Chicago Locations
Join us at one of our Chicago-area locations. Each day is packed with opportunities to explore big ideas through hands-on projects, outdoor play, and collaborative challenges. Since establishing our first camps in the area in 2016, we have also opened locations throughout the Chicagoland area including the North Shore, Northwest suburbs, and Western suburbs.
A Day at Camp Galileo
Camp Galileo’s acclaimed curriculum combines STEAM exploration and outdoor fun for kids in grades K–10.
Kinder - 1st
Our Nebula Campers work on 1-2 day, age-appropriate projects individually and in small groups to challenge their thinking and test their perseverance.
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Optional AM Care
Families that need an early start can drop campers off for convenient pre-camp care from 8 am to 9 am.
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Opening Ceremony
Each day kicks off with an all-camp energizing opening ceremony full of songs, skits, and cheers.
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Innovator's Studio
Campers build creative confidence by turning their ideas into individual, polished STEAM projects to take home every week.
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Snack Break
Campers take a nut-free snack break to refuel their brains and bodies.
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Idea Lab
Campers collaborate in small groups on daily design challenges, experiment with wild ideas and discover that sending their creations crashing down is all part of the fun—and learning!
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Lunch/Free Play
All-camp lunch and break. Campers eat lunch and play outside with friends.
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Outdoor Adventure
Campers play exciting outdoor games, take on team-building challenges with an innovative twist and engage in traditional camp fun.
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Closing Ceremony
We end the day together with a special all-camp gathering.
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Optional PM Care
Extended Care campers head to our exciting, inviting post-camp destination to keep the fun rolling from 3 pm–6 pm. Activities include outdoor time, lanyards and crafts.
2nd - 3rd
Our Star Campers work on 1-2 day, age-appropriate projects individually and in small groups to challenge their thinking and test their perseverance.
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Optional AM Care
Families that need an early start can drop campers off for convenient pre-camp care from 8 am to 9 am.
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Opening Ceremony
Each day kicks off with an all-camp energizing opening ceremony full of songs, skits, and cheers.
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Innovator's Studio
Campers build creative confidence by turning their ideas into individual, polished STEAM projects to take home every week.
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Snack Break
Campers take a nut-free snack break to refuel their brains and bodies.
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Idea Lab
Campers collaborate in small groups on daily design challenges, experiment with wild ideas and discover that sending their creations crashing down is all part of the fun—and learning!
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Lunch/Free Play
All-camp lunch and break. Campers eat lunch and play outside with friends.
-
Outdoor Adventure
Campers play exciting outdoor games, take on team-building challenges with an innovative twist and engage in traditional camp fun.
-
Closing Ceremony
We end the day together with a special all-camp gathering.
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Optional PM Care
Extended Care campers head to our exciting, inviting post-camp destination to keep the fun rolling from 3 pm–6 pm. Activities include outdoor time, lanyards and crafts.
4th - 5th
Supernova campers work to complete small group challenges and work on longer, individual projects that test their determination.
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Optional AM Care
Families that need an early start can drop campers off for convenient pre-camp care from 8 am to 9 am.
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Opening Ceremony
Each day kicks off with an all-camp energizing opening ceremony full of songs, skits, and cheers.
-
Innovator's Studio
Campers build creative confidence by turning their ideas into individual, polished STEAM projects to take home every week.
-
Snack Break
Campers take a nut-free snack break to refuel their brains and bodies.
-
Idea Lab
Campers collaborate in small groups on daily design challenges, experiment with wild ideas and discover that sending their creations crashing down is all part of the fun—and learning!
-
Lunch/Free Play
All-camp lunch and break. Campers eat lunch and play outside with friends.
-
Outdoor Adventure
Campers play exciting outdoor games, take on team-building challenges with an innovative twist and engage in traditional camp fun.
-
Closing Ceremony
We end the day together with a special all-camp gathering.
-
Optional PM Care
Extended Care campers head to our exciting, inviting post-camp destination to keep the fun rolling from 3 pm–6 pm. Activities include outdoor time, lanyards and crafts.
6th - 8th
Our Middle schoolers campers, Meteors, work on one epic individual project throughout the week. They collaborate with others to provide feedback and a helping hand.
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Optional AM Care
Families that need an early start can drop campers off for convenient pre-camp care from 8 am to 9 am.
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Opening Ceremony
Each day kicks off with an all-camp energizing opening ceremony full of songs, skits, and cheers.
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Individual Project Work
Campers focus on one amazing week-long project, building incredible new skills as they transform their grand vision into reality.
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Lunch/Free Play
Campers take a nut-free snack break to refuel their brains and bodies.
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More Project Time
Campers get back to work on their epic projects with help from inspiring instructors, sophisticated tools and like-minded peers.
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Closing Ceremony
We end the day together with a special all-camp gathering.
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Optional PM Care
Extended Care campers head to our exciting, inviting post-camp destination to keep the fun rolling from 3 pm–6 pm. Activities include outdoor time, lanyards and crafts.
Counselor in Training
CITs are leaders at camp. They engage in leadership development activities and own projects within a camp aspect of their choosing.
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Optional AM Care
Families that need an early start can drop campers off for convenient pre-camp care from 8 am to 9 am.
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Opening Ceremony
Each day kicks off with an all-camp energizing opening ceremony full of songs, skits, and cheers.
