Summer academic camps in Iowa keep young minds engaged while school’s out. From debate clubs to math challenges, creative writing workshops to language immersion, these programs make learning fun and rewarding. They help kids build confidence, sharpen skills, and discover new passions that last beyond summer. Explore the top-rated academic camps in Iowa below to find the right fit.

Camps

Dubuque, Iowa

Camp Invention at Marshall Elementary School

Spark New Ideas at the All-New 2026 Camp Invention at Marshall Elementary School, Iowa For over 35 years, the National Inventors Hall of Fame® has brought hands-on STEM experiences to K-6 students across the country through our flagship summer program,

Ottumwa, Iowa

Camp Invention at Wilson Elementary School

Spark New Ideas at the All-New 2026 Camp Invention at Wilson Elementary School, Iowa For over 35 years, the National Inventors Hall of Fame® has brought hands-on STEM experiences to K-6 students across the country through our flagship summer program,

West Point, Iowa

Camp Invention at Holy Trinity School

Spark Imagination at Camp Invention For over 35 years, the National Inventors Hall of Fame® has brought hands-on STEM experiences to K-6 students across the country through our flagship summer program, Camp Invention®. This weeklong camp sparks creativity and boosts

Atlantic, Iowa

Camp Invention at Washington Elementary

Spark New Ideas at the All-New 2026 Camp Invention at Washington Elementary School, Iowa For over 35 years, the National Inventors Hall of Fame® has brought hands-on STEM experiences to K-6 students across the country through our flagship summer program,

Des Moines, Iowa

Camp Invention at Edmunds Elementary School

Spark New Ideas at the All-New 2026 Camp Invention at Edmunds Elementary School, Iowa For over 35 years, the National Inventors Hall of Fame® has brought hands-on STEM experiences to K-6 students across the country through our flagship summer program,

Des Moines, Iowa

Camp Invention at Bergman Academy

Spark New Ideas at the All-New 2026 Camp Invention at Bergman Academy, Iowa For over 35 years, the National Inventors Hall of Fame® has brought hands-on STEM experiences to K-6 students across the country through our flagship summer program, Camp

Earlham, Iowa

Camp Invention at Earlham Elementary School

Spark New Ideas at the All-New 2026 Camp Invention at Earlham Elementary School, Iowa For over 35 years, the National Inventors Hall of Fame® has brought hands-on STEM experiences to K-6 students across the country through our flagship summer program,

Council Bluffs, Iowa

Camp Invention at Titan Hill Intermediate School

Spark New Ideas at the All-New 2026 Camp Invention at Titan Hills Intermediate School, Iowa For over 35 years, the National Inventors Hall of Fame® has brought hands-on STEM experiences to K-6 students across the country through our flagship summer

Waverly, Iowa

Camp Invention at Waverly-Shell Rock Middle School

Spark New Ideas at the All-New 2026 Camp Invention at Waverly-Shell Rock Middle School, Iowa For over 35 years, the National Inventors Hall of Fame® has brought hands-on STEM experiences to K-6 students across the country through our flagship summer

West Point, Iowa

Camp Invention at Holy Trinity School

Atlantic, Iowa

Camp Invention at Washington Elementary

Decorah, Iowa

Camp Invention at Decorah Middle School, Iowa

Spark New Ideas at the All-New 2026 Camp Invention at Camp Invention at Decorah Middle School, Iowa For over 35 years, the National Inventors Hall of Fame® has brought hands-on STEM experiences to K-6 students across the country through our

Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Camp Invention at All Saints School, Iowa

Spark New Ideas at the All-New 2026 Camp Invention at Camp Invention at All Saints School, Iowa For over 35 years, the National Inventors Hall of Fame® has brought hands-on STEM experiences to K-6 students across the country through our

Iowa City, Iowa

Iowa Lakeside Laboratory Summer Camps

The summer camps at Iowa Lakeside Laboratory cater to students from PreK (4-year-olds) up to 9th grade, focusing on outdoor exploration and scientific discovery. Children attending these camps gain hands-on experience in nature, encouraging their curiosity and understanding of the

West Des Moines, Iowa

Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences Programs

Des Moines University provides a comprehensive suite of programs to engage students from elementary school through college in the fields of medicine and health sciences. Starting with GEMS and BROS programs for fourth through seventh graders, the university offers interactive

Sheldon, Iowa

Northwest Iowa Community College Summer Camps

Northwest Iowa Community College presents summer camps focused on career awareness and skill development for youth in grades 5 through 12. These camps offer practical exposure in fields like paramedics, drone piloting, survival skills, and forensic investigation through hands-on activities.

Dubuque, Iowa

Clarke University Summer Camps

The Clarke University Summer Camps for 2025 present an extensive variety of programs tailored to different age ranges and interests. The Summer Literacy Camp helps young readers enhance their skills through interactive methods, welcoming all students entering grades 1 through

Des Moines, Iowa

Business Horizons 2025

The Business Horizons program is a summer camp focused on introducing high school students to the world of business. Held at Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa from July 13 to 17, 2025, this program provides an immersive experience into

Waterloo, Iowa

Allen College Summer Health Careers Camp

Allen College offers a dynamic Summer Health Careers Camp that is a free, one-week experience aimed at high school students interested in nursing and healthcare fields. It supports about 20 participants and offers a mix of interactive classroom sessions and

Ames, Iowa

NASA Astro Camp

NASA Astro Camp provides an out-of-this-world experience for students interested in space and science. Campers engage in hands-on activities related to space exploration, astronomy, and engineering, guided by NASA’s educational resources and experienced instructors. The camp aims to inspire the

Summer in Iowa offers more than just free time. With opportunities for kids to explore STEM, unleash their creativity in the arts, engage in academics, and participate in sports, there’s something for everyone. Whether it’s at local universities or community centers, families can discover the best summer camps across Iowa to ensure a season of growth and fun.