It's the summer of science, technology, engineering, arts and math (STEAM) here at Arapahoe Libraries. The teen librarians have compiled a list of activities and materials that will be sure to spark your imagination.
Start your summer STEAM adventure right here with a list of fiction and nonfiction books. These titles are sure ignite those creative passions and inspire some exciting summer activities. There are also some fun STEAM themed activities to help you along your journey of creativity.
Check out additional activities at home for children ages 0-5 and kids 5-12.
Science
- Experience science and nature in real life with a visit to the Butterfly Pavilion using our Exploration Pass.
- If you prefer your nature to be nonliving, perhaps you’d rather visit Dinosaur Ridge.
- Sharks are a scientific marvel, hence the popularity of Discovery's annual Shark Week, opens a new window.
- Did you know that science fiction has inspired space exploration along with many inventions, opens a new window and technologies we use today? If you're looking for inspiration, check out these science fiction books for teens.
- National Geographic Virtual Library is your source for all things science! All you need to access it is an Arapahoe Libraries library card.
Technology
- Meld the vintage technology with the modern tech by reserving one of the digital media stations where you can test out VCRs, record players and even film projectors.
- If you want to use photoshop to edit your photos, you can do that at the digital media stations too.
- Dive into all the technology your imagination can handle with this book list featuring robots and artificial intelligence.
- Learn to create your own websites, games and apps with Code Combat.
- Learn to code with our wide array of coding robots that are available for check out.
Engineering
- Test the laws of physics by playing a round or two of Giant Jenga, available for check out.
- While train engineers aren’t nearly the same as a civil or mechanical engineer, they are still engineers! And if you’d like to learn more about them you can use our Exploration Pass to visit either The Forney Transportation Museum or the Colorado Railroad Museum.
- Explore a plethora of engineering documentaries on Kanopy, a video streaming site that you have access to with your library card.
Art
- Get inspired to make art with some books featuring teen artists both real and fictional.
- Check out the art galleries at Smoky Hill, Eloise May and Koelbel Libraries.
- Submit your original art by July 1 for the opportunity to participate in the Teen Art Show and have your art displayed in the art gallery at Smoky Hill library.
- Spend an afternoon reliving the old west at the American Museum of Western Art with free admission using the Exploration Pass.
- If you don’t want to spend an afternoon on your feet, browse a diverse variety of art at the Denver Art Museum, opens a new window in their virtual collection.
Math
- Practice fractions, measurements and weights by doing some baking.
- If you are looking for a more concrete use of mathematics in everyday life, you can spend some time planning your finances with easy-to-understand lessons, videos and interactive tools.
- Discover video games, board games and books available to check out that will spark enthusiasm for math.
Add a comment to: Spark Your Imagination With Summer Reading 2025 Activities for Ages 12-18