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Lab is still accepting applications to select grades for 2026–2027.

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Adventure Kids Water Fun
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Adventure Kids Field Trip
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Adventure Kids Group
The image consists of the word %22SUMMER LAB%22 written in large bold letters.

Learning is a Year-Round Experience

Summer Lab is Chicago's premier summer day camp with over 75 years of experience in summer programming.

Enrollment is open to all students entering Nursery 3–Grade 8, regardless of your association with the University of Chicago. Scroll down for dates, deadline, and important information. 

At Lab, learning happens year-round and takes on many exciting forms—including Summer Lab! Summer Lab builds on over 75 years of summer programming, combining the resources and faculty of the University of Chicago Laboratory Schools with exciting programs offered by experts from across the city. All of this takes place in and around an unparalleled university setting that enriches your child’s summer fun in incomparable ways.

In an environment where every child’s individuality is celebrated, Summer Lab students explore their interests, make new friends, develop skills, create art, explore the outdoors, perform, and have endless opportunities to connect, play, and grow. The programs are fun, and like everything at Lab, they are designed to inspire curiosity, creativity, and confidence in each child.

New for 2026

Complimentary bus transportation to and from Summer Lab in the following areas: West Loop/South Loop, Lincoln Square/Lakeview, Roscoe Village/Wicker Park/Bucktown/Ukranian Village, Lincoln Park and Gold Coast, Beverly/Evergreen park. 

Complimentary lunch is now included for all campers enrolled in continuous programming before and after lunchtime. This includes those participating in our full-day sessions (i.e. Nursery, Kindergarten, Lab Adventurers & Lab Explorers), as well as campers registered for both a late morning class and an afternoon class. Please note, lunch will no longer be available for purchase.

At Summer Lab, the love of learning never goes on vacation.
Join in the fun!

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Be the First to Know

Join the Summer Lab mail list and be the first to know when our full program catalog is available online. With over 100 programs to choose from for children entering Nursery 3 through Grade 8 in the fall of 2026, students will have the opportunity to try new things, develop confidence, make lifelong friends, go on exciting adventures, and explore their curiosity in ways only Summer Lab can provide.

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Summer Lab

A Different Kind of Summer

Summer Lab is guided by the University of Chicago Laboratory Schools’ mission, and enrollment is open to all students. Our distinguished Summer Lab instructors keep their material fresh, relevant, and engaging for their students. Their ability to do so is one of the key elements—among many—that sets Summer Lab apart. 

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Dates, Deadlines, and Important Information

In an environment where every child’s individuality is celebrated, Summer Lab students and campers explore their interests, make new friends, develop skills, create art, explore the outdoors, perform, and have endless opportunities to connect, play, and grow. The programs are fun, and like everything at Lab, they are designed to inspire curiosity, creativity, and confidence in each child.

Registration Window

January 5–May 15
A $200 nonrefundable deposit per class is due at the time of registration. 

Payment Due Date

May 15
Outstanding balances will automatically be charged at this time to the credit card on file. 

Cancellation Policy

Cancellations must be received in writing no later than May 15 for a full refund, minus the nonrefundable fee. If a family must cancel for any reason after May 15, no refund will be issued. 

Late Day Childcare

Late Day is available to all children in Nursery–Grade 8. 

 

Summer Calendar

Full Session: June 22–July 31
Session I: June 22–July 2
Session II: July 6–17
Session III: July 20–31

Summer Lab is closed on July 3.

Location Schedules

Earl Shapiro Hall
5800 South Stony Island Ave.
Nursery–Grade 2  (with the exception of Lab Explorers Grades 1–2, which will be at the Historic Campus)

Arrival: 8:15–8:30 a.m.
Start Time: 8:30 a.m.
Dismissal: 3:30–3:45 p.m.
Late Day: 3:30–5 p.m.
Dismissal: 5–5:15 p.m.

Historic Campus
1362 East 59th St 
Grades 3–8

Arrival: 8–8:15 a.m.
Start Time: 8:15 a.m.
Dismissal: 3–3:15 p.m.
Late Day: 3–5 p.m.
Dismissal: 5–5:15 p.m.

Summer Lab

A Different Kind of Summer

Summer Lab is guided by the University of Chicago Laboratory Schools’ mission, and enrollment is open to all students. Our distinguished Summer Lab instructors keep their material fresh, relevant, and engaging for their students. Their ability to do so is one of the key elements—among many—that sets Summer Lab apart. 

Summer Lab Scholarship

We are excited to offer scholarship assistance for our 2026 Summer Lab program. Applications will be accepted January 5–16, 2026.

The Summer Lab Scholarship provides financial support to ensure that any student has the opportunity to experience our summer programs, which encourage learning, connection, and discovery—regardless of financial resources. 

Scholarships are open to eligible families who demonstrate financial need. To apply, families must complete a Summer Lab Scholarship application and a FACTS application (with a $45 nonrefundable fee). The FACTS application requires the two most recent years of income tax records. All application materials—including the Summer Lab Scholarship application and FACTS application—must be submitted by January 16, 2026, to be considered.

Scholarships cover both the deposit and full tuition for the program(s) awarded. The number of scholarships awarded will depend on available funding and program space for the year. All applicants will be notified of their scholarship status—whether received or not received—by February 1, 2026.

The application will become available on Monday, January 5, 2026.