4-H youth programs for ages 5-18 (on Jan. 1 of current program year) cover many special interests, including animal care, arts, crafts, gardening, horses, nutrition, natural resources, community service, and leadership. 4-H Youth Show, usually in July, offers animal judging contests, prizes, and many other activities. Also, outreach programs for at-risk youth. $10 yearly participation fee; some costs for activities. martinjac@ewashtenaw.org, extension.ewashtenaw.org (click on 4-H)

Abrakadoodle

369-8116

Provides art enrichment classes, day camps and birthday parties for ages 2-12. Students are introduced to a wide variety of artists, cultures, art media, and techniques. Classes at various locations. mmurphy@abrakadoodle.com, www.abrakadoodle.com/mi02.html

Ann Arbor Area Piano Teachers Guild

665-5346

Referral service to qualified piano teachers for all levels. Recitals, workshops, summer camp, award competitions, student achievement testing. Summer music camp. Financial aid and camp scholarships available. a2aptg@gmail.com, aaaptg.googlepages.com

Ann Arbor Art Center

117 W. Liberty [map]
994-8004 x 112

Year-round classes and workshops in all major media for children and adults. Project parties, workshops, summer camp, and seasonal programs. Its studio is available for birthday parties, school groups, scout troops, and more; groups learn about the art world while completing a guided project. info@annarborartcenter.org, www.annarborartcenter.org

Ann Arbor Chinese Center of Michigan

P.O. Box 130733, AA 48113
769-9068

Chinese language classes and cultural activities for preschool-high school, including martial arts, sketching, and ethnic dancing. Also offers Chinese chess, yo-yo, and orchestra. Sept.-June, Fri. 7-9:50 p.m. at Northside Elementary School, 912 Barton Dr. aaccom@yahoo.com, www.aaccom.org

Ann Arbor Community Center

625 N. Main [map]
662-3128

After-school programs, tutoring, and recreation Oct.-May for grades 1-5. Six-week summer camp for ages 6-12; programs year round on health, financial and community awareness for all ages. Call for fees. ywhiten@aacc1923.org, www.annarbor-communitycenter.org

Ann Arbor District Library

343 S. Fifth Ave. [map]
327-4200, Youth Department: 327-8301

Activities for youth and families year round at the main library downtown and the Malletts Creek, Pittsfield, Traverwood, and West branches. Playgroups (children under age 2 accompanied by caregivers) and Preschool Storytimes (children age 2 and over accompanied by caregivers) year round at most AADL locations. The Summer Family Reading Program for all ages offers games, programs, and prizes. Events for children include arts and crafts, magic and puppet shows, author and storyteller visits, and musical programs. All activities free. www.aadl.org

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Ann Arbor District Library

Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum

220 E. Ann [map]
995-5439. Recorded information: 995-5437

More than 250 interactive science and technology exhibits, including a light and optics gallery, a full-size ambulance, and the Measure Up health station. Sciencepalooza demonstrations during first weekend most months (with exceptions near major holidays), and other Super Science demos other weekends. New and traveling exhibitions, preschool gallery, weekend and summer classes, birthday parties, camp-ins, outreach programs, distance learning, and volunteer opportunities. Mon.-Sat. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sun. noon-5 p.m. Closed major holidays. Admission $8. Children under age 2 free. Discount for scheduled groups of 20 or more. Memberships available. museum@aahom.org, www.aahom.org

Ann Arbor Music Center & Rock Band School

312 S. Ashley [map]
665-0375

Private lessons in guitar, bass, drums, voice, piano, harmonica, saxophone, ukulele, and more. Rock, blues, and jazz band classes for ages 8-18. Rock music summer camps. All ages and skill levels. Classes 7 days a week year round. Instrument repairs. a2music@yahoo.com, www.rockbandschool.com

Rec & Ed (Ann Arbor Public Schools Department of Community Education and Recreation)

"E" wing of Pioneer High School, 601 W. Stadium (enter from S. Seventh St.)
994-2300

Classes and sports leagues for preschool through high school offered year round after school, evenings, and weekends. Instructional classes include art, dance, foreign languages, gymnastics, martial arts, music, and various team sports; see also under Youth Sports, below. Summer camps include Quest, Green Adventures, literature, sports, cultural arts, and teen programs. Call to receive youth sports mailings, scholarship information, or quarterly catalogs. www.aareced.com

