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! With the resources and faculty of the University of Chicago Laboratory Schools and experts from across the city, Summer Lab provides a host of cutting-edge learning experiences and activities for your child. With over 100 program offerings—from academic and hands-on to enrichment and adventure—every moment at Summer Lab is an opportunity for your child to thrive, learn, and develop cherished memories that will endure for years to come.
At Summer Lab, the love of learning never goes on vacation.
Join in the fun!
2025 Catalog
Download the Summer Lab 2025 catalog today and discover a world of exciting possibilities! Inside, you'll find detailed descriptions of our wide range of programs, from swimming and sports to arts and crafts and nature exploration. Give your child the best summer ever—download our catalog today and let the planning begin!
Summer Lab Scholarship
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.
Due to the overwhelming response, the Summer Lab Scholarship for 2025 is now closed.
We hope that you will consider joining us for Summer Lab 2026.
Interested in joining us as a Summer Lab Camp Counselor?
The application period for the 2025 Camp Counselor has closed. Please join us next year!
Looking for the CIT (Counselor-In-Training) program for rising eighth and ninth graders? The CIT program is on hold for summer 2025 and will not be available this year. The CIT program will be available summer 2026.
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.
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
February 15–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 Window
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
Hours: 3:30–5 p.m., Monday–Friday | Cost: Session I: $245; Session II: $270; Session III: $270
Please check meeting times and dates in each listing that follows, and feel free to contact the Summer Lab office with questions about structuring your child’s day:
summerlab@ucls.uchicago.edu | 773-834-7766
Summer Calendar
Full Session: June 23–August 1
Session I: June 23–July 3
Session II: July 7–July 18
Session III: July 21–August 1
Summer Lab is closed on July 4.
Location Schedules
Earl Shapiro Hall
5800 South Stony Island Ave.
Nursery–Grade 2
Arrival: 8–8:25 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: 3:30–3:45 p.m.
Late Day: 3:30–5 p.m.
Dismissal: 5–5:15 p.m.