City Guide
Activities for Kids
Ann Arbor Area Piano Teachers Guild
665-5346
Referrals to qualified piano teachers for all levels and ages. Formal and informal recitals, award competitions, student achievement testing program, financial aid. Sponsors Mostly Music Camp in the summer; scholarships available. aapianoteachers@gmail.com, aaaptg.googlepages.com
Ann Arbor Art Center
117 W. Liberty [map]994-8004 ext. 101
Year-round studio art classes and workshops in all major media for children and teens. Art parties for birthdays and more, workshops, and summer and vacation camps. Studio space available for event rentals. info@annarborartcenter.org, annarborartcenter.org
Ann Arbor Chinese Center of Michigan (Ann Arbor Chinese School)
P.O. Box 130733, AA 48113769-9068
Traditional Chinese language classes, CFL classes (for non-native speakers, children, and adults), cultural activities for preschool-high school, including Chinese yo-yo and orchestra, dizi, erhu, guzheng, yoga for adults, Chinese martial arts, table tennis, and Chinese modern dance. Meets Sept.-June, Fri. 7-9:50 p.m. at Northside Elementary School, 912 Barton Dr. academic@aaccom.org, extracurricular@aaccom.org, principal@aaccom.org, aaccom.org
Ann Arbor Community Center
625 N. Main [map]662-3128
After-school programs, tutoring, and recreation Oct.-May for grades 1-5. Ten-week summer camp for ages 5-12; programs year round on health, financial, and community awareness for all ages. Call for fees. yolandawhiten@sbcglobal.net, annarbor-communitycenter.org
Ann Arbor District Library
343 S. Fifth Ave. [map]327-8301, Youth Department: 327-8301
Activities for youth and families year round at the Downtown Library and local branches: Malletts Creek (3090 E. Eisenhower), Pittsfield (2359 Oak Valley), Traverwood (3333 Traverwood), and West (2503 Jackson, Westgate Shopping Center). Playgroups (children under age 2 accompanied by caregivers) and preschool storytimes (children age 2 & over accompanied by caregivers) year round at most AADL locations. Summer Reading Game for all ages offers activities, programs, and prizes. Events include crafts, magic and puppet shows, video game tournaments, author and storyteller visits, and musical programs. No charge for library events. aadl.org, axis.aadl.org (information on services for youth grades 6-12)
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Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum
220 E. Ann [map]995-5439
Nearly 250 interactive science and technology exhibits, including a light and optics gallery, a full-size ambulance, several energy exhibits, Measure Up health and fitness station, and a preschool engineering exhibit (Engineers on a Roll). Special demonstrations 1 weekend most months, and other public programs most weekends. New and traveling exhibitions, preschool gallery, birthday parties, camp-ins, outreach, and distance learning programs. Memberships available. See website for hours and prices. museum@aahom.org, aahom.org
Ann Arbor Music Center & Rock Band School
312 S. Ashley [map]883-4751
Private lessons in guitar, bass, drums, voice, piano, harmonica, saxophone, clarinet, ukulele, cello, violin, and upright bass since 1998. Rock, blues, and jazz band classes for ages 7-adult. Rock and jazz summer camps. All ages and skill levels. Classes daily year round. Instrument repairs and rentals. Custom-made guitars and basses. Workshops, clinics. a2musictoo@yahoo.com, rockbandschool.com
Ann Arbor Public Schools Department of Community Education and Recreation
See: Rec & EdAnn Arbor School for the Performing Arts
637 S. Main [map]213-2000
Music school provides private instruction for piano, strings, woodwinds, brass, and voice. Programs include Youth Orchestra Program, the New Horizons Senior Strings Orchestra, Suzuki Violin, and Jazz Combos; group glasses include Dalcroze, Music Play, Music Theater, Children's Choir, and more. info@aa-spa.org, www.aa-spa.org
Ann Arbor Suzuki Institute of Music
Mary Lou Roberts, coordinator, 995-2099
Organization of Suzuki teachers and parents provides individual and group instruction for preschoolers to high schoolers in violin, viola, cello, guitar, flute, piano, and string bass. marylou@annarborsuzuki.org, annarborsuzuki.org
Ann Arbor Young Actors Guild
P.O. Box 79, Whitmore Lake 48189926-5629
Theater opportunities for beginning to experienced actors age 8 through college with professional directors and teachers. 5 full productions per year; workshop-style auditions for inclusive casting. 2-week summer camp at the U-M Student Theatre Arts Complex. info@aayag.org, aayag.org
Ann Arbor Youth Chorale
1100 N. Main, suite 201B [map]996-4404
Two auditioned choirs for boys (with unchanged voices) and girls, ages 9-16. Both choirs perform annual winter & spring concerts locally. Concert choir tours nationally and internationally. Sept.-May. a2youthchorale@yahoo.com, annarboryouthchorale.org
Ann Hua Chinese School
P.O. Box 130212, AA 48103883-5595
