Any parent who has researched summer camps and activities knows it can be an expensive endeavor. That’s especially true if you need full-time care during the summer, but even a one-day or week-long camp session here and there can really add up. Fortunately, there are some free summer programs for kids available in metro Detroit for parents to consider.
If none of these activities work for you, keep in mind that some summer programs offer financial aid to help make camp more affordable for families who need assistance. Plan ahead for next year since you may need to apply well in advance.
Know of another free summer activity for kids? Tell us about it in the comments!
1. Summer Camps at Bass Pro Shops
- Address: Great Lakes Crossing Outlets, 4500 Baldwin Road, Auburn Hills
- Phone: 248-209-4200
A free Family Summer Camp is offered noon-3 p.m. every Thursday, Saturday and Sunday, June 22-July 21, 2019. Activities include workshops on archery, fishing, bird watching, kayaking, backyard adventures, canoeing and more. A catch-and-release pond, crafts and free food sampling are also offered.
2. Home Depot Kids Workshops
- Address: Locations across metro Detroit
- Phone: 800-466-3337
Home Depot locations in the area offer free workshops for kids on Saturdays throughout 2019. Workshops are designed for children ages 5-12 and include projects like a how to a fishing game.
3. Green Box Playground Program for Wyandotte Residents
- Address: Various park locations in Wyandotte
- Phone: 734-324-7295
This free program invites kids to have fun at local parks 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday-Thursday June 24-July 25 (except July 4), 2019, with the supervision of high school students who lead children in crafts and games like Simon Says. Participants also receive a free bagged lunch. The come-and-go program is geared at children ages 4-13 and is for Wyandotte resident children only.
4. Camp Africa at the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History
- Address: 315 E. Warren Ave., Detroit
- Phone: 313-494-5800
Camp Africa is a free, one-week summer camp experience for children ages 7-12 exploring STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art and math) activities. Call for specific details.
5. Metro Parent and Michigan Science Center’s Virtual Summer Camp
- Address: Online
- Phone: 248-398-3400
Metro Parent and the Michigan Science Center have teamed up once again to bring your child free science fun all summer long! Visit every Sunday starting July 7 for free DIY projects, science experiments, quizzes and more for you and your child to try this summer. Best of all, one lucky kid that participates will win $1,000 for his or her college education.
6. Accelerate4Kids Summer of Tech Camp
- Address: Ford Resource and Engagement Center West, 2826 Bagley Street, Detroit
- Phone: 313-757-0124
This summer camp for grades 3-8 gives kids the opportunity to explore computer science and game design. The program is Monday-Friday Aug.19-30.
This post was originally published in 2015 and is updated regularly.
