Activities for Kids

Ann Arbor Area Piano Teachers

(734) 834–6236
Piano lessons by professional teachers. Comprehensive Find-a-Teacher online directory connects students with available teachers. Opportunities for students include recitals, master classes, performer’s group, and evaluation. Subchapter of Music Teachers National Association. [email protected], a2pianoteachers.com

Ann Arbor Art Center

117 W. Liberty • (734) 994–8004
Art classes for all ages, rotating exhibitions, and events. Painting, mixed-media, jewelry, ceramics, ArtLab (where traditional art meets technology), kids day camps during AAPS breaks, art parties, and events throughout the year. Mon.–Sat. 10 a.m.–7 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m.–5 p.m. [email protected], annarborartcenter.org

Ann Arbor District Library

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. • (734) 327–4200
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

Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum

220 E. Ann • (734) 995–5439
Works to inspire curiosity, exploration, and respect for STEM and the natural world. More than 250 interactive exhibits attract more than 300,000 visitors annually. With Leslie Science & Nature Center, offers field trips, and outreach programming for schools, libraries, and communities statewide and around the world in addition to preschool, family, and adult programming. [email protected], discoverscienceandnature.org

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, and ukulele. Rock and jazz band classes for age 7+. Workshops, clinics, summer camps, custom-made guitars, and guitar repairs. All skill levels welcome. [email protected], a2musiccenter.com

Ann Arbor Suzuki Institute of Music

(734) 272–8973
Shannon Jansma, coordinator. Private instruction in violin, viola, cello, bass, and guitar for age 3+. Early childhood music classes for parents with babies and toddlers. Rooted in the Suzuki method with a focus on community, play, and lifelong learning. Includes regular group lessons, recitals, and group concerts. [email protected], annarborsuzuki.org

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. [email protected], a2yc.org, a2yc.org/auditions

Ann-Hua Chinese School

3250 Plymouth Rd., ste. 203 • (734) 780–7081
A WASC-accredited bilingual supplementary education program that offers online and in-person Chinese language and cultural classes plus summer culture camp and other enrichment classes in math, science, and English language arts for grades preK–12 and adults. [email protected], [email protected], annhua.org

Art Corner Studio

2739 Plymouth Rd., ste. A • (734) 358–9724
Fine art studio offering year-round classes in drawing, painting, sculpture, and digital art (including Photoshop and Blender) for grades K–12. Mentors high schoolers with art school applications and portfolio preparation. Personalized mentorship and dedicated support for students with special needs. Hosts company team-building workshops, summer camp, and birthday parties. [email protected], artcornerstudio.com

Boychoir of Ann Arbor

(734) 663–5377
Nonprofit community youth choir offering choral music, camaraderie, and varied performance opportunities for musical boys in grades 3–12. Three ensembles present secular and sacred works by classical and contemporary composers in seasonal local concerts. Also perform for community organizations, events, and private functions. Occasional travel to choral festivals. Day camp in June. Ongoing open auditions by appointment. No experience needed. [email protected], facebook.com/boychoirannarbor

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

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. [email protected], wetmeadow.org

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)

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 trips, and outreach programming for schools, libraries, and communities statewide and around the world in addition to preschool, family, and adult programming. [email protected], discoverscienceandnature.org

Little Bands

2349 E. Stadium • (734) 627–7107
Students age 4+ join a band, learn songs on vocals and four instruments (piano, guitar, bass, drums), improvise, and compose. Private lessons and summer camps available. [email protected], littlebandsmusic.com

MPulse Summer Performing Arts Institute

2005 Baits (U-M School of Music, Theatre & Dance) • (734) 936–2660
Offers 16 residential summer programs that engage 300+ high school and adult students pursuing excellence in music performance, theater, music technology, dance, and musical theater. Participants study with world-renowned faculty and guest teaching artists at the U-M School of Music, Theatre & Dance. 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., 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, DJ parties, movie nights, and poetry slams. Drop-in activities and tutoring are free. Mon.–Fri. 2:30–6 p.m. during school year with special events on Sat. & Sun. [email protected], neutral-zone.org

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 $8; seniors (60+) $5.50; children 23 months and younger free; families $40. Open year-round; hours vary seasonally. Discounts for military, first responders, and parties of 15+. [email protected], pettingfarm.com

PoetTreeTown

Since 2023. A community arts initiative dedicated to celebrating the talent and creativity of Washtenaw-based poets, especially welcoming to children and emerging writers (age 6+). Venues in Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti hang selected works by local poets in their storefront windows in April for all to enjoy. No prior poetry or publication experience required. Submissions open Jan. 1–Feb. 15. [email protected]

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.–6 p.m., Sun.–Mon. noon–5 p.m. annarbor.scrapcreativereuse.org

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

A strategic initiative that brings together young, emerging, and professional musicians to unveil the legacies of Black, Indigenous, People of Color, and Women composers through multimedia interactive performances. Open to ages 11+; rolling auditions. Resources available for music educators who wish to diversify their curriculum and deepen their social justice practice. [email protected], vocevelatamusic.org

YMCA Youth Activities

400 W. Washington • (734) 996–9622
Programs for youth include summer camps (day and overnight), dance, swimming, gymnastics, basketball leagues, Spanish, yoga, fencing, and martial arts. Teens have access to an after-school center and other special programs. Financial assistance available. annarborymca.org

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