Offers Chinese language and cultural classes for K-12 and adults. Courses are designed for heritage and non-heritage students. Meets Sun. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. at Concordia University, Krieger Hall (4090 Geddes Road). Follows AAPS calendar. Chinese New Year celebration, Moon Festival celebration, and summer activities, including summer camp for ages 7-12. Call for rates, registration and details. annhua.org
Boy Scouts of America Southern Shores Field Service Council
1979 Huron Pkwy [map]971-7100
Indoor and outdoor activities for Cub Scouts (grades 1-5) and leadership activities for Boy Scouts (grades 6-12). Call or email for referral to a troop in your area. join@gstcbsa.org, gstcbsa.org
Boychoir of Ann Arbor
1100 N. Main [map]663-5377
Choral performance, vocal training, and music education for boys ages 8-18. Two choirs perform classical, sacred, and secular music in local concerts and at area community events, weddings, and private functions. Auditions by appointment year round. Camp in June. office@aaboychoir.org, aaboychoir.org, facebook.com/BoychoirAnnArbor
Bryant Community Center (Community Action Network)
3 W. Eden Ct [map]477-0292
Supervised after-school educational and recreational programs for grades K-12. Five-week summer day camp for grades K-5 features swimming, reading, activities with dogs, art, games, and field trips. Free toy library for all ages. Call for fee, schedule, and eligibility requirement information. Scholarships available. canannarbor.org
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Buhr Park Children's Wet Meadow Project
Jeannine Palms, 971-5870; Andy Brush, 973-9161
Children helped create and continue to care for this educational site and ecosystem, which acts as a filter for storm-water runoff and supports a diverse habitat of plants and animals. Projects open to all ages. jeannine@wetmeadow.org, wetmeadow.org
Cellochan
Suzanne Smith, 662-2325
A cello program in its 18th year for students of all levels and ages. Holistic teaching philosophy pursues excellence while helping students relax and become more grounded at the cello. Annual cello retreat. cellochan.com, cellochanwoods.com
Dance studios
Many private studios offer dance instruction. Search online or see the Yellow Pages for listings.
Domino's Petting Farm
24 Frank Lloyd Wright [map]998-0182
Ponies, llamas, goats, pigs, sheep, chickens, donkeys, and cows. Mon.-Fri. 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m., Sat. & Sun. 10:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Adults $7, children ages 2-12 & senior citizens, $5.50, children under age 2 free. Hayrides included. Open year round. Pony rides on weekends. Birthday parties and picnics: call for group rates. info@pettingfarm.com, pettingfarm.com
En Nuestra Lengua
Free Spanish-language program for bilingual children. During the school year, offers Saturday morning classes for children grades K-3 at Bach Elementary School, 600 W. Jefferson. Staffed by native Spanish speakers trained as teachers. sadinuma@gmail.com
4-H youth programs (MSU Extension Washtenaw County)
705 N. Zeeb [map]997-1678
Programs for ages 5-18 include animal care, arts, crafts, gardening, horses, nutrition, natural resources, community service, and leadership. 4-H Youth Show, last week in July, offers animal and still project judging contests, prizes, and many other activities. Also, outreach programs for at-risk youth. $10 yearly participation fee; some costs for activities. morga194@anr.msu.edu, extension.ewashtenaw.org (click on 4-H)
Gallup Park River Kids
3000 Fuller Rd [map]794-6240
Exploratory program for ages 2-4 (with caregiver) using kayaks, paddleboats, and canoes, plus fishing and storytelling. River Kindergartners for ages 5 & 6 offers same activities. Call for dates and times; $52-$64/per child per month. csaam@a2gov.org, a2gov.org/canoe
German School of Ann Arbor
3540 Dixboro (Go Like the Wind! Montessori School) [map]995-0313
German language and culture classes, taught in English and German, for ages 3-adult. yvonnestevens@comcast.net; http://deutscheschuleannarbor.weebly.com/english.html
Girl Scouts Heart of Michigan
Ann Arbor Regional Center, 1900 Manchester [map](800) 497-2688
Six age divisions for girls ages 5-18. Activities include camping, leadership and career exploration, and community service. Call to volunteer, join, or start a troop. gshom@gshom.org, gshom.org
Jewish Community Center
2935 Birch Hollow [map](734) 971-0990
After-school program, Kids’ Club, for K-5 (transportation from local schools). Enrichment classes, including art and sports, during the week, bi-monthly Kids' Nights Out on Saturdays for K-5 during the school year. School’s Out and Vacation Day programs for grades K-5, featuring field trips and special programs. Camp Raanana outdoor summer day camp for children entering grades K-8 is located on a beachfront at Cedar Lake Outdoor Center. noreendeyoung@jccfed.org, jccannarbor.org
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Jump City
2825 Boardwalk [map]995-5055
