Abrakadoodle

Provides art enrichment classes, day camps and birthday parties for ages 2-12. Students are introduced to a wide variety of artists, cultures, art media, and techniques. Classes at various locations. mmurphy@abrakadoodle.com, www.abrakadoodle.com/mi02.html

Ann Arbor Area Piano Teachers Guild

Referral service to qualified piano teachers for all levels. Cost varies. Recitals, workshops, summer camp, award competitions, student achievement testing. a2aptg@gmail.com, aaaptg.googlepages.com

Ann Arbor Art Center

Year-round classes and workshops in all major media for children and adults. Project parties, workshops, summer camp, and seasonal programs. Its studio ArtVentures, is available for birthday parties, school groups, scout troops, and more; groups learn about the art world while completing a guided project. Call for fees. info@annarborartcenter.org, www.annarborartcenter.org

Ann Arbor Chinese Center of Michigan

Chinese language classes and cultural activities for preschool–high school, including martial arts, sketching, Chinese chess and yo-yo, and ethnic dancing. Sept.–June, Fri. 7–9:50 p.m. at Northside Elementary School, 912 Barton Dr. a2chinese@yahoo.com, www.aaccom.org

Ann Arbor Community Center

After-school programs, tutoring, and recreation Oct.–May for grades 1–5. Six-week summer camp for ages 6–12; programs year round on health, financial and community awareness for all ages. Call for fees. yolandawhiten@sbcglobal.net, www.annarbor-communitycenter.org

Ann Arbor District Library

Activities for youth and families year round at the main library downtown and the Malletts Creek, Pittsfield, Traverwood, and West branches. Playgroups (children under age 2 accompanied by caregivers) and Preschool Storytimes (children age 2 and over accompanied by caregivers) year round at most AADL locations. The Summer Family Reading Program for all ages offers games, programs, and prizes. Events for children include arts and crafts, magic and puppet shows, author and storyteller visits, and musical programs. All activities free. www.aadl.org

Related Topics:

• Ann Arbor District Library

Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum

More than 250 interactive science and technology exhibits, including a light and optics gallery, a full-size ambulance, and the Measure Up health station. Sciencepalooza demonstrations first weekend each month, and other Super Science demos other weekends. New and traveling exhibitions, preschool gallery, weekend and summer classes, birthday parties, camp-ins, outreach programs, distance learning, and volunteer opportunities. Mon.–Sat. 10 a.m.–5 p.m., Sun. noon–5 p.m. Closed major holidays. Admission $8. Children under age 2 free. Discount for scheduled groups of 20 or more. Memberships available. museum@aahom.org, www.aahom.org

Ann Arbor Music Center & Rock Band School

Private lessons in guitar, bass, drums, voice, piano, harmonica, saxophone, ukulele, and more. Rock, blues, and jazz band classes for kids. Rock music summer camps. All ages and skill levels. Classes 7 days a week year round. Instrument repairs. a2music@yahoo.com, www.rockbandschool.com

Rec & Ed (Ann Arbor Public Schools Department of Community Education and Recreation)

Classes and sports leagues for preschool through high school offered year round, including art, dance, foreign languages, gymnastics, martial arts, and music; see also under Youth Sports, below. Summer camps include Green Adventures, literature, sports, cultural arts, and teen programs. Call to receive youth sports mailings, scholarship information, or quarterly catalogs. www.aareced.com

Related Topics:

• General Programs

Ann Arbor School for the Performing Arts

Classes for children age 18 months & over: Kindermusik, group classes in piano and violin, and early childhood arts. Jazz ensemble program for players of all levels. Chamber music groups for string, woodwind, or brass players; normally for ages 10 & over. Orchestral ensembles include debut, junior, sterling string, and youth symphony orchestras (grades 1–9). Michigan Children of SCORE (String, Choral, Orff, Recorder Ensemble) for ages 9–12. Fifteen-week semesters for classes and ensembles begin in Sept. & Jan. Summer sessions and camp. Private instruction anytime for all ages in piano, voice, woodwinds, strings, brass, percussion, organ, and guitar. info@aa-spa.org, www.aa-spa.org

Ann Arbor Suzuki Institute of Music

Organization of Suzuki teachers provides individual and group instruction for preschoolers to teens in violin, viola, cello, guitar, flute, piano, and string bass. marylou@annarborsuzuki.org, www.annarborsuzuki.org

Ann Arbor Young Actors Guild

Theater opportunities for beginning to experienced actors age 8 through college with professional directors and teachers. Five full productions per year; no-exclusion auditions (everyone is cast). Lights Up company for high school and college actors offers meetings, workshops and performances. Two-week summer camp at the U-M Student Theater Arts Complex. info@aayag.org, www.aayag.org

Ann Arbor Youth Chorale

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, www.annarboryouthchorale.org

