Compare programs & platformsAges 7–177 min read
By Rachel Davis ·
iD Tech Camp Alternatives: Online Tech Camps for Kids
Compare iD Tech's campus and virtual camps with short online tech camps, local coding centers and STEM day camps, and see which fits your child.
The best iD Tech camp alternative depends on what you want from summer. If your child loves the idea of a full week on a university campus, iD Tech's in-person camps are hard to replace. If you want something shorter, cheaper to try or easier to fit around family plans, a short online tech camp or a local half-day program may suit your child better.
iD Tech runs week-long day and overnight tech camps for ages 7 to 17 on university campuses, plus virtual small-group camps and 1-on-1 online lessons. Alternatives include short live online camps, local franchise coding centers and hands-on STEM day camps. Compare them on daily hours, group size, travel, total cost and whether your child does better with a full day or a short session.
What iD Tech offers, in plain terms
iD Tech is one of the best-known tech camp brands in the US. Its main site describes week-long day and overnight STEM camps for ages 7 to 17, held on 70+ university campuses. Overnight options are listed for ages 10 and up. Teens aged 13 to 18 can also choose a two-week, overnight-only Teen Academy that gives them a taste of dorm life.
Topics run wide: coding in Python and Unity, game design with Roblox, Minecraft and Unreal Engine, robotics, AI, digital art, video production and 3D printing. Its camp overview page describes a typical day with morning coursework, lunch in a campus dining hall, afternoon lab time, an outdoor break and a wrap-up.
iD Tech also runs online programs. Its virtual camps meet Monday to Friday for one week, with two hours of live time with an instructor and peers each day plus two hours of independent project work. Its online page lists 1-on-1 private lessons for ages 7 to 19 across many topics.
What it costs
As of November 2026, iD Tech's site says week-long camps typically range from $979 to $1,499 depending on course, location and day or overnight choice, and Teen Academies range from $4,599 to $5,299. It also lists payment plans and a refundable health and safety fee per session. Virtual camp and private lesson prices were not listed on the pages we checked. Prices change by season, so confirm on the booking page.
Who a full-day, in-person tech camp suits
A campus camp is a big, memorable experience. It tends to work well for:
- Kids aged 10 and up who are already hooked on a topic and want to go deep for a week.
- Teens curious about college life, especially for overnight or two-week programs.
- Families who need full-day coverage during the work week and live near a host campus.
- Children who enjoy meeting new people and handle long, busy days well.
The trade-offs are travel, a full-day schedule that can tire younger kids, and a higher price per week. If your child has never tried coding, a week-long commitment can feel like a big first step.
A live class on this4th of July Cooking Camp: Summer Holiday RecipesAges 8–13Types of alternatives to compare
Short live online camps
Many online camps run for a few days with one or two hours of live time per day. Your child works with a teacher and a small group over video, then builds on their own between sessions. These suit kids who want to sample a topic, families who travel in summer, and children who do better in short bursts.
Local coding centers
Franchise coding centers such as Code Ninjas run camps from local storefronts, and details vary by location. One St. Louis-area center, as described in a local camp guide, offers five-day half-day camps for ages 5 to 14, with morning or afternoon sessions that families can combine into a full day. Ask your nearest center for its own ages, hours and prices.
Hands-on STEM day camps
Camp Invention, run by the National Inventors Hall of Fame, is a hands-on STEM day camp for kids entering grades K to 6. It runs at schools and community centers nationwide and focuses on building and inventing more than coding. Dates, hours and pricing vary by site.
School, library and community programs
Libraries, parks departments and school districts often run short robotics or coding weeks. They can be a low-cost way to see whether the interest sticks.
Side-by-side comparison
| Option | Format | Typical day | Best fit |
|---|---|---|---|
| iD Tech campus camp | In person, one week, day or overnight, ages 7 to 17 | Full day of coursework, lab time and breaks on campus | Committed kids near a host campus who want a big summer experience |
| iD Tech Teen Academy | In person, two weeks, overnight only, ages 13 to 18 | Immersive days plus dorm life | Teens ready for time away and a deep dive |
| iD Tech virtual camp | Online small group, Monday to Friday | 2 hours live plus 2 hours of independent project work | Kids who want iD Tech topics without travel |
| Short live online camps | Online, often a few days | Usually 1 to 2 hours live with a teacher and small group | First-timers, younger kids, busy or traveling families |
| Local coding center camp | In person, varies by center | Often half-day sessions | Families who want local, shorter days |
| Hands-on STEM day camp | In person at local sites, grades K to 6 | Varies by site | Younger builders and tinkerers |
Check each provider's current pages before you book. Ages, hours and topics change from year to year.
How to choose the right fit for your child
- Start with stamina. A 7-year-old who fades after lunch may get more from two focused hours than from a full day.
- Match the topic to a real interest. A child who loves Minecraft or Roblox will stay engaged longer in a game design camp than in a general coding camp.
- Check the skill level. Look for "beginner" or "intermediate" labels, and ask what your child should already know.
- Count the full cost. Add travel, lunch, gear, before and after care, and any fees to the camp price.
- Ask about group size. Small groups mean more help when code breaks, which it will.
- Try before you commit. A short camp or single class shows you whether the interest is real before you book a pricier week.
Our guide on how to choose an online camp for your child walks through more questions to ask before you sign up.
What to watch for
- Device needs: Online camps may need a laptop rather than a tablet, plus specific software. Check the requirements a week ahead.
- Screen time: Pair online sessions with off-screen breaks, especially for kids under 10.
- Cancellation rules: Read the refund and transfer policy, and note the deadlines.
- Safety basics: Ask how instructors are screened, how online sessions are supervised and how parents can contact staff.
- Overnight readiness: If your child has never slept away from home, a day camp may be a better first step.
Frequently asked questions
What ages does iD Tech serve?
iD Tech lists week-long camps for ages 7 to 17, overnight options from age 10, Teen Academies for ages 13 to 18 and private online lessons for ages 7 to 19.
Are online tech camps as good as in-person ones?
They give a different experience. In-person camps offer a full day and a campus setting. Online camps are shorter, need no travel and suit kids who focus best in brief sessions. The better choice is the one your child will actually enjoy and finish.
What is a good first tech camp for a beginner?
A short camp in a topic your child already likes, such as game design or robotics, at a beginner level. Keep the first one low-pressure so your child leaves wanting more.
How far ahead should I book a summer tech camp?
Popular in-person camps can fill early, and some open registration in late fall. Online camps often add sessions closer to summer, but booking a few weeks ahead gives you the best choice of times.
Find a short tech camp your child will love
Undoschool camps meet live on Zoom for a few days, usually within one week, with independent, vetted teachers and other kids who share the same interest.
