City Guide
Activities for Kids
Abrakadoodle
369–8116
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
665–5346
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
117 W. Liberty [map]994–8004
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
P.O. Box 130733, AA 48113769–9068
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
625 N. Main [map]662–3128
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
343 S. Fifth Ave. [map]327–4200, Youth Department: 327–8301
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
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Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum
220 E. Ann [map]995–5439. Recorded information: 995–5437
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
733 N. Main & 312 S. Ashley [map]665–0375
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)
1530 Eisenhower Pl. [map]994–2300
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
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Ann Arbor School for the Performing Arts
637 S. Main [map]995–4625
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
Mary Lou Roberts, 995–2099
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
P.O. Box 79, Whitmore Lake 48189913–9800
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
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, www.annarboryouthchorale.org
Ann Hua Chinese School
668–7659
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
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 a referral to a troop in your area. join@gstcbsa.org, www.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 (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)
3 W. Eden Ct. [map]994–2722
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
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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, www.wetmeadow.org
Cellochan
Suzanne Smith, 662–2325
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
625 N. Main (Ann Arbor Community Center), Mailing address: P.O. Box 7674, AA 48107 [map]686–7848 Fax: 485–8881
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
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 $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
3000 Fuller Rd [map]662–9319
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
1900 Manchester, P.O. Box 969, AA 48106 [map]971–8800, (800) 497–2688
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
2935 Birch Hollow [map]971–0990
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
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Jump City
2825 Boardwalk [map]995–5055
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
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, www.koreanschoolaa.org
Leslie Science & Nature Center
1831 Traver [map]997–1553
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
1100 Baits (1281 Moore Bldg) [map]936–2660
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
705 N. Zeeb [map]997–1678
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
310 E. Washington [map]214–9995
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)
815 Taylor [map]994–2780
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
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. 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
581 State Cir. [map]994–4420
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
995–5959
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
1109 Geddes [map]764–0478
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
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. 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
936–2213
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
U-M School of Music, Theatre & Dance, 1100 Baits763–1279
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
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 program, summer camps, dance, swimming, martial arts, and fencing. Financial assistance available. Program details, rates, and registration online. www.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 6–high school, and summer theater camps for ages 5–high school. youngpeoplestheater@gmail.com, www.youngpeoplestheater.com
Yourist Studio Gallery
1133 Broadway [map]662–4914
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
2809 Boardwalk [map]930–6670
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
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, www.826michigan.org