Ann Hua Chinese School

Classes in Chinese language and culture for ages 5–18. Chinese as second language classes for preschool–grade 2. Some parent-child classes. Meets Sun. 9 a.m.–5 p.m. at U-M Dow Bldg., first floor (2300 Hayward, North Campus). Class schedule follows AAPS calendar. Summer camp for ages 7–12. Open to all. Call for tuition rates. team2008@annhua.org, www.annhua.org

Boy Scouts of America Great Sauk Trail Council

Indoor and outdoor activities for Cub Scouts (grades 1–5) and leadership activities for Boy Scouts (grades 6–12). Call or email for a referral to a troop in your area. join@gstcbsa.org, www.gstcbsa.org

Boychoir of Ann Arbor

Choral performance, vocal training, and music education for boys ages 8–18. Two choirs perform classical, sacred, and secular music in local concerts (Christmas concerts especially popular) and regionally at public events, weddings, and private functions. Auditions by appointment year round. office@aaboychoir.org, www.aaboychoir.org

Bryant Community Center (Community Action Network)

Supervised after-school educational and recreational programs for grades K–12. Eight-week summer day camp for ages 5–12 features swimming, reading, activities with dogs, art, games, and field trips. Summer camps and service projects for ages 13–17. Call for fee and schedule information; scholarships available. www.canannarbor.com

Related Topics:

• General Programs

Buhr Park Children's Wet Meadow Project

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, www.wetmeadow.org

Cellochan

Support for students learning the cello. Offers private lessons, a wide range of optional performance opportunities, a family dessert concert, and an annual guest artist master class and a retreat camp for ages 12–adult. cellochan3b@gmail.com, www.cellochan.com

Community Leaning Post

U-M and EMU student volunteers tutor elementary, middle, and high schoolers Mon., Tues., and Thurs. 4:30–6:30 p.m. Programs include family mentorship, substance abuse prevention, community garden, summer youth employment, and Granny, Gramps, & Me. All programs free (donations welcome). clpfestival@gmail.com, www.communityleaningpost1.org

Dance studios

Many private studios offer dance instruction. See the Yellow Pages for listings.

Domino's Petting Farm

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 $5, children ages 2–12 & senior citizens, $4.50, children under age 2 free. Hayrides included. Open year round. Pony rides on weekends, Apr.–Oct.. Birthday parties and picnics: call for group rates. info@pettingfarm.com, www.pettingfarm.com

Gallup Park River Kids

Exploratory program for ages 2–4 (with caregiver) using kayaks, paddleboats, and canoes, plus fishing. River Tot Stroll offered for ages newborn-2. Call for dates and times; $40–$64/per child per month.

Girl Scouts Heart of Michigan

Five age divisions for girls ages 5–18. Activities include camping, leadership exploration, and service projects. Call to volunteer, join, or start a troop. council@gshom.org, www.gshom.org

Jewish Community Center

After-school child care and enrichment classes in music, art, and sports for grades K–5 during the school year. Day programs during school breaks and snow days for grades K-5. Camp Raanana summer day camp for grades K–8 and Camp Keshet summer camp for ages 2 1/2–5. Monthly Kids' Night Out (grades K-5) and B'nai B'rith Youth Organization/Teen Connection programs (grades 6–8); periodic Sat. Teen Game Nights (grade 6 and over). deborahhuerta@jccfed.org, www.jccannarbor.org

Related Topics:

• General Programs

Jump City

For $6.50, kids age 2 & over can bounce on giant inflatable toys. Drop-in playtimes Tues. & Fri. 10–11:30 a.m., 1–2:30 p.m. Call for extended hours during school holidays. Monthly Family Fun Nights first Fri. 6:30–8:30 p.m. Socks and waivers required. Available for parties. info@jump-city.com, www.jump-city.com

Kindermusik

Music and movement classes for parents and their children ages newborn–7 years. Several instructors in the Ann Arbor area; local class locator at www.kindermusik.com

Korean School of Ann Arbor

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, www.koreanschoolaa.org

Leslie Science & Nature Center

Natural science and environmental education for youth and families. The center comprises the Nature House, the Critter House, Resident Raptors, and the Leslie farmhouse, all on 50 acres of fields, woods, prairies, and ponds. Outdoor, hands-on, and discovery-based programs for groups; birthday parties, weekend events, and festivals. Nature day camps during the summer and school breaks. Hikes on the property are encouraged. Building can be rented. Call for fees and program schedules. info@lesliesnc.org, www.lesliesnc.org

MPulse Ann Arbor

U-M faculty and alumni teach this summer performing arts program for students who have completed grades 9–12 interested in music technology, theater, dance and performance (double reeds, flute, saxophone, voice). Theater & drama Academy open to those entering grades 10-12. Musical theater workshop open to those entering grade 11. Check website for fees; scholarships available. mpulse@umich.edu, www.music.umich.edu/mpulse

