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Looking for STEM classes, programs, camps, or workshops for kids in Milwaukee?
From hands-on science museums to robotics teams and after-school engineering programs, Milwaukee has tons of opportunities for curious kids. This guide highlights the best STEM programs, classes, and camps to help your child explore science, technology, engineering, and math in fun, engaging ways.
Want to keep the learning going at home? Check out our guide on 100 Easy Science Experiments to Do at Home with Kids for fun, hands-on activities you can do together!
Quick Overview: Best STEM Programs in Milwaukee
Here are a few standout spots if you’re short on time:
- Best engineering programs: We Energies STEM Center at MSOE
- Best STEM Museum: Discovery World
- Best hands-on STEM programs: Club Sci Kidz
- Best science workshops: Mad Science of Milwaukee
- Best STEM store: American Science & Surplus
- Best coding & robotics options: Code Ninjas
- Best astronomy experiences: UWM Manfred Olson Planetarium
- Best nature-based STEM: Schlitz Audubon & Wehr Nature Center
STEM Classes & Workshops for Kids in Milwaukee
K-12 STEM at MSOE (We Energies STEM Center)
The We Energies STEM Center at MSOE offers a wide range of hands-on engineering and technology programs for kids and teens. Families can explore robotics, circuitry, computer science, engineering design, and more through workshops, camps, and special events.
Programs are designed for K–12 learners and focus on creative problem-solving, teamwork, and real-world applications of STEM.
Tip: MSOE frequently hosts free or low-cost community STEM events throughout the year.
American Science & Surplus
6901 W Oklahoma Ave, Milwaukee
American Science & Surplus is a favorite for families with curious kids. The store is packed with science kits, robotics parts, gadgets, lab supplies, and hands-on materials for at-home STEM exploration.
They also host occasional workshops, demos, and pop-up learning activities — many of which appear on our Events Calendar.
Great for:
- DIY science projects
- Homeschoolers
- Birthday gift inspiration
- Curious kids who love to tinker
Mad Science of Milwaukee
Mad Science offers fun, interactive science workshops, after-school programs, and summer camps throughout the Milwaukee area. Kids can explore chemistry, physics, engineering, robotics, and more through hands-on activities and high-energy demonstrations.
They also offer STEM-themed birthday parties and single-day workshops during school breaks.
Discovery World
500 N Harbor Dr, Milwaukee
Discovery World combines science, engineering, freshwater sciences, and technology into one big, interactive museum experience. Families can explore hands-on exhibits about robotics, electricity, ecosystems, and design.
Their programming often includes:
- STEM workshops
- Engineering labs
- Maker activities
- Seasonal events
- Girls & STEM Day in spring
This is one of the best spots for a full day of STEM-based learning.
Club SciKidz Milwaukee
Club SciKidz brings hands-on STEM learning to life through themed camps and workshops designed for elementary and middle schoolers. Kids can explore everything from robotics and engineering to veterinary science, space, chemistry, video game design, and more.
Each program blends science concepts with creative projects, giving kids plenty of time to build, test, experiment, and discover in a fun, low-pressure environment.
Families love Club SciKidz for:
- High-interest STEM themes (coding, space, robotics, biology)
- Hands-on projects kids actually bring home
- Clear age ranges so kids are grouped appropriately
- Summer camps offered at multiple Milwaukee-area locations
Robotics, Coding & Engineering Opportunities
Club SciKidz Milwaukee
Club SciKidz brings hands-on STEM learning to life through themed camps and workshops designed for elementary and middle schoolers. Kids can explore everything from robotics and engineering to veterinary science, space, chemistry, video game design, and more.
Each program blends science concepts with creative projects, giving kids plenty of time to build, test, experiment, and discover in a fun, low-pressure environment.
Families love Club SciKidz for:
Summer camps offered at multiple Milwaukee-area locations.
High-interest STEM themes (coding, space, robotics, biology)
Hands-on projects kids actually bring home
Clear age ranges so kids are grouped appropriately
Coding & Engineering Learning Centers
Availability varies by year, but Milwaukee families commonly use:
- Code Ninjas (coding for kids using games and robotics)
- Library programs (many host coding clubs and STEM workshops)
These centers run after-school programs, camps, and drop-in events.
