MODA Maker Camp in Atlanta: A Hands-On Design Camp for Creative Kids

If you have a child who loves to build, tinker, or design, MODA Maker Camp in Atlanta is one of the most focused hands-on options in the city. Hosted by the Museum of Design Atlanta (MODA), these camps combine STEM, art, and design thinking in a way that feels more like a creative studio than a traditional classroom.

This guide walks you through how MODA Maker Camp works in Atlanta, what to expect, how to register, and how it compares to other local camps and classes.

What Is MODA Maker Camp?

MODA Maker Camp is a series of design-focused day camps for kids, typically offered by the Museum of Design Atlanta. They’re built around:

• Design thinking (problem-solving with creativity and empathy)
• Hands-on making (building, prototyping, experimenting)
• STEAM skills (science, technology, engineering, art, and math)

Kids might work with:

• 3D design and printing
• Coding and robotics
• Architecture and city planning concepts
• Digital fabrication tools like laser cutters or CNC machines
• Everyday building materials (cardboard, wood, craft supplies, upcycled objects)

The emphasis is on creative problem-solving rather than memorizing facts. Atlanta families often choose MODA Maker Camp for kids who like LEGO, Minecraft, inventing gadgets, drawing plans, or asking “how does this work?”

Where MODA Maker Camp Takes Place in Atlanta

The core location is:

Museum of Design Atlanta (MODA)
1315 Peachtree St NE
Atlanta, GA 30309

• Located in Midtown, across from the High Museum of Art and near the Woodruff Arts Center
• Walkable from Arts Center MARTA Station, which is helpful for teens who travel independently
• Surrounded by other family-friendly spots like Piedmont Park, so parents often plan park time or lunch nearby before/after camp

Depending on the year, MODA may also partner with local schools, makerspaces, or community centers around Atlanta to host satellite camps or workshops, especially during school breaks. When you’re planning, check whether the specific session is:

• On-site at MODA in Midtown, or
• At a partner location elsewhere in Metro Atlanta

This affects commute time, parking, and drop-off logistics, especially if you’re coming from suburbs like Decatur, Sandy Springs, or East Point.

Ages, Skill Levels, and Who MODA Maker Camp Is For

MODA Maker Camp is typically aimed at elementary through middle school students, though the exact ranges may vary by session.

Common age groupings might include:

• Younger makers (around ages 7–9):

  • Simple coding games
  • Introductory building challenges
  • Playful design projects (build a city, design a playground, invent a new toy)

• Upper elementary / early middle (around ages 9–12):

  • Basic 3D modeling
  • Beginner robotics
  • Design challenges tied to real-world problems (transportation, climate, accessibility)

• Older makers / middle school (around ages 11–14):

  • More sophisticated digital tools
  • Detailed prototypes and presentations
  • Team-based projects that feel closer to real design studio work

You don’t usually need prior experience with coding or 3D design. Curiosity and willingness to experiment tend to be more important than skill level.

What a Typical Day at MODA Maker Camp Looks Like

Daily schedules vary, but most Atlanta families can expect something like:

Morning (Drop-Off & Projects)

• Arrival, welcome, and warm-up activity
• Short introduction to the day’s design challenge or theme
• Guided instruction on tools or concepts (coding platform, 3D software, building technique)

Midday (Break & Movement)

• Snack and/or lunch break (often brought from home)
• Movement or outdoor time if space and weather allow
• Informal brainstorming or sketching sessions

Afternoon (Making & Sharing)

• Hands-on building, testing, and revising projects
• Collaboration in small teams
• End-of-day sharing, demos, or group reflection

Compared with more recreation-focused camps in Atlanta, MODA Maker Camp usually feels more project-based and structured, but still relaxed enough for kids to enjoy the summer or school break atmosphere.

Common Themes and Activities at MODA Maker Camp

Themes change by season and year, but Atlanta families commonly see topics such as:

• Architecture & Cities

  • Design a building, park, or neighborhood for Atlanta
  • Explore how city planning affects traffic, green spaces, and access

• Game Design & Coding

  • Build simple digital games
  • Learn logic and sequencing through visual coding tools

• Robotics & Automation

  • Assemble simple robots
  • Program basic movement or sensor responses

• 3D Printing & Product Design

  • Design small objects in 3D software
  • Learn how digital designs become physical models

• Sustainability & Upcycling

  • Reuse everyday materials
  • Brainstorm solutions to environmental challenges relevant to Atlanta (heat, flooding, transportation)

Because MODA is a design museum, camp content often connects with current exhibitions or broader design topics, giving kids context for how their projects relate to the real world.

