camp is sold out, please contact Guest Relations at (405) 602-3760 to be placed on our waiting list.
Registration closes the Monday before each camp or when full. Camp registration is updated frequently, however if you are concerned your preferred camp may sell out, please contact Guest Relations at (405) 602-3760 for the most up to date availability.
Summer Camps and COVID-19
Classroom Spaces
Explorers and Innovators
We completed the construction of two brand new secure classroom spaces just before we temporarily closed - these new spaces allow each of our campers to have their very own table with ample room for social distancing!
Early Explorers
Our youngest campers will use our large camp room in a secure office area. We've also reduced class sizes for Early Explorer camps in order to give everyone a little extra space.
Changes to Camp Experiences
If your child has been to a SMO camp, you'll notice some changes - some noticeable, some less noticeable:
- We'll spend more time in our individual camp groups and less time in multiple camp groups.
- Individual supplies will replace shared supplies.
- More time will be spent in the SMO Gardens and outdoor areas as activities and weather allows.
Health, Safety & Masks
We know that these health & safety measures change the initial perception of the summer camp experience, but our priority will always be your camper’s well-being, your health, the health of your family, and the health of the SMO team.
- Masks: We ask that your camper wear a cloth or paper mask, and bring an additional mask each day. Your camper’s teacher will be wearing a cloth mask and/ or face shield during the camp day depending upon the activity and proximity to campers.
- Temperatures: When you arrive at drop-off each morning, our safety and security team will check the temperature of each camper using a noninvasive forehead thermometer. If a camper registers a temperature above 100.4 degrees they will not be allowed into the museum. We ask that each camper’s family monitors temperature and well-being of the camper the week before camp. All SMO staff will also go through this process each morning.
- Screening Questions: Please be prepared to answer a few questions each week prior to camp starting, such as ‘Has your camper been experiencing any changes to their well-being consistent with COVID-19 symptoms?’ and ‘Within the last 14 days has anyone in your household experienced symptoms consistent with COVID-19?’
- Positive Tests: If a camper or a SMO team member working with campers tests positive for COVID-19, you will be notified, and camps will be suspended for two weeks.
WEEK 1: JUNE 1-5
Early Explorers (Pre-K and Kindergarten)
I Have the Power - Limited Space Available
Even though you are little, you have very special powers and lots of energy! Let’s explore some of the special powers and energies that the world can provide! We’ll make super squishy circuits, tinker with wind-powered cars, and have a special story time reading of “Go Easy on Energy” by Lisa Bullard. Register Now
Explorers (Grades 1-3)
Super Science!!! - Registration Cosed, Sold Out
Three exclamation points? Yes, it’s that super!!! We all know and love science, but do you ever stop and wonder, “What is science?” or “What if…?” We’ve packed this week full of fantastic things from physical science to chemistry to biology. We’ll gain new understandings to impress our family and friends and astound each other through the power of science.
Innovators (Grades 4-6)
SMO XP - Limited Space Available
Humans have a long history with games — in fact board games were played before we had any written records about them. Games continue to be played in all sorts of ways from video games to card games and live action role play. Join in as we play to detect the science in gaming and game creation. Gaming can be an exciting challenge, but to get started you must know the rules. Register Now
Week 2: June 8-12
Early Explorers (Pre-K and Kindergarten)
Far, Far Away
We're going to a galaxy far, far away to begin your out of this world science training! Join forces with the greatest heroes of the universe as we explore the ways of the resistance. The force is strong with these younglings and we’ll put a bounty out on a great time! Register Now
Explorers (Grades 1-3)
Botanic Mechanics
Summer is here and we’re excited to celebrate the great outdoors! Explore the science of our amazing earth with help from our horticulture experts. Create a gnome home and experience all the outdoors has to offer each of your senses. We’ll cultivate some amazing knowledge of what you can discover in your own backyard. Register Now
Innovators (Grades 4-6)
Science Superheroes
Being a scientist is pretty super. When you make a world-altering discovery, you could go down in history as a superhero. Katherine Johnson, James Watson, and Janaki Ammal are just a few the greatest scientists of all time. From math and chemistry to biology and botany, we’ll venture into the minds and experiments of famous scientists and their explorations that made history. Register Now
Week 3: June 15-19
Early Explorers (Pre-K and Kindergarten)
Everybody Has a Body - Limited Space Available
Explore your five senses in new and exciting ways! From our heads, shoulders, knees, and toes, we’re examining the body – where are your bones and what are they made of? Can you draw in the dark? How long are your guts? Get your human body to camp where we have answers to all these questions and more! Register Now
Explorers (Grades 1-3)
Get Gaming - Registration Closed, Sold Out
Science is not a game! Except when it is and when it’s about games. Are you bored with all your board games? Should it light up? Should it buzz? Create your own board game, try your hand at giant chess, checkers, and seek & destroy, and learn what it takes to design your perfect game.