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General Programs

Ann Arbor School for the Performing Arts

637 S. Main [map]
213-2000

Classes for children age 18 months & over: Musicplay, Keyboard Musicianship Club, Kinderstrings, and early childhood musical arts. Jazz ensemble program for players of all levels. Chamber music groups for string, woodwind, or brass players; normally for ages 10 & over. Orchestral ensembles include debut, junior, sterling string, and youth symphony orchestras (grades 1-11). Michigan Children of SCORE (String, Choral, Orff, Recorder Ensemble) for ages 9-12. Fifteen-week semesters for classes and ensembles begin in Sept. & Jan. Summer sessions and camp. Private instruction anytime for all ages in piano, voice, woodwinds, strings, brass, percussion, organ, and guitar. Free performances on first Friday every month. info@aa-spa.org, www.aa-spa.org

Ann Arbor Suzuki Institute of Music

Mary Lou Roberts, 995-2099

Organization of Suzuki teachers and parents provides individual and group instruction for preschoolers to high schoolers in violin, viola, cello, guitar, flute, piano, and string bass. marylou@annarborsuzuki.org, www.annarborsuzuki.org

Ann Arbor Young Actors Guild

P.O. Box 79, Whitmore Lake 48189
913-9800

Theater opportunities for beginning to experienced actors age 8 through college with professional directors and teachers. Five full productions per year; no-exclusion auditions (everyone is cast). Lights Up company for high school and college actors offers meetings, workshops and performances. Two-week summer camp at the U-M Student Theatre Arts Complex. info@aayag.org, www.aayag.org

Ann Arbor Youth Chorale

1100 N. Main, suite 201B [map]
996-4404

Two auditioned choirs for boys (with unchanged voices) and girls, ages 9-16. Both choirs perform annual winter & spring concerts locally; concert choir tours nationally and internationally. Sept.-May. Summer Choral Academy in July. a2youthchorale@yahoo.com, www.annarboryouthchorale.org

Ann Hua Chinese School

274-5313

Mailing address: P.O. Box 130212, AA 48113. Classes in Chinese language and culture for ages 5-17. Chinese as second language classes for preschool-grade 2. Some parent-child classes. Meets Sun. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. at U-M Dow Bldg., first floor (2300 Hayward, North Campus). Class schedule follows AAPS calendar. Summer camp for ages 7-12. Call for tuition rates. www.annhua.org

Boy Scouts of America Great Sauk Trail Council

1979 Huron Pkwy. [map]
971-7100

Indoor and outdoor activities for Cub Scouts (grades 1-5) and leadership activities for Boy Scouts (grades 6-12). Call or email for a referral to a troop in your area. join@gstcbsa.org, www.gstcbsa.org

Boychoir of Ann Arbor

1100 N. Main [map]
663-5377

Choral performance, vocal training, and music education for boys ages 8-18. Two choirs perform classical, sacred, and secular music in local concerts (Christmas concerts especially popular) and at community events, weddings, and private functions throughout the region. Auditions by appointment year round. Boys' Summer Singing Camp in June. office@aaboychoir.org, www.aaboychoir.org

Bryant Community Center (Community Action Network)

3 W. Eden Ct. [map]
994-2722

Supervised after-school educational and recreational programs for grades K-12. Six-week summer day camp for ages 5-12 features swimming, reading, activities with dogs, art, games, and field trips. Summer camps and service projects for ages 13-17. Free toy library for children up to age 6 (Thurs. 1-3:30 p.m.) Call for fee and schedule information; scholarships available. www.canannarbor.com

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General Programs

Buhr Park Children's Wet Meadow Project

Jeannine Palms, 971-5870; Andy Brush, 973-9161

Children helped create and continue to care for this educational site and ecosystem, which acts as a filter for storm-water runoff and supports a diverse habitat of plants and animals. Projects open to all ages. jeannine@wetmeadow.org, www.wetmeadow.org

Cellochan

Suzanne Smith, 662-2325

Support for students learning the cello. Offers private lessons, a wide range of optional performance opportunities, a family dessert concert, and an annual guest artist master class. All ages welcome. Retreat camp for ages 12-adult. cellochan3b@gmail.com, www.cellochan.com

Community Leaning Post

686-8807

Mailing address: P.O. Box 7674, AA 48107. U-M and EMU student volunteers tutor elementary, middle, and high schoolers Mon., Tues., and Thurs. 4:30-6:30 p.m. Programs include family mentorship, substance abuse prevention, community garden, summer youth employment, and Granny, Gramps, & Me. Sponsors African American Downtown Festival in June. All programs free (donations welcome). clpfestival@gmail.com, www.communityleaningpost.com

Dance studios

Many private studios offer dance instruction. See the Yellow Pages for listings.

