Fernbank Museum Summer Camp in Atlanta: What Parents Need to Know

Fernbank Museum of Natural History in Atlanta, Georgia isn’t just a place for field trips and dinosaur skeletons—it’s also home to one of the city’s better-known science- and nature-focused summer camps. If you’re considering Fernbank Museum Summer Camp for your child, this guide breaks down what to expect, how it works, and how to decide if it’s a good fit for your family.

Where Fernbank Museum Summer Camp Takes Place

Fernbank Museum of Natural History

• Address: 767 Clifton Road NE, Atlanta, GA 30307
• General phone: (404) 929-6300

The camp primarily uses:

• Indoor museum spaces – exhibit halls, classrooms, labs
• Fernbank Forest and outdoor areas – trails, nature spaces behind the museum

Because the camp is on-site at a major museum, kids typically get regular access to exhibits, special programs, and outdoor learning areas as part of their daily activities.

Age Groups and Typical Camp Structure

Specific offerings can change each year, but Fernbank Museum Summer Camp usually organizes campers by grade level rather than just age.

You’ll often see groups along lines like:

• Younger elementary – rising kindergarten–2nd grade
• Upper elementary – rising 3rd–5th grade
• In some years, there may also be older elementary / early middle options, typically up to rising 6th grade

Each group follows a grade-appropriate curriculum centered on:

• Science (STEM)
• Nature and ecology
• Dinosaur and fossil exploration
• Hands-on experiments and projects

If your child is on the younger end of an age band, it’s worth checking that the grade grouping feels like a good fit for their comfort level and independence.

What Kids Do at Fernbank Museum Summer Camp

While exact themes rotate by year, Fernbank’s camp usually focuses on immersive, hands-on learning rather than just lecture-style lessons. Expect a mix of:

Museum-Based Activities

• Guided time in exhibits (dinosaurs, natural history, cultural displays)
• Behind-the-scenes style learning, where staff explain how exhibits work or how scientists study certain topics
• Activities linked directly to what they just saw in a gallery

Science and Nature Experiences

• Simple experiments and STEM projects in classroom spaces
• Nature walks in or around Fernbank Forest trails (weather and programming permitting)
• Learning about local Georgia plants, animals, and ecosystems

Creative and Social Components

• Arts and crafts tied to science and history themes
• Group games, cooperative challenges, and team-based projects
• Time to connect with other kids who like dinosaurs, nature, or “how things work”

If your child enjoys interactive exhibits, asking questions, and tinkering with projects, this camp environment often suits them well.

Typical Daily Schedule and Hours

Exact hours may vary by season, but many Atlanta museum-based camps—including Fernbank—follow a pattern similar to:

• Camp day: roughly 8:30 or 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 or 3:30 p.m.
• Drop-off window: staggered start to ease traffic
• Pick-up window: designated time in the afternoon

Some years may offer:

• Before-care (early drop-off)
• After-care (late pickup) for an additional fee

These extended-care options are especially important to Atlanta parents who work standard office hours and are commuting from Intown neighborhoods, Decatur, or farther out along I-85, I-20, and I-285.

Because traffic can be unpredictable near Emory, Druid Hills, and the Clifton Corridor, many parents aim for earlier drop-off to avoid bottlenecks.

Weekly Themes and Topics

Fernbank Museum Summer Camp usually runs in weekly sessions, with each week focusing on a different science or nature theme. While the topics vary year to year, common examples include:

• Dinosaurs and Paleontology – fossils, bones, ancient life
• Space and Astronomy – planets, stars, exploration
• Georgia Ecosystems – forests, streams, local wildlife
• Engineering and Building – bridges, simple machines, problem-solving
• Earth Science – rocks, weather, volcanoes, and natural processes

Children enrolled in multiple weeks typically encounter fresh content each session, so repeat campers can attend more than one week without repeating the same exact activities.

Registration, Cost, and How to Sign Up

Registration Timing

Fernbank Museum Summer Camp usually:

• Releases its summer camp schedule and details in late winter or early spring
• Opens registration soon after, with popular weeks filling early, especially:
  • Early June weeks
  • Weeks that align with big themes (like dinosaurs or space)
  • Dates that line up with Atlanta Public Schools and nearby districts’ calendars

If your child has a narrow availability window due to other camps, travel, or custody schedules, it’s best to register as early as possible.