Age 1 & over can bounce on giant inflatables during birthday parties (call for rates and schedule) or drop-in playtimes ($7) June 21-Sept. 3: Tues. 9:30-11:30 a.m., Thurs. 1-3 p.m., Sun. 4-6 p.m., Family Bounce Fri. 6:30-9 p.m. Call for extended hours during school holidays and weekends. info@jump-city.com, jump-city.com
Korean School of Ann Arbor
P.O. 8435, AA 48107973-1830
Sept.-June, Sat. 10 a.m.-1 p.m., Tappan Middle School, 2251 E. Stadium. Korean language and culture taught in English and Korean. Open to all, ages 4-adult. ksofaa@yahoo.com, koreanschoolaa.org
Leslie Science & Nature Center
1831 Traver [map]997-1553
Natural science and environmental education for youth and families. Indoor and outdoor activities on 50 acres of fields, woods, prairies, and ponds. Live birds of prey in outdoor enclosures and other animals in the Critter House. Programs for groups of all ages from toddlers to adults, nature-themed birthday parties, weekend and special events, and nature day camps during the summer and school breaks. Buildings available for rental. Open to the public every day from sunrise to sunset. Hikes encouraged. Admission free; call for program schedules and fees. info@lesliesnc.org, lesliesnc.org
MPulse Summer Performing Arts Camp
1100 Baits (1281 Moore Bldg) [map]936-2660
U-M faculty teach this summer performing arts program for students entering grades 9-12 and graduated seniors. Two-week in music performance (clarinet, oboe, flute, harp, horn, percussion, saxophone, trombone, voice), performing arts technology, theater, and dance. Three-week musical theater workshop open to those entering grades 11 & 12. Check website for fees and program details; scholarships available. mpulse@umich.edu, music.umich.edu/mpulse
Music For Little Folks
205 Pineridge St [map]741-1510
Music school for infants-preschoolers and their parents. Mommy & Me and Sing With Me music and movement classes taught by the author of the book Sing With Me.
Music Together
929-2133
Music and movement classes for newborns to kindergarteners and their parents or caretakers. Classes also include singing, rhythmic rhymes, and instrument play. Classes for mixed ages and babies held at various Ann Arbor area locations; see website for calendar. director@robinsongsforkids.com, robinsongsforkids.com
Neutral Zone
310 E. Washington [map]214-9995
Youth-driven teen center for grades 9-12. Programs offered in visual arts, music and technology, literary and performance arts, community leadership, and education. Drop-in activities include tutoring, pool, ping-pong, art studio, computer lab, and a recording studio. Events (sometimes a cover charge) include live music performances, DJ parties, and poetry slams Membership free; program fees vary (scholarships available). Mon.-Thurs. 2:30-8 p.m., Fri. 2:30-6 p.m. Special events on Sat. & Sun. info@neutral-zone.org, neutral-zone.org
Peace Neighborhood Center
1111 N. Maple [map]662-3564
After-school tutoring and clubs for elementary and middle school students. Also, a year-round college and career exploration program, homework help, counseling, health seminars, teen recreation, and drug prevention and rehabilitation programs. Six-week summer day camp on site for children entering grades K-8. All activities free, except $50/family for summer camp. info@peaceneighborhoodcenter.org, peaceneighborhoodcenter.org
Pittsfield Township Parks & Recreation
701 W. Ellsworth [map]822-2120
Offers wide variety of pre-school and youth programs, including horseback riding lessons (ages 5-17), cooking classes (grades 1-5), and bowling leagues (ages 3-8). See website for catalog. recreation@pittsfield-mi.gov, pittsfield-mi.gov/Parks_and_Recreation.html
Rec & Ed
See Ann Arbor Public Schools Department of Community Education and Recreation
Rec&Ed (Ann Arbor Public Schools Department of Community Education and Recreation)
Pioneer High School, "E" wing, 1515 S. Seventh994-2300
Classes and sports leagues for preschool through high school offered year round after school, evenings, and weekends. Instructional classes include art, dance, languages, gymnastics, LEGO robotics, martial arts, music, chess, and sports (see Youth Sports, below). Summer camps for children preschool-high school. Call to receive youth sports mailings, scholarship information, or quarterly catalogs. aareced.com
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Scrap Box
581 State Cir [map]994-0012; 994-4420 (recorded information)
Parents and children of all ages can browse through a warehouse of materials for arts and crafts projects ($4/small bag, $6.50/large). Birthday parties and workshops by appointment. Tues.-Fri. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Call for summer or holiday hours. tess@scrapbox.org, scrapbox.org, a2scrapbox.wordpress.com/
Talking Colors Art Studio
995-5959
Art education for children of all ages at Rudolf Steiner High School, 2230 Pontiac Tr. Summer camp, after-school, school break, homeschool, portfolio preparation, birthday party.
