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If you're looking for camp options for your child this summer, there are tons of great places right in Detroit where kids of all ages can learn, play and interact with their peers. Below, we've got a few awesome spots worth checking out. So whether your kid likes science or sports, there's something for him or her!
Boll Family YMCA Summer Day Camps
- Address: 1401 Broadway St., Detroit
- Phone: 313-309-9622
Camps run June 9-Aug. 29. Weekly themes include arts, animals, water, science, healthy living, being green and more. Swim lessons are also offered with each week of camp. Discovery Camp for ages 3-5, Adventure Camp for ages 7-8, Challenger Camp for ages 9-10, Leaders Camp for ages 11-12, Teen Camp for ages 13-15 – all run 9 a.m.-4 p.m. June 9-Aug. 30; half-day option is available for Discovery Camp. Before- and after-care is free of charge for day camps. Members: $100/week (two days), $150/week (three days); Nonmembers: $120/week (two days), $160/week (three days).
DAPCEP (Detroit Area Prep College Engineering Program)
- Address: 2111 Woodward Ave., Suite 506-1, Detroit
- Phone: 313-831-3050
Summer enrollment is currently in place for students in grades 3-12. Commuter summer camp locations: Lawrence Technological University, Oakland University, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor (Ford Resource and Engagement Center), University of Detroit Mercy and Wayne State University from approximately 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Residential summer camp locations: Michigan State University, Michigan Technological University and the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor. Some camps are free, others average $200 to $495 for a two-week program. Before- and after-program care service is not available.
Michigan Science Center
- Address: 5020 John R St., Detroit
- Phone: 313-577-8400, option 5
Offers a variety of programs throughout the year. This summer, kids can enjoy the Ask the Expert series to learn more about a variety of science topics from local experts; it's held 1-2 p.m. the last Saturday of the month (free with admission: $13/adults, $10/children). On the first Wednesday of each month, enjoy Homeschool HIP Days, which are thematic and cover grades 1-12 in specialized units ($10/nonmembers, $5/members). Summer camps run 9 a.m.-4 p.m. June 16-Aug. 22 for Pre-K-grade 8 and are $200/week members and $225/week nonmembers; before- and after-care is available for an additional fee. Also, get hands-on with science as educators conduct Kids Lab experiments, microscopic exploration and other demonstrations every Saturday and Sunday throughout the day in the science center's Centennial and Cell labs (free with admission).
MSU Community Music School-Detroit
- Address: 3408 Woodward Ave., Detroit
- Phone: 313-578-9716
The Aspiring Musicians Program (AMP) Camp is for kids ages 9-17 who have been playing an instrument – such as the flute, clarinet, oboe, guitar or trumpet – for at least one year. Held 9 a.m.-3 p.m. June 23-27. $200/tuition (includes lunch); financial aid is available on a limited basis.
Pewabic Pottery
- Address: 10125 E. Jefferson Ave., Detroit
- Phone: 313-626-2000
Offers Passport to Pottery summer camps for ages 6-12, which introduce kids to different cultures through creating clay objects. Weekly sessions run June 16-Aug. 1. Teen Wheel Throwing Camp is also available for ages 12-17 to teach teens the basics of pottery and glazing techniques. Choose from morning camp at 9 a.m.-noon, afternoon camp at 1-4 p.m. or full-day camp 9 a.m.-4 p.m. $160/half day (full week), $300/full day (full week).
The Carr Center Jazz Academy Summer Day Camp
- Address: 311 E. Grand River Ave., Detroit
- Phone: 313-965-8430
Offered through the MSU Community Music School-Detroit for age 8-12, these classes, which are sponsored by the Arts League of Michigan, take place at the The Carr Center 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday-Friday, June 23-July 18. Instruments include drum set, saxophones, trumpets, trombones, upright bass, piano, percussion, guitar and bass guitar. $100/week.
The Greening of Detroit: Our LAND, Camp Greening
- Address: Parks throughout the city of Detroit
- Phone: 313-237-8733
LAND is a school-based program offering environmental education and field trips to Detroit fifth grade classes. Camp Greening is a half-day environmental summer camp activity for day care centers, summer school programs and recreation centers in Detroit. Contact for prices.
The Detroit Institute for Children
- Address: 5447 Woodward Ave., Detroit
- Phone: 313-833-4005, ext. 512
Motor Mouths (for ages 3-5) teaches children how to properly use language through fun and therapeutic activities. Social Butterflies (ages 4-7) explores sensory motor and social skills including making friends, manners, sharing and turn taking. Spinning Wheels for ages 6-plus focuses on strengthening core muscles, improving balance, learning to get on and off the bike, stopping and pedaling. Parents need to attend and bring a child's bike to class. Kids Club for ages 8-12 explore topics of understanding value in social skills including making friends, developing conversational skills, learning to recognize and manage anxiety. There's also a Music Time Parent/Toddler class for ages 2-4, which promotes motor skill improvements through music and movement activities.