Domino's Petting Farm

24 Frank Lloyd Wright [map]
998-0182

Ponies, llamas, goats, pigs, sheep, chickens, donkeys, and cows. Mon.-Fri. 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m., Sat. & Sun. 10:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Adults $5, children ages 2-12 & senior citizens, $4.50, children under age 2, free. Hayrides included. Open year round. Pony rides on weekends. Birthday parties and picnics: call for group rates. info@pettingfarm.com, www.pettingfarm.com

Gallup Park River Kids

3000 Fuller Rd [map]
662-9319

Exploratory program for ages 2-4 (with caregiver) using kayaks, paddleboats, and canoes, plus fishing and storytelling. River Kindergartners for ages 5 & 6 offers same activities. River Tot Stroll offered for ages newborn-2. Call for dates and times; $52-$64/per child per month.

Girl Scouts Heart of Michigan

1900 Manchester, P.O. Box 969, AA 48106 [map]
971-8800, (800) 497-2688

Five age divisions for girls ages 5-18. Activities include camping, leadership exploration, and service projects. Call to volunteer, join, or start a troop. council@gshom.org, www.gshom.org

Jewish Community Center

2935 Birch Hollow [map]
971-0990

After-school child care and enrichment classes in music, art, and sports for grades K-5 during the school year (transportation available from local schools). Day programs during school breaks for grades K-5 (Mon.-Fri. 8 a.m.-6p.m.). Snow Day programs for grades K-8 (10 a.m.-6 p.m.). Camp Raanana summer day camp for grades K-8 at Independence Lake Park. Monthly Kids' Night Out on Saturdays for grades K-5 and periodic Teen Connection programs for grades 6 and up. deborahhuerta@jccfed.org, www.jccannarbor.org

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General Programs

Jump City

2825 Boardwalk [map]
995-5055

For $6.50, kids age 1 & over can bounce on giant inflatable toys. Drop-in playtimes Tues. & Fri. 10 a.m.-noon, 1-3 p.m. Call for extended hours during school holidays and weekends. Monthly Family Fun Nights on Fri. 6:30-8:30 p.m. Socks and waivers required. Available for parties. info@jump-city.com, www.jump-city.com

Kindermusik

Music, movement, and educational classes for parents and their children ages newborn-7 years. Several instructors in the Ann Arbor area; local class locator at www.kindermusik.com

Korean School of Ann Arbor

P.O. 8435, AA 48107
973-1830

Sept.-June, Sat. 10 a.m.-1 p.m., Tappan Middle School, 2251 E. Stadium. Korean language and culture taught in English and Korean. Open to all, ages 4-adult. ksofaa@yahoo.com, www.koreanschoolaa.org

Leslie Science & Nature Center

1831 Traver [map]
997-1553

Natural science and environmental education for youth and families. The center comprises the Nature House, the Critter House, Resident Raptors, and the Leslie farmhouse, all on 50 acres of fields, woods, prairies, and ponds. Outdoor, hands-on, and discovery-based programs for groups; birthday parties, weekend events, festivals, and other special events. Nature day camps during the summer and school breaks. Hikes on the property are encouraged. Building can be rented. Call for fees and program schedules. info@lesliesnc.org, www.lesliesnc.org

MPulse Ann Arbor

1100 Baits (1281 Moore Bldg) [map]
936-2660

U-M faculty teach this summer performing arts program for students who have completed grades 9-12. Two-week sessions are offered in music performance (clarinet, double reeds, flute, horn, percussion, saxophone, trombone, voice), performing arts technology, theater, and dance. Three-week musical theater workshop open to those entering grades 11 & 12. Check website for fees; scholarships available. mpulse@umich.edu, www.music.umich.edu/mpulse

Music Together

At Mind, Body + Spirit Academe, 1785 W. Stadium. Music and movement classes for newborns to kindergarteners and their parents or caretakers. Classes also include singing, rhythmic rhymes, and instrument play. www.robinsongsforkids.com

Neutral Zone

310 E. Washington [map]
214-9995

Youth-driven teen center dedicated to promoting personal growth. Programs in arts and culture, music and technology, literary and performance arts, and community leadership. Drop-in activities include tutoring, pool, Ping-Pong, computer lab, DVD graphics lab, recording studio, video games, big-screen TV. Live music performances, DJ parties, and poetry slams (sometimes a cover charge). Membership free; program fees vary (scholarships available). Mon.-Thurs. 2:30-8 p.m., Fri. 2:30-6 p.m. Special events on Sat. & Sun. info@neutral-zone.org, www.neutral-zone.org

Northside Community Center (Community Action Network)

815 Taylor [map]
994-2985

Offers developmental classes through First Step for newborn to preschoolers. Dance classes through Rec & Ed for preschoolers. Check the website for upcoming events, fees, and schedule information; scholarships available. www.canannarbor.org.

