Kids work hard and play hard at school, but that doesn’t mean that enrichment has to end when the bell rings. Washtenaw County is filled with amazing opportunities to educate and entertain kids after school. Performing arts, outdoor exploration, athletics and more are all available in this guide!
Ann Arbor YMCA
The Ann Arbor YMCA Child Development Center provides daily after school care for school age children in kindergarten through fourth grade. The program includes homework help, healthy snacks and physical and outdoor activities designed by the caring staff to keep kids happy and healthy. Likewise, the Ann Arbor YMCA also provides after school care for students enrolled in Ypsilanti Community Schools at Ypsilanti International Elementary School. Both programs run from the time school gets out until 6 p.m.
For more information on the Ann Arbor YMCA Child Development Center’s program, contact Kirsten Cunningham at kcunningham@annarborymca.org or Amanda Hutcheon at ahutcheon@annarborymca.org. Financial assistance is available.
For more information on the Ypsilanti International Elementary School YMCA after school program, contact Taylor Gevaert at tgevaert@annarborymca.org or Andrew Ball at aball@annarborymca.org. Financial Assistance is available.
400 W. Washington St., Ann Arbor. 734-996-9622.
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Champion Gymnastics
Check this one out, Summer Olympics fans! Champion Gymnastics owner Launie Aben is passionate about inspiring kids and coaching the sport of gymnastics. From the time that her oldest daughter was 4-years-old to today, over 20 years later, Aben has used her love of gymnastics to empower and educate student athletes. This fall, her gym is offering a variety of programs for girls and boys, ages 18 months to 18 years, such as Ninja Zone, multilevel gymnastics classes, tumbling classes and more!
2362 Bishop Circle E., Dexter. 734-222-1810.
Randazzo Dance
For more than 80 years, Randazzo Dance Studio has provided dance students educational and joyful opportunities to grow their skills and achieve their goals, including in fostering professional dancers. Their mission has always been to provide students with a positive dance experience. This fall, Randazzo Dance will offer classes for students in tap, jazz, ballet, hip hop, modern dance and more! See their website for the full schedule of Fall/Winter 2024 class offerings to find the perfect selection for your child’s dancing shoes.
4569 Washtenaw Ave., Ann Arbor. 734-477-9350.
Community Education & Recreation (Rec & Ed)
Find the right fit for your child in one of the main fun, educational Rec & Ed after school classes available this fall! Their classes are for children in grades Young 5’s–5th and are held in each Ann Arbor Public Schools (AAPS) elementary building. The vast array of course options provide students with the opportunity to dive into the things that make them curious, all while expanding their abilities and improving their social skills in a casual, safe environment. With classes like Power of Drawing, Alebrijes Art Adventure, Fencing, Breakdance, and more, there is something for every child in Rec & Ed.
1515 S. 7th St., Ann Arbor. 734-994-2300.
Gretchen’s House Child Care Center
One of the most renowned child care options in the area, Gretchen’s House offers after school programming for students in Young 5’s-5th grade across four Ann Arbor locations that serve students from different elementary schools. Students enrolled in after school care at Gretchen’s House will get outside every day, have a snack, have choice time and engage in group activities designed with curriculum to support social-emotional learning in mind. On no-school days, students even have the opportunity to go on field trips to local attractions.
4531 Concourse Dr. 734-761-2576.
Professional Youth Theatre of Michigan
Calling all theater kids! If your child is between the ages of kindergarten and 12th grade, the Professional Youth Theatre of Michigan in Ypsilanti just might be the after school activity for them! Information on fall classes is still forthcoming, but keep an eye out on their website for more information. Additionally, students can get ready for their audition for Elf The Musical, Jr. by picking a one-minute portion of a musical theater song to perform as part of the process (along with a cold reading to be given in the audition itself) on October 4 and 5.
328 Harriet St. 734-660-2966.
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