MSU Extension Washtenaw County

4-H youth programs for ages 5–19 (on Jan. 1 of current program year) cover many special interests, including animal care, arts, crafts, gardening, horses, nutrition, natural resources, and leadership. 4-H Youth Show, usually in July, offers animal judging contests, prizes, and many other activities. Also, outreach programs for at-risk youth. $10 yearly participation fee; some costs for activities. fischerc@ewashtenaw.org, www.ewashtenaw.org/government/departments (click on MSU Extension, then 4-H Youth Development)

Music Together

Music Together. At Mind, Body + Spirit Academe, 1785 W. Stadium. Music and movement classes for newborns to kindergarteners and their parents or caretakers. Classes also include singing, rhythmic rhymes, and instrument play. www.robinsongsforkids.com

Neutral Zone

Youth-driven teen center dedicated to promoting personal growth. Programs in arts and culture, music and technology, literary and performance arts, and community leadership. Drop-in activities include tutoring, pool, Ping-Pong, computer lab, DVD graphics lab, recording studio, video games, big-screen TV. Live music performances, DJ parties, poetry slams, and movie nights (sometimes a cover charge). Membership free; program fees vary (scholarships available). Mon.–Thurs. 2:30–8 p.m., Fri. 2:30–6 p.m. (later for occasional special events), Sat. 7 p.m.–midnight. info@neutral-zone.org, www.neutral-zone.org

Northside Community Center (Community Action Network)

Offers a four-week summer camp for elementary-age children, community movie nights for all ages, and other programs. Check the website for upcoming events, fees, and schedule information; scholarships available. www.canannarbor.org.

Peace Neighborhood Center

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. Comprehensive information and referral service. All activities free, except $25/child for summer camp; new registrations $50. info@peaceneighborhoodcenter.org, www.peaceneighborhoodcenter.org

Scrap Box

Children preschool age & older can browse through a warehouse of surplus stuff, filling a bag ($4/small or $6.50/large) with junk and scrap materials to use in craft projects. Birthday parties and field trips by appointment. Tues.–Fri. 10 a.m.–6 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Call for holiday hours. www.scrapbox.org

Talking Colors Art Studio

Art classes for children of all ages at Rudolf Steiner High School, 2230 Pontiac Tr. Summer, homeschool, after-school, school-break, and vacation programs, plus birthday parties and portfolio preparation for art schools. Call for prices. ask@talkingcolors.com, www.talkingcolors.com

U-M Exhibit Museum of Natural History

Guided and unguided tours for school groups, outreach programs, planetarium shows, birthday parties for children, educational programs for families and adults. Free admission; donations welcome. See also listing in the Libraries, Museums, & Galleries section of this guide. Mon.–Sat. 9 a.m.–5 p.m., Sun. noon–5 p.m. dmadaj@umich.edu, www.lsa.umich.edu/exhibitmuseum

U-M Matthaei Botanical Gardens & Nichols Arboretum

Matthaei (1800 N. Dixboro) offers self-guided or docent-led tours and daytime and evening classes for adults and children of all ages. The Arb (1610 Washington Hts.) offers a family program plus scout and school activities. www.mbgna.umich.edu

U-M School of Music, Theatre & Dance Music Instructors

Free referrals to music graduate students, alumni, and faculty who give lessons in voice and instruments. Cost of lessons varies. mfitzpa@umich.edu

U-M Youth Ensembles

Michigan high school students (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 school faculty. Auditions Apr. & Sept. Weekly rehearsals Sun. afternoons. Concerts in Nov. & Mar. For fees, visit website, send email, or call. michyouthensembles@umich.edu, www.music.umich.edu (click on Special Programs, then on Youth Programs)

YMCA

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 program, summer camps, dance, swimming, martial arts, and fencing. Financial assistance available. Program details, rates, and registration online. www.annarborymca.org.

Related Topics:

• General Programs & Facilities
• General Programs
• Ann Arbor YMCA Child Care Center

Young People's Theater

Theater, voice, and dance workshops and classes for ages 4–high school, theater productions for ages 6–high school, and summer theater camps for ages 5–high school. youngpeoplestheater@gmail.com, www.youngpeoplestheater.com

Yourist Studio Gallery

Working studio offers classes for students ages 8–11 at all levels, plus workshops, a work space for ceramic artists, a gallery of finished works, and monthly video screenings (first Sun. 4 p.m.). kay@youristpottery.com, www.youristpottery.com

Zap Zone

Laser tag and arcade. Birthday and group parties. Mon.–Thurs. 4–10 p.m., Fri. 3 p.m.–midnight, Sat. 10 a.m.–midnight, Sun. noon–9 p.m. www.zap-zone.com

826michigan

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, www.826michigan.org