Math Enrichment
Mathnasium (Multiple Locations)
Mathnasium provides personalized math instruction for elementary through high school students. Their approach focuses on helping kids master foundational concepts while building confidence and problem-solving skills.
Families use Mathnasium for:
- Homework support
- Skill-building
- Summer math programs
- Enrichment for advanced learners
Astronomy & Space Science Programs
Planetariums in the Milwaukee Area
Milwaukee is home to several planetariums that offer family-friendly star shows, astronomy programs, and seasonal sky experiences.
Top picks include:
- UWM Manfred Olson Planetarium — frequent public shows + outdoor stargazing events
- Retzer Nature Center Planetarium (Waukesha) — great for families with younger kids
Events and showtimes vary by season, so check each venue’s schedule before you go.
Environmental & Nature-Based STEM Programs
Nature Centers Around Milwaukee
Many local nature centers incorporate STEM learning into their programming — including ecosystems, biology, geology, conservation, and environmental science.
Family favorites:
- Schlitz Audubon Nature Center
- Wehr Nature Center
- Urban Ecology Center (multiple branches)
Programs often include:
- Nature science workshops
- STEM-based homeschool classes
- Outdoor exploration
- Citizen science activities
These spots help kids explore the natural world, ask questions, and understand how ecosystems work.
Annual STEM Events in Milwaukee
Milwaukee also hosts several annual STEM-focused events that give kids hands-on opportunities to explore science, technology, engineering, and math in a fun, community-driven way. These events are great additions to your family calendar each year.
STEM Expo at MSOE (Every Winter)
Hosted at the We Energies STEM Center at MSOE, this free expo invites kids to explore robotics, engineering challenges, 3D printing, drone demonstrations, circuit-building, and more.
It’s designed with families in mind and is one of the city’s favorite ways to spark STEM curiosity in one afternoon.
Sci-Fi Family Day at Discovery World (Every November)
This beloved annual event brings together science fiction, hands-on activities, and kid-friendly STEM demos. Families can meet real droids, try themed science experiments, and explore the museum’s engineering labs and tech exhibits with extra programming layered in for the day.
Girls & STEM at Discovery World (Every Spring)
This annual spring event introduces girls ages 8–14 to women STEM leaders and offers hands-on activities across robotics, freshwater science, engineering, and technology. It’s free with museum admission and an excellent way to encourage confidence and curiosity.
Astronomy Events at Local Planetariums (Seasonal)
Milwaukee’s planetariums—Charles Z. Horwitz in Waukesha, UWM Manfred Olson Planetarium, and Milwaukee Public Museum’s Dome Theater—host recurring STEM-rich events like star parties, constellation workshops, eclipse viewing celebrations, and themed show nights.
STEAM Days at Local Nature Centers (Seasonal)
Places like Wehr Nature Center and nearby Riveredge Nature Center offer STEM-based seasonal programs: maple sugaring science days, pond exploration labs, winter ecology workshops, and hands-on weather learning.
Keep the Learning Going at Home
If your child loves STEM, you might also enjoy:
- 100 Easy Science Experiments for Kids
- The Best Planetariums in Milwaukee
- Nature Centers Around Milwaukee
- Milwaukee Summer Camp Guide (for STEM camps)
Calie Herbst, Editor-in-Chief of Milwaukee With Kids, has spent over a decade combining her experiences as a parent of three to create a hub for Milwaukee’s family adventures.
Her decade-long teaching career in Milwaukee Public Schools and academic background, including a Master’s in Teaching from Marquette University and dual B.A.s in Sociology and Spanish from the University of Wisconsin – Madison, fuel her passion for inclusive and engaging family content.
Calie is also a recognized voice in local media, contributing to WISN Channel 12 News, WTMJ Wisconsin Morning News, Fox 6’s Real Milwaukee, and B93.3.
Discover more about Calie’s journey and editorial approach on her About Page and Editorial Policy Page.
