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From Tiny Thinkers to Spy Campers: Why Camps & Classes at the Discovery Center Matter

Whether your child is striking a yoga pose above the clouds or decoding a top-secret message in Spy Academy, the camps and classes at the Magic City Discovery Center are more than just fun—they’re opportunities for real learning, lasting memories, and life-changing discovery.


We’re proud to offer dynamic, hands-on programming that sparks curiosity, builds confidence, and supports the development of both brains and bodies. But how exactly do camps and classes benefit kids? And why does signing up support the Discovery Center, too? Let’s dig in.

The Power of Play-Based Learning

Our camps and classes are grounded in research-backed, experiential education. That’s a fancy way of saying we learn best by doing—especially when we’re young!


According to the Center on the Developing Child at Harvard, children’s brains are shaped through active exploration and rich interactions with people, objects, and ideas. That’s exactly what our programs are designed to do.


So what’s on the schedule for this summer?

  • Yoga Above the Magic – A peaceful, mindful class that builds balance, flexibility, and emotional awareness with a view from our Rooftop

  • Spy Academy – Campers become secret agents, solving puzzles, cracking codes, and using STEAM skills to complete missions

  • Genes in Action – Older explorers can dive into DNA with hands-on experiments, learning how genes make us who we are

  • Inside Out Summer Camp – Inspired by the Pixar film, kids explore the science of emotions through creative STEAM activities

  • Tiny Thinkers – A weekly class in June and July for our youngest learners (ages 2–5) to explore science, movement, and creativity through guided play

Each program supports critical thinking, collaboration, and creativity—all wrapped in laughter and discovery.

Long-Term Benefits of Summer Fun

When kids participate in structured summer and after-school learning experiences, the benefits go beyond the classroom:

  • Improved Academic Outcomes – According to a RAND study, high-quality summer programs help reduce learning loss and improve reading and math skills

  • Stronger Social-Emotional Skills – Camps help children develop self-confidence, empathy, and independence by trying new things and meeting new friends

  • Increased Interest in STEAM Fields – By providing early, positive exposure to science and engineering, programs like Genes in Action can spark lifelong interest in STEAM careers.

And let’s not forget: they’re FUN. Fun fuels learning—and creates positive associations that help knowledge stick.

Why It Matters to the Museum

When you register your child for a camp or class, you’re not only giving them a joyful experience—you’re also supporting the Magic City Discovery Center’s mission to inspire creativity, curiosity, and lifelong learning.


Program fees help us:

  • Maintain and improve hands-on exhibits

  • Offer inclusive programming like Sensory Nights

  • Provide lower-cost admission for families in need

  • Train staff and educators to deliver top-quality educational experiences

You’re helping us grow into a stronger, more accessible community resource for all.

We Want to Hear From You!

Have you attended a Discovery Center camp or class recently? Thinking about signing up? We’d love your feedback!


Click here to take our quick survey and help us make our programs even better for your family and others.

How to Join the Fun

Registration for all our summer programs is open now, and spots fill up fast! Visit our website to sign up, or stop by the front desk during your next visit to learn more. Let’s discover, create, explore, and play this summer!




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