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.
Explore Programs
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!
Hiring Counselors for Summer
Applicants must apply by February 12, and be 16 years old by June 8.
Every summer, we hire the most amazing and caring staff, instructors, and educators with impressive credentials—but what is most important is how Summer Lab staff connect with students, inspiring them to explore and grow. A summer job at the Laboratory Schools mean community, commitment, and a chance to gain skills you can take with you anywhere in life.
Counselor in Training Program
For students entering Grade 9
From Camper to Counselor...the next step in your summer camp journey is here! Designed exclusively for rising 9th graders, the Counselor-in-Training (CIT) program is the ultimate program for establishing a foundation for future employment. Our CIT program provides the hands-on experience and specialized training focusing on skills essential for high school, college applications, and your first job.
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. Register now.
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.
Homeroom Platform Registration Guide
New to the Homeroom platform? Download the Homeroom Registration Guide should you have any questions.
Summer Lab Readiness and Behavior Policy
We are committed to providing outstanding programs for students. Every child needs to be prepared and ready to follow the rules and constructively engage in the Summer Lab program. If you have questions about whether Summer Lab is the right experience for your child, please contact us.
We encourage families to thoughtfully consider their child’s readiness for a summer program group. Children who have previously participated successfully in group programs outside of the home are often better prepared for Summer Lab. Our goal is to create a safe and positive environment for all participants. If a child is not able to follow program guidelines or Summer Lab policies, or is disruptive to the program, we may need to make the difficult decision to end their participation early.
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.
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.
