The holiday season is approaching and this means that many families are looking for the perfect gift for their teen. Many families, however, are shifting from giving physical presents to gifting experiences.
Would your teen like to enjoy a sporting event or theatrical performance? Or would they enjoy learning a new skill such as pottery, baking, or jewelry making? We’ve gathered a list of local experiences to consider for your teen.
Art Classes at Ann Arbor Art Center (A2AC)
A2AC is an inclusive art center that serves the Ann Arbor area. With classes for youth, teens and adults and a variety of classes, there is sure to be a class for your child. A2AC offers classes in drawing, acrylic painting, oil painting, watercolor, pottery/ceramics, jewelry, printmaking, screen printing, textiles, laser cutting, laser engraving, digital art, and graphic design.
117 W. Liberty St., Ann Arbor. 734-994-8004.
Shows at Michigan and State Theaters
Photo provided from Michigan and State Theaters.
The theater offers many exciting experiences, and the Michigan and State Theaters offer a plethora of viewing options. Your teen can enjoy film screenings, concerts, plays, and speakers. You can purchase specific tickets or provide your child a gift card that allows them to choose their favorite event.
603 East Liberty St., Ann Arbor. 734-668-8397.
Pottery Classes at Clay Work Studio
The Clay Work Studio is a teaching studio that welcomes all ages and ability levels to learn the art of pottery. Experienced instructors offer a variety of classes each week, including wheel throwing and hand building. Register your teen for one-time workshop classes or for extended class options.
2763 Plymouth Rd., Ann Arbor. 734-604-7596.
Michigan Football Game Tickets
Excite the football fan in your family with tickets to see the Wolverines take on any number of foes in the 2024 season! Options range from single-game tickets to season passes. Expand on this gift with some University of Michigan merch or even some blue and yellow face paint.
1000 South State St., Ann Arbor. 734-764-0247.
Dance Classes at The Studio Centre
Your teens can learn a new skill (or polish existing skills) at one of the many dance classes offered at The Studio Centre (or TSC). Owned by a professional dancer, TSC offers classes in many styles of dance such as tap, ballet, jazz, hip hop and contemporary for ages 3 and up.
4625 Platt Ln., Ann Arbor. 734-929-2671.
Pilates Classes at Club Pilates
Getting active is a popular New Year’s resolution, and Club Pilates can help your teen keep that resolution! Club Pilates boasts classes appropriate for all ages, activity levels, and health goals. Each class instructor has engaged in over 500 hours of training, so you know your teen is in good hands.
4625 Platt Ln., Ann Arbor. 734-800-2990.
Cooking Classes at Sur La Table
Whether your teen is an experienced chef or has never used the oven, Sur La Table offers a class that fits their ability. Choose from a variety of meals or desserts for your teen, or make it a family day by exploring the “Baking Together” classes. An added bonus is that you can purchase classes both online and in person.
3050 Washtenaw Ave. Suite 109, Ann Arbor. 734-531-0300.
Sports Camps and Classes at the Ann Arbor YMCA
The YMCA is a great place to get your teen moving and learning new skills! According to the website, the YMCA offers a variety of options “from low-impact exercise, stretching and strength training, to indoor cycling, high-intensity exercise, and yoga.” Teens might also enjoy dance classes, fencing, gymnastics, or martial arts classes, all available at the YMCA.
400 West Washington St., Ann Arbor. 734-996-9622.
Baking Classes at Zingerman’s Bakehouse
Zingerman’s is well known for its deliciousness, meaning that your teen will have superb guidance as they learn to bake from the masters. Bake!, Zingerman’s hands-on teaching center, offers both in-person and virtual baking classes. While many of Zingerman’s classes are designed for adults, they have plenty of options for kids and teens as well. These include multi-day camps and private classes.
3711 Plaza Dr., Ann Arbor. 734-761-7255.
Jewelry Making Classes at Maker Works
Give your teen the opportunity to make something beautiful and special through jewelry-making classes at Maker Works. Maker Works takes their craft seriously and will help students safely create lovely designs using fun machines such as the CNC or Fusion 360. Make-N-Take classes allow teens to not only have a great experience but to make a physical gift to keep as well.
3765 Plaza Dr., Ann Arbor. 734-222-4911.
STEM Classes at Future Innovators Academy
From drones to robotics, the Future Innovators Academy offers some of the most exciting science experiences around. Locally and veteran-owned, the academy seeks to expand the boundaries of STEM education to support creativity and a passion for science. Teens and children can engage in classes or camps.
3765 Plaza Dr., Ann Arbor. 207-671-6284.
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