elena@talkingcolors.com, talkingcolors.com
U-M Museum of Natural History
1109 Geddes [map]764-0480
Guided and unguided tours for school groups. Outreach programs, planetarium shows, birthday parties for children, and educational programs for families and adults. Free admission; donations welcome. See also listing in the Libraries, Museums, & Galleries section. Mon.-Sat. 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Sun. noon-5 p.m. dmadaj@umich.edu, ummnh.org
U-M Matthaei Botanical Gardens & Nichols Arboretum
(734) 647-7600
Matthaei (1800 N. Dixboro) offers self-guided or docent-led tours and daytime and evening classes for adults and children of all ages, and Thurs. evening scout programs. The Arb (1610 Washington Hts.) offers self-guided tours sunrise to sunset and tours and scout programs by appointment. For more information, see the Recreation listing. mbgna.umich.edu
U-M Youth Ensembles
U-M School of Music, Theatre & Dance (SMTD), 1100 Baits763-1279
Michigan high school students in grades 9-12 (string players in grades 7-12) may audition for the Michigan Youth Symphony Orchestra, Michigan Youth Band, Michigan Youth Jazz Improvisation Ensemble, Michigan Youth Women’s Chorale, and Michigan Youth Chamber Singers. All ensembles conducted by SMTD faculty. Auditions Apr. & Sept. Weekly rehearsals Sun. afternoons Oct.-Mar. Concerts in Nov. & Mar. See website for information and fees. music.umich.edu/mye
Wild Swan Theater
2203 Platt Rd. [map]995-0530
After-school theater classes, summer drama camps, and participatory workshops for students in grades K-12, including activities designed for participants with disabilities. Also hosts performances geared for family audiences at Towsley Auditorium, Washtenaw Community College. wildswan@wildswantheater.org, wildswantheater.org facebook.com/Wild.Swan.Theater
YMCA
400 W. Washington [map]996-9622
Preschool programs (ages 2 1/2-5) include dance, swimming, martial arts, and gymnastics. Programs for youth (ages 6-11) include after-school care, summer camps, dance, swimming, gymnastics, indoor soccer, basketball, flag football, netball, volleyball, floor hockey, and martial arts. Teen programs (ages 12-17) include after-school, Youth Volunteer Corps, Youth in Government, summer camps, dance, swimming, martial arts, and fencing. Financial assistance available. Program details, rates, and registration online. annarborymca.org.
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Young People's Theater
359 Metty Dr. Mailing address: 401 W. Morgan, AA 48108 [map]222-4006
Theater, voice, and dance workshops and classes for ages 4-high school, theater productions for ages 4-high school, and summer theater camps for ages 5-high school. youngpeoplestheater@gmail.com, youngpeoplestheater.com
Yourist Studio Gallery
1133 Broadway [map]662-4914
Working studio offers after school clay classes for students ages 8-11 at all levels. kay@youristpottery.com, youristpottery.com
Youth in Harmony
445-1945
Vocal music education and introductory singing for grades K-8. Four-part "barbershop" chorus for middle and high school students offers performance opportunities at clinics and festivals. More information for high schoolers at pioneerdistrict.org/yih/yih.htm. hvharmonizers.org
Zap Zone
4177 Carpenter [map]930-6670
Laser tag and arcade. Birthday and group parties. Mon.-Thurs. 4-10 p.m., Fri. 3 p.m.-midnight (June-Aug.: Mon.-Thurs. noon-11 p.m., Fri. noon-midnight), Sat. 10 a.m.-midnight, Sun. noon-9 p.m. zap-zone.com
826michigan
115 E. Liberty (inside Liberty St. Robot Supply & Repair) [map]761-3463
Writing center offers students ages 8-18 drop-in tutoring Mon.-Thurs. 3:30-5:30 p.m., in-school tutoring, field trips, workshops, writing labs, help with student publications, and one-on-one help for English language learners. All programs free. info@826michigan.org, 826michigan.org
