Activities for Kids

Ann Arbor Area Piano Teachers

(734) 834–6236
New members welcome. Regular events include professional development workshops, student recitals, master classes, performer’s group, student evaluation programs, and networking. Comprehensive Find-a-Teacher online directory connects teachers to new students. Subchapter of Music Teachers National Association. a2pianoteachers.com

Ann Arbor Art Center (A2AC)

117 W. Liberty • (734) 994–8004
Art classes for all ages, rotating exhibitions, and events. Painting, mixed media, jewelry, ceramics, Art Lab (where traditional art meets technology), kids day camps during Ann Arbor Public School breaks, art parties, and events throughout the year. Mon.–Fri. 10 a.m.–7 p.m., Sat. 11 a.m.–6 p.m. p.m., Sun. 11 a.m.–4 p.m. [email protected], annarborartcenter.org V

Ann Arbor District Library

(734) 327–4200 • Downtown library, 343 S. Fifth Ave. • Malletts Creek branch, 3090 E. Eisenhower • Pittsfield branch, 2359 Oak Valley • Traverwood branch, 3333 Traverwood • Westgate branch, 2503 Jackson Ave.
Events, books, movies, musical instruments, science tools, board games, art prints, and more for kids and families year-round at 5 library locations. Preschool storytimes (children age 2+ accompanied by caregivers) and baby playgroups (children under age 2 accompanied by caregivers). The Summer Game offers a classic summer reading game, plus puzzles, programs, codes, and prizes. Free library events include arts & crafts activities, film screenings, author & storyteller visits, and musical programs. [email protected], aadl.org V

Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum

220 E. Ann • (734) 995–5439
Works to inspire curiosity, exploration, and respect for STEM and the natural world with more than 250 interactive exhibits and preschool, family, and adult programming. Attracts more than 300,000 visitors annually, and with Leslie Science & Nature Center offers field trip and outreach programming for schools, libraries, and communities statewide and around the world. Check website for current hours and details regarding memberships, scholarships, and EBT/WIC/SNAP pricing. [email protected], discoverscienceandnature.org V

Ann Arbor Music School

1806 Dexter Rd. • (213) 948–8007
Private lessons in guitar, bass, mandolin, ukulele, and songwriting/production. Lessons 7 days/week for age 6+. Band mentoring/coaching through the process of playing together, writing songs, booking shows, and recording. [email protected], a2musicschool.com

Ann Arbor Saline Music Center

135 E. Bennett, Saline • (734) 883–4751
Since 1998. Private lessons in guitar, bass (electric & upright), drums, voice, piano, banjo, trumpet, trombone, mandolin, ukulele, and violin. Rock and jazz band classes for age 7–adult. Workshops, clinics, summer camps, custom-made guitars, and guitar repairs. All skill levels welcome. Closed Fri. [email protected], a2musiccenter.com

Ann Arbor Youth Chorale

1100 N. Main, ste. 111 (NEW Center) • (734) 996–4404
Since 1987. Two auditioned ensembles (Descant Choir and Concert Choir) for children and youth ages 9–18 with unchanged treble voices. Both choirs rehearse Tues. evenings, Sept.–May, perform annual winter & spring concerts, and travel locally. Concert Choir tours nationally every other year. To request an audition, visit the website and click the Audition Information tab. [email protected], a2yc.org V

Ann-Hua Chinese School

3250 Plymouth Rd., ste. 203 • (734) 780–7081
A WASC-accredited bilingual supplementary education program that offers Chinese language and cultural classes plus other enrichment classes in math, science, and English language arts for grades preK–12 and adults. In-person classes meet Mon.–Fri. 4:30–9 p.m., Sat. & Sun. 9 a.m.–6 p.m. Online/hybrid classes available for remote learners. Follows AAPS calendar. Summer culture camp and summer school enrichment classes. Chinese New Year celebration, Moon Festival celebration, youth talent show, college forum, and student volunteering opportunities for all ages. Online registration for fall, winter, & spring available in Aug. Summer program registration available in May. [email protected], [email protected], annhua.org V

Art Corner Studio

2739 Plymouth Rd., ste. A • (734) 358–9724
Fine art studio with focus on painting and drawing, as well as courses in other media including sculpture and digital art. Summer camp. Mentors young artists with art school applications and career guidance. Private art lessons tailored to various needs, including special needs. Hosts company art events and birthday parties. artcornerstudio.com

