STEM and Coding Classes for Kids in the Triangle
Living in the Triangle means your kids are growing up next to one of the biggest tech hubs in the country. It also means there is no shortage of STEM and coding programs to choose from. Here is how to find the right one.
Coding and Computer Science
Code Ninjas (Multiple Locations)
Code Ninjas has locations in Cary, Apex, Morrisville, and Raleigh. Kids learn coding through game development, progressing through a belt system (like martial arts). Monthly memberships run about $200-250 for unlimited visits, or per-session pricing around $30-40. They use Scratch for younger kids and JavaScript/C# for older students. Drop-in format means flexible scheduling. Ages 7-14.iD Tech Camps (Triangle Area)
iD Tech runs summer camps at universities including Duke and NC State. Week-long camps cover coding, game design, robotics, and AI. Pricing is premium at $600-1,000+ per week. The instruction quality is high and the university setting is inspiring. Ages 7-17.Coding with Kids (Raleigh-Durham)
Coding with Kids offers after-school programs at Triangle schools plus weekend and summer classes. They teach Scratch, Python, web development, and Minecraft modding. Semester programs run about $250-400 for 10-12 weeks. Ages 5-14.Black Rocket (Online + Triangle locations)
Black Rocket offers game design, coding, and YouTube video production courses for kids. They run both in-person and online programs. Summer camps are about $200-300 per week. Ages 8-14.Robotics Programs
FIRST LEGO League
FIRST LEGO League (FLL) teams are active at schools and community organizations throughout the Triangle. Kids build and program LEGO robots while learning teamwork and engineering principles. Team fees vary ($100-300 per season) and competition is from September through January. Ages 9-14 for FLL, ages 6-10 for FLL Explore.Bricks 4 Kidz (Multiple Locations)
Bricks 4 Kidz offers LEGO-based engineering and robotics classes for younger children. Classes run about $15-25 per session. They also do camps and birthday parties. Ages 3-12. Great for the pre-robotics age group.Engineering For Kids (Triangle)
Engineering For Kids offers STEM classes and camps covering robotics, coding, and engineering challenges. Classes run about $20-30 per session. Summer camps are $200-300 per week. Ages 4-14.Science Programs
Morehead Planetarium (Chapel Hill)
Morehead Planetarium at UNC runs youth science programs and camps. Their science camps are excellent and benefit from university resources. Camp pricing is about $200-350 per week. Ages 5-14.Museum of Life and Science (Durham)
The Museum of Life and Science in Durham offers after-school programs, weekend workshops, and summer camps focused on hands-on science. Camps run $200-350 per week. Member discounts available. Ages 4-14.Mad Science (Triangle-wide)
Mad Science runs after-school programs at many Triangle schools and offers camps during breaks. The demonstrations are engaging and hands-on. Per-session pricing through schools is about $10-15. Camps run $150-250 per week. Ages 5-12.Engineering and Maker Programs
Marbles Kids Museum STEM Programs
Marbles in downtown Raleigh runs STEM-focused programs and maker workshops. Check their calendar for specific offerings. Many are included with museum admission.Local Makerspaces
Splat Space in Durham and the NC State Libraries Makerspace (open to the public in some programs) offer maker workshops where kids can learn 3D printing, electronics, and fabrication.Programs by Age
Ages 4-6
Ages 7-10
Ages 11-14
Ages 14+
How to Choose
For young kids (4-7) new to STEM: Bricks 4 Kidz or Mad Science for the low-pressure, play-based introduction.
For kids interested in coding (7-12): Code Ninjas for the flexible scheduling and game-based learning, or Coding with Kids for the structured curriculum.
For robotics enthusiasts: FIRST LEGO League for the team experience and competition aspect.
For summer immersion: iD Tech for the premium experience, or Museum of Life and Science camps for science-focused exploration.
For budget options: School-based after-school programs through Mad Science or Coding with Kids, and free library STEM programs through Wake County Libraries.
The Triangle's proximity to RTP, three major universities, and a thriving tech sector means STEM education options are abundant and high-quality. Start with something fun and hands-on, and let your child's interests guide the path.
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