STEM Events and Science Fairs for Kids in the Triangle
Living in the Research Triangle means we're surrounded by world-class universities, tech companies, and research institutions — and many of them open their doors to kids. From science festivals and coding workshops to robotics competitions and maker spaces, here's where to fuel your child's curiosity for science, technology, engineering, and math.
Major STEM Events
NC Science Festival (Statewide, Triangle-focused)
The NC Science Festival happens annually (usually in April) with events across the state, but the Triangle is the epicenter. Expect:
Tip: Check the official NC Science Festival calendar for Triangle events. Many are free and family-friendly.
Science Saturdays at NC Museum of Natural Sciences
The NC Museum of Natural Sciences hosts Science Saturdays with themed hands-on activities throughout the year.
Duke Science and Engineering Expo
Duke University periodically hosts public science expos where researchers demonstrate their work in kid-friendly ways. Watch Duke's events calendar.
UNC Science Expo
Similarly, UNC Chapel Hill hosts a biennial Science Expo with hundreds of interactive demonstrations, lab tours, and hands-on activities.
Coding and Technology
Code Ninjas (Multiple locations)
Code Ninjas has locations in Cary, Apex, and other Triangle communities. Kids learn to code through game-building and creative projects.
Library Coding Programs
Many Triangle libraries offer free coding programs for kids:
iD Tech Camps
iD Tech runs summer camps at Duke and NC State where kids can learn coding, game design, robotics, and AI.
Robotics and Engineering
FIRST Robotics
The Triangle has a robust FIRST Robotics community with teams at multiple levels:
How to get involved: Check firstinspires.org for Triangle-area teams. Many are looking for new members. School-based teams and community teams are available.
Science Olympiad
Science Olympiad teams compete in events ranging from building bridges to identifying fossils. Most middle and high schools in the Triangle have teams.
Maker Spaces
Maker Space at NC State Hunt Library
The Hunt Library at NC State has maker spaces with 3D printers, laser cutters, and other fabrication tools. While primarily for students, they sometimes host community events.
The Scrap Exchange (Durham)
The Scrap Exchange runs STEM-adjacent creative workshops using recycled materials. Kids learn engineering principles through building, tinkering, and problem-solving.
Library Maker Spaces
Several Triangle libraries have maker spaces or maker carts with:
Wake County's South Regional and North Regional libraries have some of the best maker programming.
Science Fairs
Regional and School Science Fairs
Most Triangle elementary, middle, and high schools participate in science fairs. The regional competition feeds into the NC State Science and Engineering Fair and ultimately the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF).
Tips for science fair success:
NC Student Academy of Science
The NC Student Academy of Science sponsors competitions and events for students interested in research science.
Year-Round STEM Resources
Getting Started
If your kid is curious about STEM, the lowest-barrier entry points are:
1. Visit the NC Museum of Natural Sciences (free) 2. Attend a library coding or maker event (free) 3. Look into FIRST LEGO League through their school or a community team 4. Try a free trial at Code Ninjas or a similar coding program
The Triangle is arguably the best place in the Southeast to raise science-minded kids. The resources are extraordinary and many of them are completely free.
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