Boychoir of Ann Arbor

1100 N. Main (NEW Center) • (734) 663–5377
Nonprofit community choir offering experience and performance opportunities for boys ages 8–18. Three choirs perform classical, sacred, secular, and contemporary music in local concerts and for area community organizations, events, and private functions. Occasional travel to choral festivals. Day camp in June. Open auditions year-round by appointment. No experience required. [email protected], aaboychoir.org

Bryant Community Center (Community Action Network)

3 W. Eden • (734) 477–0292
Supervised after-school educational and recreational programs for grades K–12. Six-week summer day camp for grades K–5 features swimming, reading, activities with dogs, art, games, and field trips. Call for fees, schedule, and eligibility requirement information for Bryant residents. Scholarships available. Similar programs available for residents of Hikone, Green Baxter, Creekside Court, and Arrowwood Hills. canwashtenaw.org/education V

Buhr Park Children’s Wet Meadow Project

2751 Packard • (734) 794–6230
Children, neighbors, and friends helped create and continue to care for this educational site and ecosystem. Features throughout the park act as filters for stormwater runoff and support a diverse habitat of plants, insects, and animals. Workdays and projects open to all ages. wetmeadow.org V

Gallup Park River Kids

3000 Fuller • (734) 794–6240
Exploratory program for ages 2–7 (with caregiver) using kayaks, canoes, or paddleboats on Gallup Pond, plus fishing, stories, art, and play. Each session is once per week for four weeks. Preregistration required. $70 per child Ann Arbor residents; $84 nonresidents; siblings half price. a2gov.org (search for River Camps)

iD Tech Camps

(888) 709–8324
STEM program for ages 7–18. Code, design video games, mod Minecraft, create with Roblox, engineer robots, print 3D characters, and work with AI and machine learning. idtech.com

Leslie Science & Nature Center

1831 Traver • (734) 997–1553
With trails, nature playscape, live animals, and programming, the LSNC works to inspire curiosity, exploration, and respect for STEM and the natural world. Together with the Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum, offers field trip and outreach programming for schools, libraries, and communities statewide and around the world in addition to preschool, family, and adult programming. Check website for current hours and memberships, scholarships, and EBT/WIC/SNAP pricing. [email protected], discoverscienceandnature.org V

Little Bands

2145 Independence (Church of the Good Shepherd; no affiliation) • (734) 627–7107
Students age 4–adult join a band, learn songs on vocals and four instruments (piano, guitar, bass, drums), improvise, and compose. Private lessons and summer camps available. Moving to a new location in fall 2024. littlebandsmusic.com

MPulse Summer Performing Arts Institute

2005 Baits (Stearns Bldg., U-M School of Music, Theatre & Dance) • (734) 936–2660
A collection of residential summer programs that engage over 200 pre-college and adult students pursuing excellence in music performance, theater, music technology, dance, and musical theater. Some financial assistance available. [email protected], smtd.umich.edu/mpulse

Music For Little Folks

(734) 741–1510
Gari Stein, founder & director. Community music school based in traditional folk music for children from infancy–age 5 and their grown-ups. Classes include Sing With Me (music, movement, instrument, & art exploration), mixed-age class Wed. in studio, Nurturing Baby and You for babies to pre-walkers, and Sing, Dance, Play for babies–age 5. Outdoor and virtual Music Playgroup through Ann Arbor YMCA. Ann Arbor Symphony KinderConcerts at area libraries. [email protected], little-folks-music.com

Neutral Zone

310 E. Washington • (734) 214–9995
Youth-driven teen center for grades 9–12 offering programs in the visual arts, music technology, community leadership, education, and literary arts. Drop-in activities include tutoring, pool, ping-pong, art studio, computer lab, and a recording studio. Weekend events (sometimes a cover charge) include live music performances, DJ parties, movie nights, and poetry slams. Drop-in activities and tutoring are free. Hours during the school year: Mon.–Thurs. 2:30–6:30 p.m. & Fri. 2:30–6 p.m. with special events on Sat. & Sun. [email protected], neutral-zone.org V

