Frequently Asked Questions

Everything Parents Want to Know About Brooklyn Science Spot

If you’re looking for answers about Brooklyn Science Spot, you’ve come to the right place. Whether you’re interested in after-school STEM classesbirthday partiesholiday campssummer programs, or school trips, our frequently asked questions provide helpful information to make planning easy. We’re committed to unlocking children’s potential through fun, hands-on science experiences that inspire curiosity, creativity, and confidence.

What age groups do you serve?

We offer programs for children ages 3-12, with classes and activities tailored to different developmental stages. Our youngest scientists (3-4 years old) have specially designed programming, while elementary-aged children have age-appropriate STEM challenges.

What are your after-school classes, and how do they work?

Our after-school science classes run weekly throughout the school year in sessions lasting 11-12 weeks each. We offer three age-based groups: Preschool (ages 3-4) with 60-minute classes focused on foundational science exploration and sensory experiments; Ages 5-7 with 1.5-hour classes featuring elementary science and collaborative projects; and Ages 8-10 with 1.5-hour classes offering advanced STEM challenges and deeper scientific investigation. Sessions align with the NYC school calendar, typically running Fall (September-December), Winter/Spring (January-April), and Spring (April-June). Registration requires enrollment for the full session to ensure continuity of learning, though we can accommodate mid-session joins with prorated tuition, subject to availability. We provide all materials, lab coats, and safety equipment—students just need comfortable clothes and closed-toe shoes. One makeup class per session is available with 24-hour notice, and each session concludes with a family showcase where students demonstrate what they’ve learned. Registration opens online 2-3 weeks before each session starts, and spots fill quickly, so early enrollment is recommended.

Do you offer birthday parties? What's included?

Yes! Our science-themed birthday parties include a dedicated party host, age-appropriate experiments, hands-on activities, and access to our science toy store. Parties are available for various age groups and can be customized to your child’s interests.

What are your summer camp options?

We offer full-day summer camp sessions with weekly themes that explore STEM topics such as chemistry, physics, robotics, and environmental science. Each week features unique experiments, projects, and field trip opportunities.

Can I drop in for classes, or do I need to register in advance?

Most of our weekly classes and programs require pre-registration to ensure proper materials and staffing. However, we occasionally offer drop-in science workshops—check our schedule or contact us for availability.

Do you offer field trips for schools and groups?

Yes! We welcome school groups, scout troops, and other organizations for educational field trips. Our programs can be customized to align with curriculum standards and include interactive demonstrations and hands-on experiments.

What should my child wear to class?

We recommend comfortable clothing that can get messy! While we provide lab coats and safety goggles, some experiments may involve paint, water, or other materials. Closed-toe shoes are required for safety.

What's your cancellation and makeup policy?

For weekly classes, we offer one makeup session per week if you provide 24 hours’ notice. Birthday parties require 48 hours’ notice for a refund; deposits are nonrefundable. Summer camp cancellations made more than four weeks in advance receive a full refund minus a processing fee.

Are your programs aligned with school science standards?

Absolutely! Our curriculum is designed by experienced educators and aligns with Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) while making learning fun and engaging through hands-on exploration.

Can parents stay during classes, or is it drop-off?

For children 5 and up, most programs are drop-off to encourage independence and peer interaction. Parents of 3-4-year-olds are welcome to stay for the first class and may be required to stay, depending on the program. Birthday parties welcome parents to observe or use our seating area.

Do children need prior science experience?

Not at all! Our STEM programs are designed for children of all experience levels. Whether your child is discovering science for the first time or already loves experimenting and building, our instructors create engaging, hands-on activities that encourage curiosity, creativity, and confidence. Every child is supported at their own pace in a fun and welcoming environment.

Are your STEM classes educational or just for fun?

They’re both! Every activity at Brooklyn Science Spot combines hands-on fun with meaningful learning. Through exciting science experiments, engineering challenges, robotics, and creative problem-solving, children develop critical thinking, teamwork, and communication skills while having an amazing time. Our goal is to make learning so engaging that kids don’t even realize how much they’re discovering.

How do STEM activities help child development?

STEM activities help children build important life skills beyond science and technology. Through hands-on exploration, children strengthen critical thinking, problem-solving, creativity, collaboration, communication, and confidence. They also develop persistence by learning that experimentation, mistakes, and trying again are all valuable parts of the learning process. These skills support success both in school and everyday life.

Can siblings attend together?

Absolutely! Siblings are welcome to participate together whenever the program or activity is appropriate for their ages. We group children based on age and developmental level to ensure everyone has the best possible experience. If you have questions about a specific program, our team is happy to help you find the best fit for your family.

Are birthday parties private?

Yes! Our birthday parties are private events designed exclusively for your child and invited guests. Every celebration includes exciting hands-on STEM activities led by our experienced instructors, creating a fun, interactive, and memorable experience for everyone. We offer several party themes and packages to help make your child’s special day unforgettable.

Do you offer programs during school breaks?

Yes! We offer exciting STEM programs throughout the year during school holidays, winter break, spring break, and summer vacation. Our holiday camps and summer programs give children the opportunity to continue learning, exploring, and making new friends while school is out. Program availability may vary, so we recommend registering early as spaces often fill quickly.

Are your instructors certified?

Our instructors are passionate educators with experience working with young children in STEM-focused learning environments. They are trained to create safe, engaging, and age-appropriate hands-on activities that inspire curiosity and build confidence. Above all, our team is dedicated to making science exciting, accessible, and fun for every child.

What should my child bring?

Most of our programs provide all the materials needed for hands-on STEM activities. We recommend that children wear comfortable clothing suitable for active learning and creative exploration. Depending on the program, bringing a water bottle and a light snack may also be helpful. Any specific requirements will be shared with parents before the program begins.

Do you offer gift certificates?

Yes! Brooklyn Science Spot offers gift certificates that make a wonderful present for birthdays, holidays, and other special occasions. Gift certificates can be used toward eligible STEM classes, camps, programs, and other experiences, giving children the opportunity to explore, discover, and develop a lifelong love of science. Contact us for available options and purchasing information.