With the warmer months upon us, parents may be searching for ways to keep their children engaged until back to school season. Although summer is the ideal time for rejuvenation, family time, and fun in the sun, it is also a great opportunity to keep kids actively learning.
We have collected several innovative ideas that can support learning and growth over summer break.
Sign your child up for the Ann Arbor District Library (AADL) Summer Reading Game
Since 2011, AADL has hosted the summer reading game to inspire kids’ excitement for reading. Reading 10 books will unlock the chance to earn points and prizes, including a free book and a $1 off coupon at the Friends of the AADL store. The challenge is also open to teens and adults.
Check out Ann Arbor YMCA Camps and Programs
Ann Arbor YMCA has several camp options for kids ages 5-14 to support their growth, learning, wellness and creativity. Check out Camp Treetown, Camp Greenhills, Camp New Heights, Camp Birkett Outdoor Center and Camp AGQ to learn more.
RELATED: Riverside Art Center’s Art Explorers Summer Camp Offers Single-Day Drop-In and Full Week Experiences
Enroll your child in Ann Arbor Hands On Museum & Leslie Science & Nature Center Camps
The Ann Arbor Hands on Museum & Leslie Science & Nature Center offers a variety of programs for kids from pre-school through high school. The Unity in Learning summer camp programs are open to kids Pre-K through 5th grade at Leslie Science & Nature Center or Kindergarten to 8th Grade at the Ann Arbor Hands on Museum. Camps will introduce students to science, math and technology or nature and animal encounters.
Explore the Garden & Nature Programs at Matthaei Botanical Gardens & Nichols Arboretum:
The Matthaei Botanical Gardens & Nichols Arboretum offers a host of summer programs to immerse kids in nature play, and learn more about their environment. A few upcoming kid-friendly experiences include Nature Play Pop-Ups at the Gaffield Children’s Garden, special Snake Week Live Encounters and Exploration with the Museum of Zoology and Things with Wings. See the full schedule of events here.
Check Out New Exhibits at the Museum of Natural History
The Museum of Natural History features several changing and featured exhibits throughout the summer to appeal to kids’ interests: Visions of the PostNatural, Unseen Worlds, Evolution, Exploring Michigan and Under the Microscope. Camp Explorations is also a hands-on science-based program that runs from June 12-August 15 for kids entering 1st-5th grade. Little Explorers sessions are designed for kids entering Y5s or Kindergarten.
Sign up for a Summer Reading Club at a Local Bookstore
Does your kiddo love to read? Several local bookstores offer summer reading clubs to help encourage your young reader to complete their reading lists over the summer. A few local options include the Literati Bookstore Summer Reading Program and the Schuler Books Summer Reading Club.
Check Out Exhibits and Programs at the Kelsey Museum of Archaeology
The Kelsey Museum of Archaeology offers a range of cool exhibits for young explorers to learn about prehistoric and historic societies, excavation and artifact preservation. Crossroads of Culture is an upcoming special exhibition. Incoming 5th-7th graders can also check out Camp Kelsey: From Mythmaking to Excavating for an exciting experience. Contact the museum for more information.