Peace Neighborhood Center

1111 N. Maple [map]
662-3564

After-school tutoring and clubs for elementary and middle school students. Also, a year-round college and career exploration program, homework help, counseling, health seminars, teen recreation, and drug prevention and rehabilitation programs. Six-week summer day camp on site for children entering grades K-8. Comprehensive information and referral service. All activities free, except $25/child for summer camp; new registrations $50. info@peaceneighborhoodcenter.org, www.peaceneighborhoodcenter.org

Salute to the Sun

303 Detroit, suite 105 [map]
222-5244

Children's yoga studio with year-round classes for ages 1 1/2-10. Eight-week classes emphasize education through creative movement and healthy living. Birthday parties, events, and monthly free Yoga Story Time for toddlers and preschoolers. For studio hours, class schedules, and tuition information, see website. info@salutetothesun.com, www.salutetothesun.com

Scrap Box

581 State Cir. [map]
994-4420

Children preschool age & older can browse through a warehouse of surplus stuff and fill a bag ($4/small or $6.50/large) with junk and scrap materials to use in craft projects. Birthday parties and field trips by appointment. Memberships available. Tues.-Fri. 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Call for holiday hours. www.scrapbox.org

Talking Colors Art Studio

995-5959

Art classes for children of all ages at Rudolf Steiner High School, 2230 Pontiac Tr. Summer, homeschool, after-school, school-break, and vacation programs, plus portfolio preparation for art schools. Call for prices. ask@talkingcolors.com, www.talkingcolors.com

U-M Exhibit Museum of Natural History

1109 Geddes [map]
764-0478

Guided and unguided tours for school groups. Outreach programs, planetarium shows, birthday parties for children, and educational programs for families and adults. Free admission; donations welcome. See also listing in the Libraries, Museums, & Galleries section of this guide. Mon.-Sat. 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Sun. noon-5 p.m. dmadaj@umich.edu, www.lsa.umich.edu/exhibitmuseum

U-M Matthaei Botanical Gardens & Nichols Arboretum

647-7600

Matthaei (1800 N. Dixboro) offers self-guided or docent-led tours and daytime and evening classes for adults and children of all ages. The Arb (1610 Washington Hts.) offers a family program plus scout and school activities. www.mbgna.umich.edu

U-M School of Music, Theatre & Dance Music Instructors

936-2213

Free referrals to music graduate students, alumni, and faculty who give lessons in voice and instruments. Cost of lessons varies. mfitzpat@umich.edu

U-M Youth Ensembles

U-M School of Music, Theatre & Dance, 1100 Baits
763-1279

Michigan high school students in grades 9-12 (string players in grades 7-12) may audition for the Michigan Youth Symphony Orchestra, Michigan Youth Band, Michigan Youth Jazz Improvisation Ensemble, Michigan Youth Women�s Chorale, and Michigan Youth Chamber Singers. All ensembles conducted by U-M School of Music, Theatre & Dance faculty. Auditions Apr. & Sept. Weekly rehearsals Sun. afternoons Oct.-Mar. Concerts in Nov. & Mar. For fees, call, send email, or visit website. michyouthensembles@umich.edu, www.music.umich.edu/mye

YMCA

400 W. Washington [map]
996-9622

Preschool programs (ages 2 1/2-5) include dance, swimming, martial arts, and gymnastics. Programs for youth (ages 6-11) include after-school care, summer camps, dance, swimming, gymnastics, indoor soccer, basketball, flag football, netball, volleyball, floor hockey, and martial arts. Teen programs (ages 12-17) include after-school, Youth Volunteer Corps, Youth in Government program, summer camps, dance, swimming, martial arts, and fencing. Financial assistance available. Program details, rates, and registration online. www.annarborymca.org.

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Young People's Theater

359 Metty Dr. Mailing address: 401 W. Morgan, AA 48108 [map]
222-4006

Theater, voice, and dance workshops and classes for ages 4-high school, theater productions for ages 4-high school, and summer theater camps for ages 5-high school. youngpeoplestheater@gmail.com, www.youngpeoplestheater.com

Yourist Studio Gallery

1133 Broadway [map]
662-4914

Working studio offers after school clay classes for students ages 8-11 at all levels. kay@youristpottery.com, www.youristpottery.com

Zap Zone

2809 Boardwalk [map]
930-6670

Laser tag and arcade. Birthday and group parties. Mon.-Thurs. 4-10 p.m., Fri. 3 p.m.-midnight, Sat. 10 a.m.-midnight, Sun. noon-9 p.m. www.zap-zone.com

826michigan

115 E. Liberty (inside Liberty St. Robot Supply & Repair) [map]
761-3463

Writing center offers students ages 8-18 drop-in tutoring Mon.-Thurs. 3:30-5:30 p.m., in-school tutoring, field trips, workshops, writing labs, help with student publications, and one-on-one help for English language learners. All programs free. info@826michigan.org, www.826michigan.org

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