Oz’s Music

1920 Packard • (734) 662–8283
Full-service instrument store offering sales, repairs, rentals, and in-person/online music lessons, including voice, theory, composition, and a variety of instruments. Half- and full-day summer camps including Meet the Instruments (ages 6–12) and Rock Band (ages 8–12). Know Obstacles is a year-round interactive therapeutic program for children and adults with special needs. [email protected], ozmusic.com

The Petting Farm

3001 Earhart (near Domino’s Farms Office Park) • (734) 998–0182
Since 1984. Ponies, alpacas, llamas, goats, pigs, sheep, chickens, peacocks, cows, bunnies, and donkeys. Hayrides are available most weekends. Playground, Maggie the Milking Cow demonstrator statue, birthday party packages, and private events. Adults & children ; seniors (60+) .50; children 23 months and younger free; families . Open year-round; hours vary seasonally. Discounts for military, first responders, and parties of 15+. [email protected], pettingfarm.com V, S

Robinsongs for Kids

1526 N. Maple • (734) 929–2133
Music Together music and movement program for young children and their parents/caretakers. Classes come with songbook/CD and include singing, movement, rhythmic rhymes, and instrument play. Mixed Age (age 5 & under), Rhythm Kids (ages 4–8 for music, movement, and drumming), and Babies (8 months & under) classes in Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti. [email protected], robinsongsforkids.com

School of Rock

6101 Jackson Rd. • (734) 686–3333
One-on-one guitar, bass, drum, singing, and keyboard/piano lessons combined with group band rehearsals. Courses include performance, songwriting, and Rock 101, where students learn simplified versions of classic rock songs; House Band music program lets students under 18 join a gigging band. Mon., Tues., & Thurs. 2–9 p.m., Wed. 2–10 p.m., Fri. 3–8 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.–3 p.m. [email protected], schoolofrock.com/locations/annarbor

Scrap Creative Reuse

4567 Washtenaw Ave. • (734) 800–4137
Nonprofit organization whose mission is to inspire creative reuse and environmentally sustainable behavior by providing educational programs and affordable materials to the community. Donated surplus materials spark kids’ imagination for crafting, building, or projects. Tues.–Sat. 10 a.m.–7 p.m., Sun. noon–5 p.m. annarbor.scrapcreativereuse.org V

U-M Michigan Youth Ensembles

2005 Baits (Stearns Bldg., U-M School of Music, Theatre & Dance) • (734) 936–2660
Brings together middle and high school students, selected by audition, for weekly rehearsals at the U-M School of Music, Theatre & Dance. Students engage in a stimulating musical environment, learning directly from U-M conductors, applied faculty, and graduate students, and perform in U-M concert venues. Ensembles include a full symphony orchestra and wind ensemble, jazz ensemble, chamber choir, middle-school string orchestra, trombone and percussion ensembles, and an academic musicianship course. [email protected], smtd.umich.edu/mye

U-M Museum of Natural History

1105 North University • (734) 764–0478
The U-M Museum of Natural History includes exhibits that explore the natural world from molecules to dinosaurs, a planetarium, public labs, and opportunities to meet real scientists. Tues.–Sun. 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Daily 10 a.m.–5 p.m. in July & Aug. Free. [email protected], ummnh.org

Voce Velata

Youth-led chamber ensemble that studies and performs the music of BIPOC and female composers. Open to ages 11+; rolling auditions. Learning community and resources for music educators who wish to diversify their curriculum and deepen their social justice practice. vocevelatamusic.org

YMCA

400 W. Washington • (734) 996–9622
Preschool programs for newborns–5 years include parent/tot classes, dance, swimming, Spanish, and gymnastics. Programs for school-age youth include after-school care, summer camp, dance, swimming, gymnastics, soccer, basketball leagues, fitness classes, Youth Volunteer Corps, yoga, and martial arts. Teen programs include after-school care, fitness classes, Youth Volunteer Corps, Youth in Government, summer camp, dance, swimming, basketball, martial arts, yoga, and fencing. Financial assistance available. Program details, rates, and registration online. annarborymca.org V

Young People’s Theater

331 Metty, ste. 3 • (734) 222–4006
Professional-quality theater experiences for grades K–12. Programs include: fall/spring mainstage productions performed at the U-M Power Center and Lydia Mendelssohn Theatre, extensive tech program for working “backstage,” performance arts classes, and summer camps. [email protected], youngpeoplestheater.com V