Innovators (Grades 4-6)
Rover Programming and Robotics - Limited Space Available
How big are your dreams? Have you ever dreamt of building a rover equipped to wander a Martian world? Now’s your chance! Examine and experiment with the mechanics of programming and explore the landscapes of Mars in a special Kirkpatrick Planetarium show created just for you. Register Now
Week 4: June 22-26
Early Explorers (Pre-K and Kindergarten)
Ah! It’s a Monster!
Oogie boogies and creepy crawlies! Let’s discover together what’s not really all that scary once we know what it is through the power of science. Worms are our friends and bees help save the Earth, buffalo are big and hairy but used to roam right here in Oklahoma! Let’s solve the mysteries of all these beasts and more. (Except geese. Geese are still scary.) Register Now
Explorers (Grades 1-3)
Galaxy Alliance - Registration Closed, Sold Out
A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away…This week at SMO discover the science of one of the most epic adventures in space and time. You won’t just use the force, you’ll use the forces! Investigate the light-side and travel through the dark side. Call on your inner-master to examine unusual crystals, make a laser sword, and even go for a ride on a hovercraft!
Innovators (Grades 4-6)
Gardens Secrets, Solved! - Limited Space Available
Unearth the mysteries behind what exactly happens in the SMO gardens and become a SMO Gardens sleuth. Discover the secrets behind plants that can hurt and plants that can heal. Compete in an irrigation challenge and build you own miniature garden to take home. Together we’ll with solve a secret botanical mystery! Register Now
Week 5: June 29 - July 3
Early Explorers (Pre-K and Kindergarten)
How Does Your Garden Grow?
Attention all quite contrary campers! This week will be full of natural science and the great outdoors. Collect and explore the tiniest details of a leaf’s fingerprint. What geological wonder is in that rock you found? Dissect seeds and hunt for bugs. To the gardens we go! Register Now
Explorers (Grades 1-3)
Escape Room
Break out of your normal routine with our most puzzling camp! Live action, team-based games and creation. Explore the science of puzzles and logic while creating your own escape experience. Register Now
Innovators (Grades 4-6)
The Art of Science - Limited Space Available
Art and science go hand in hand! In this extra colorful camp, we’ll explore how to make your own paint, create scientific masterpieces in Petri dishes, and delve into the study of light, sound, and video. This camp is where art, science, creation, and discovery meet! Register Now
Week 6: July 6-10
Early Explorers (Pre-K and Kindergarten)
To the Moon and Back - Limited Space Available
How much do you love outer space? To the Moon and back?! Let’s try our hands at making astronaut food, soar into the solar system, propel rockets to the sky and visit the Kirkpatrick Planetarium for a special show as we meet the friendly night sky! Register Now
Explorers (Grades 1-3)
The Forensic Detectives - Limited Space Available
Experience hands-on forensic science activities in this suspense- filled camp. Collect and analyze evidence like fingerprinting, plaster casting, blood typing, and more. By working as a team, can you solve a crime? Register Now
Innovators (Grades 4-6)
Beginning with the Brain
The brain is the most complex organ in the human body and that’s where it all begins. Together we’ll explore how the brain interacts with the nervous, respiratory, digestive, and even skeletal systems. Test your own reflexes to better understand how information is transmitted. Begin with the brain and who knows where we’ll end up. Register Now
Week 7: July 13-17
Early Explorers (Pre-K and Kindergarten)
Uh Oh! - Limited Space Available
Who’s ready to get messy?! Our camp teachers love a good clean mess! Get hands on with some ooey ooblek, inspire your inner-artist by mixing colors of paint, become a chemical engineer with all the slime recipes we can find, and even get up close and personal with an icky animal or two! Register Now