Pricing Basics

While exact tuition changes from year to year, you can expect:

• Weekly pricing (one fee per week per child)
• Sometimes discounts for:
  • Museum members
  • Multiple weeks or siblings (this can vary)

Be prepared for separate fees if you opt into:

• Extended before-care / after-care
• Special add-ons (if offered in a particular year)

Since pricing can shift, it’s smart to confirm the current year’s rates directly with the museum before planning your summer budget.

How to Register

You can typically register by:

• Creating an online account with Fernbank
• Selecting your child’s grade level and preferred weeks
• Paying a deposit or full tuition to secure the spot

Spots usually aren’t held without payment, so delays can mean losing your preferred week if demand is high.

Location, Parking, and Drop-Off Logistics

Fernbank sits in the Druid Hills area, convenient to:

• Intown neighborhoods (Virginia-Highland, Inman Park, Candler Park)
• Decatur and parts of northeast Atlanta
• The Emory University area

Getting There

From most parts of metro Atlanta, families access Fernbank via:

• Ponce de Leon Avenue to Clifton Road NE
• I-85 or I-285 connecting to surface streets like Lawrenceville Highway / US-29 and North Druid Hills Road

Traffic patterns can be different in summer than during the school year, but it’s still wise to:

• ⚠️ Add buffer time for morning drop-off if you’re crossing major corridors like I-85 or I-20.

Parking

Fernbank typically offers:

• On-site parking lot near the museum entrance
• A designated drop-off and pick-up process for campers

Parents may be asked to:

• Use specific doors or check-in stations when arriving
• Display a car tag or ID during pick-up for security

Details may change each year, so it’s important to review the camp’s arrival and dismissal instructions that come with your confirmation materials.

What to Pack for Your Child

Fernbank Museum Summer Camp generally expects families to send kids with:

• Lunch – often a nut-sensitive or allergy-aware environment, so check the rules
• Reusable water bottle – labeled with your child’s name
• Comfortable walking shoes – for museum hallways and outdoor time
• Weather-appropriate clothing – including light layers for cool indoor exhibits and hot, humid Atlanta afternoons
• Sunscreen and insect repellent – as allowed by their policies (sometimes applied at home before camp)

Some parents also add:

• A small backpack for personal items
• A hat for outdoor activities
• An extra mask if your family prefers or if health guidance recommends it

The camp often provides most materials, tools, and supplies for projects and experiments.

Safety, Supervision, and Staff

As a structured program at a major museum, Fernbank’s camp typically emphasizes:

• Low adult-to-child ratios appropriate for the campers’ ages
• Background-checked staff and volunteers
• Staff with experience in education, child supervision, or science communication

Campers are usually:

• Kept in their assigned age/grade group
• Supervised during all transitions (exhibits, outdoor time, restrooms, lunch)
• Expected to follow behavior guidelines similar to those in a classroom setting

Parents should feel comfortable asking:

• How groups are structured and who supervises which age levels
• What the protocol is for injuries, illness, or emergencies
• How medications are handled, if your child needs them during the day

Accessibility and Special Needs

If your child has allergies, mobility needs, sensory sensitivities, or learning differences, Fernbank staff can often discuss:

• How loud or crowded certain parts of the day typically are
• Options for quiet breaks or calmer spaces
• Any limitations in trail access or outdoor terrain if mobility is a concern

Atlanta families often find it helpful to:

• Reach out before registering to describe your child’s needs
• Ask whether specific accommodations are realistic within the group camp setting
• Provide clear written instructions for health or support needs when registering

Is Fernbank Museum Summer Camp a Good Fit for Your Child?

Fernbank Museum Summer Camp often works well for:

• Kids who love science, dinosaurs, animals, or nature
• Children who enjoy hands-on projects and indoor/outdoor variety
• Families who want a structured, educational option rather than a purely recreational camp

You might consider another style of camp if your child:

• Strongly prefers sports, intense physical activity, or all-day outdoor play
• Struggles with museum environments (dim lighting, echoes, or crowds)
• Needs a very quiet or highly individualized setting

Because Atlanta offers many types of camps—from city-run programs at Atlanta Parks and Recreation centers to private art, sports, or theater camps—you can compare Fernbank’s science focus with others based on your child’s interests and temperament.

Quick Reference: Fernbank Museum Summer Camp at a Glance

For Atlanta families looking for a science-rich, museum-based summer experience, Fernbank Museum Summer Camp is a strong option to consider. The best next step is to check the current year’s camp page or contact Fernbank directly for dates, prices, age groups, and availability before you plan the rest of your summer schedule.