Location, Hours, and Logistics: What Atlanta Parents Need to Know

Typical Camp Day Length

Most day camps at MODA run roughly:

• Half-day or full-day options, depending on the specific program
• Week-long sessions during summer
• Shorter camps or workshops during winter, spring, and school holidays

Families in the city often choose full-day sessions to match work schedules, while some with younger kids or those commuting from further suburbs may prefer half-day sessions.

Drop-Off, Pick-Up, and Parking

Because the museum is in Midtown Atlanta, logistics look a bit different than at a suburban campus:

• Drop-off and pick-up may be curbside or directly at the museum entrance, with staff directing traffic
• Parking is usually in nearby paid garages or street parking
• Some families prefer MARTA to avoid Midtown traffic and parking costs, especially if both parent and child are comfortable navigating trains and short walks

Being clear on routing is important if you’re bringing siblings or juggling multiple camp locations in one day.

Cost, Registration, and Discounts

Prices change from year to year, but MODA Maker Camp is usually in line with other specialty STEM/arts camps in metro Atlanta, rather than low-cost city recreation programs.

When planning, Atlanta families typically look for:

• Week-long camp fee (per child, per session)
• MODA member discounts, if membership is offered and relevant
• Early registration discounts for booking ahead of peak season
• Information about:
  • Sibling discounts
  • Multiple-session savings
  • Financial aid or scholarships, which may be available in limited numbers

Because camps can fill quickly—especially mid-summer weeks—many local parents in Atlanta try to register several months in advance (often late winter or early spring).

Quick Overview: MODA Maker Camp at a Glance

How MODA Maker Camp Fits Among Other Atlanta Camps & Classes

Atlanta has a wide range of family and kids offerings, including:

• Traditional day camps through Atlanta Parks & Recreation or county rec departments
• STEM camps at local universities or science centers
• Arts and theater camps at venues like the Alliance Theatre or community arts centers
• Sports, swim, and outdoor camps run by schools and private organizations

What sets MODA Maker Camp apart is its specific focus on design and making, connected to a working design museum. Kids who might not be drawn to team sports or conventional classroom-style enrichment often respond well to the studio-like, project-based atmosphere.

Many Atlanta parents combine MODA Maker Camp with:

• A general day camp in a different week (for broader recreation)
• A sports camp or music/theater camp for variety
• Museum visits, library programs, or free family events around Midtown or Downtown to round out the summer or school break

Tips for Atlanta Families Planning MODA Maker Camp

A few practical pointers tailored to the Atlanta area:

• Plan your commute 🚗
  Midtown traffic can be dense during morning and late-afternoon hours. Factor in time for I-75/85 congestion, especially if you’re coming from the northern suburbs or south of the airport.

• Use MARTA if it fits your routine
  Arts Center Station is a common transfer point, and older kids who are confident and prepared can sometimes ride with a parent in the morning and be picked up by car in the afternoon.

• Think about lunch and snacks
  Many camps expect packaged, nut-aware lunches and snacks due to allergies. Check guidelines, especially if your child has dietary restrictions.

• Dress for making
  Comfortable clothes that can handle glue, markers, and light building materials are ideal. Closed-toe shoes are often recommended if tools or heavier materials are used.

• Ask about finished projects
  Some digital work (like games or 3D designs) may be shared via files or links. Physical projects may or may not come home, depending on size and materials. Knowing this in advance helps manage kids’ expectations.

• Look at the theme calendar
  If your child loves robotics more than architecture—or vice versa—choose sessions with topics that match their interests.

How to Learn More or Get In Touch

For the most current details on MODA Maker Camp schedules, pricing, age ranges, and availability, you can contact:

Museum of Design Atlanta (MODA)
1315 Peachtree St NE
Atlanta, GA 30309
Phone: Typically available through the museum’s main line (check current listing)

Staff can usually help with:

• Specific camp dates and themes
• Age group placement questions
• Information on financial aid or discounts
• Details on daily schedules, drop-off procedures, and what to bring

If you’re already planning a visit to Midtown Atlanta—perhaps to the High Museum, Piedmont Park, or Colony Square—it can be convenient to combine an in-person visit to MODA with questions about upcoming camps.

For Atlanta families looking for a hands-on, design-centered camp that lets kids experiment, build, and think like young designers, MODA Maker Camp is one of the city’s most specialized options in the camps and classes space.