Explorers (Grades 1-3)
Don’t Try this at Home: Chemistry Edition - Limited Space Available
Join us as we explore the things that helped to invent the phrase “don’t try this at home.” Become an expert in the rules of lab safety and work together to perform mad scientist demos under supervision of our trained staff. We’re always told to be careful, but the most important time to be careful is while doing dangerous things. Register Now
Innovators (Grades 4-6)
Rebel Academy - Registration Closed, Sold Out
Calling all rebels! Rise up and make your voices heard in the fight for The Resistance. Join the SMO’s alliance this week and take up the good cause…or not! Will you choose the dark side and use chemistry for evil? You’ll decide your allegiance when building your own laser sword, completing dueling training, exploring how fast a starship is and beyond! Register Now
Week 8: July 20-24
Early Explorers (Pre-K and Kindergarten)
Freaky Frizzle
Seat belts everyone! Join us for a magic adventure! How does popcorn pop? Can you see sound? What’s the best way to build a parachute? Let’s find out all these super science questions together with The Frizz and even visit with a real Lizzy the lizard! Just to make your week complete, you might get baked into a pie! Register Now
Explorers (Grades 1-3)
The Weird and Wild - Limited Space Available
Finally - it’s time for the gross stuff! This week is all about the “Ewwww!” We’ll have a weird food taste test, make edible snot, and examine spiders and worms. What would we look like if we had no bones? How come that sandwich has green polka dots? How far can we toss this snowflake bologna?! It’s gross, it’s science, and it’s awfully awesome! Register Now
Innovators (Grades 4-6)
D.I.Y. Not?! - Registration Closed, Sold Out
“D-I-Y” is where it’s at! Possibilities surround us. With a little ingenuity, a lot of innovation, a bit of technology, and a dash of whatever is laying around, we can build about anything. Robots, motorized vehicles, programmable whatchamacallits, and the hottest wearable fashions made from the unlikeliest of materials. Check out a 3D printer, use power tools, and get a little messy! Real tools. Real explorations. Real fun. Register Now
Week 9: July 27-31
Early Explorers (Pre-K and Kindergarten)
Wizarding Science Prep School - Limited Space Available
Our wizarding school is ready to welcome our smallest but mightiest wizards to begin their official training. Visit with exciting beasts and hear story time tales of charmed adventures. With our best professors, we’ll explore potions and spells to seek the science of this magical realm. Register Now
Explorers (Grades 1-3)
Fantastic Science of Magic - Registration Closed, Sold Out
Have your wands at the ready – SMO’s Wizard Academy 1.0 is ready for some incoming students! Cease to be simply human and find your wizarding potential. Study the chemistry of potions, test programming skills in charms, where to find fantastic beasts, and much more as you compete for the cup! Register Now
Innovators (Grades 4-6)
Wizarding World of Science - Registration Closed, Sold Out
Term begins on July 29th for Wizard Academy 2.0! Get sorted into your house, become an expert at Wizard Sportsball, and discover how magic is just science in disguise is! From wand-making to a wizard’s favorite beverage, we’ll find the STEAM in the world of magic. Dive into the physics of this magical realm, the chemistry of potions, and much more. Register Now
For more information, please email reservations@sciencemuseumok.org or call Guest Relations at (405) 602-3760.
Parents/Guardians: Download a SMO Camper Information Packet to complete before your child's first day of camp.
Camper Information Packet - Early Explorers (Pre-K and Kindergarten)
Camper Information Packet - Explorers and Innovators (Grades 1-6)