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Leadership Development / Team Building
Counselors in training shadow K–5th-grade campers, observe and support Galileo staffers in action, mentor younger kids and get personalized coaching from experienced instructors.
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Camp Mentorship
Counselors in training shadow K–5th-grade campers, observe and support Galileo staffers in action, mentor younger kids and get personalized coaching from experienced instructors.
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Lunch
CITs eat lunch together and spend time with friends.
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Camp Magic
CITs help make camp magic by devising Water Day stations, leading skits, planning flash mobs, crafting flair and more. They also tackle hands-on design challenges from engineering launchers and golf-courses, to putting on mini Olympics.
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Closing Ceremony
We end the day together with a special all-camp ceremony.
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Optional PM Care
Extended Care campers head to our exciting, inviting post-camp destination to keep the fun rolling from 3 pm–6 pm. Activities include outdoor time, lanyards and crafts.
Chicago Summer Camps
If you are searching for an engaging camp that will teach your children valuable skills , Camp Galileo is the ideal choice.
Our summer camps in Chicago allow your children to grow and develop in many ways a multitude of ways. In addition to plenty of traditional camp fun, like songs, games and lanyard making, our camps are centered around imagination-sparking, hands-on STEAM projects. Past projects have included building robots, engineering roller coasters and painting stained glass “windows”. Not only are these activities incredibly fun, they teach essential life skills, such as collaboration, communication and perseverance. It’s a truly enriching experience that brings together science, design and creativity in a playful and meaningful way. Designed to help campers develop as agents of change and to engage them in non-screen activities, our programs provide each child with the opportunity to design, collaborate and iterate on their projects. Campers dive into rich, open-ended activities that integrate design, engineering and arts, all tailored to ignite their imaginations. Every week, we offer fresh themes and new ways to create, tinker and discover.
With flexible dates and convenient locations across the city, our amazing Chicago summer camp has everything your little camper needs for an amazing summer experience, one that fits their family’s schedule and sparks their curiosity. Whether your child is just starting school or looking to stretch their STEAM skills, each session is carefully designed to be age-appropriate and deeply engaging.
Our hands-on programs offer convenient hours and meaningful experiences for every child. Families in Chicago, IL, often use our nationwide locations while traveling or visiting loved ones, making it easy to stay connected to Galileo’s approach wherever you go. Be sure to check available dates and register while spots are still open!
Summer Camp Activities For Everyone
Camp Galileo offers a wide array of activities that engage children’s minds and foster a sense of community. Through STEAM exploration and design projects, campers have the opportunity to explore their passions, think creatively, and bring their ideas to life in a supportive and safe environment.
Outdoor play and hands-on collaboration are crucial aspects of our curriculum. Campers enjoy time playing outdoor games and participating in team challenges. Whether kids are participating in water play,all-camp games, or STEAM projects, we make sure every day at Camp Galileo is extraordinary.
Experience Camp Galileo in Chicago
The benefits of Camp Galileo’s summer programs are endless. Not only do campers gain invaluable knowledge, creativity, and social skills, but parents have peace of mind, knowing their children are having fun while learning. Our summer camps provide an excellent opportunity for campers to try new things, make lifelong friendships and experience a summer they’ll remember for a lifetime. Whether your child is a future scientist, artist, athlete or designer, our Chicago summer camps will allow them to explore their interests in numerous ways, celebrate marvelous mistakes, and work collaboratively with their peers.
Looking for a camp in a different area?
Explore our camps across the country.
Chicago FAQs
Questions and answers about our camp locations and other basic camp info.
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Which camp location is closest to me?We have camps throughout the United States, with locations in California, Washington, Colorado, & Illinois. Our partnerships with local schools ensure we can provide convenient facilities for campers throughout multiple Bay Area cities. Use our Camp Finder to explore and find the summer camp near you.
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What if my preferred location is listed as TBD?If a location is listed as TBD, it means we are confident that we will have a camp in that community, but are still confirming the specific location. As soon as we have finalized our site plans, our website will be updated and parents on our newsletter list will be informed!
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What ages can go to our summer camp?Camp Galileo is available for rising kindergarteners through rising 8th graders. At select locations, we also offer a Counselor in Training (CIT) program for rising 8th-10th graders, with 8th graders having the option to choose between Camp Galileo and the CIT program where available. We follow local school age guidelines, starting with campers entering kindergarten in the fall of the upcoming school year. Our youth summer camp programs provide tailored experiences for different age groups. Please note that we are unable to accept TK or Pre-K students.
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What are the hours of camp?During a typical camp week, camps run from 9am-3pm Monday through Friday. We offer optional extended care hours from 8am - 9am and from 3pm - 6pm. We are closed on Juneteenth (June 19th) and Independence Day (July 4th). Some camps may not run the week of the 4th of July. Please check your location’s page for details.
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How much does camp cost?Camp Galileo pricing varies by location and program. Please note that for our youngest campers, the Nebulas (rising kindergarteners and 1st graders), we provide a higher staff-to-camper ratio. As a result, their session price includes an additional $20/week, which is reflected in the listed price. For our Meteors (rising 6th–8th graders), there is a $100 materials fee for the Go-Kart project weeks. To find the specific price for the camp you're interested in, please use our Camp Finder to select your preferred location and view detailed pricing information. We also make adjustments to the price of a session for the weeks of Juneteenth and 4th of July since we only offer 4-day sessions on those weeks.
