Abrakadoodle

Provides art enrichment classes, day camps and birthday parties for kids aged 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

Referral service to qualified piano teachers for all levels. Cost varies. Organizes recitals, workshops, a summer camp, and competitions for awards. Runs an achievement testing program. aaaptg2001@yahoo.com

Ann Arbor Art Center

Classes and workshops in all major media for children and adults. Art project parties, art workshops, summer camp, and seasonal programs. Call for fees. ArtVentures, an art activity studio, teaches kids about world art and culture through guided projects; ArtVentures can be rented for birthday parties and school, troop, and other groups. info@annarborartcenter.org, www.annarborartcenter.org

Ann Arbor Community Center

After-school programs incorporate tutoring, counseling, and recreation for grades 1–5, Oct.–May. Support and discussion groups for African American males ages 14–17. Eight-week summer camps offer art classes and recreational activities for children ages 6–13, and educational and life skills activities and recreation for ages 12 & 13. Support groups free; call for fees on other programs. yolandawhiten@sbcglobal.net

Ann Arbor District Library

Saturday Storytimes (for parents and children age 1 to kindergarten), Two-Year-Old Storytimes (for parents and children age 2 & over), and Playgroups (for children under age 2) are offered year round at the main library and all branches. Winter and summer reading programs for children of all ages. Author and storyteller visits, puppet shows, arts and crafts, magic shows, and musical programs throughout the year. See axis.aadl.org for information on services for youth in grades 6–12. All activities free. www.aadl.org

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• Ann Arbor District Library

Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum

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 demos first weekend each month, and other Super Science demonstrations other weekends. New and traveling exhibitions, a 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

Private lessons in guitar, bass, drums, voice, piano, harmonica, saxophone, ukulele, and more. Rock band classes for kids, blues and jazz band classes. 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)

Classes and sports leagues for preschool through high school offered year-round. Activities include art, basketball, dance, foreign languages, golf, gymnastics, martial arts, music, soccer, swimming, and tennis. Summer camps include Quest, Green Adventures, literature, sports, cultural arts and teen programs. Call to receive youth sports mailings, scholarship information, or quarterly catalogs which list classes and camps. www.aareced.com

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• General Programs

Ann Arbor School for the Performing Arts

Classes for children 18 months & older: Kindermusik, group classes for piano and violin, and early childhood arts. Private instruction in piano, voice, woodwinds, strings, brass, percussion, organ, and guitar. Jazz ensemble program for players of all levels. Chamber music groups for string, woodwind, or brass players of any age. Orchestral ensembles include debut, junior, sterling string, and youth symphony orchestras (grades 1–9); Michigan Children of SCORE (String, Choral, Orff, Recorder Ensemble) for ages 9–12; and adult chamber music groups. Fifteen-week semesters for classes and ensembles begin in Sept. & Jan. Private instruction anytime. Summer sessions and camp. info@aa-spa.org, www.aa-spa.org

Ann Arbor Suzuki Institute of Music

Organization of Suzuki teachers who provide individual and group instruction for preschoolers to teens in violin, viola, cello, guitar, flute, piano, and string bass. marylou@annarborsuzuki.org, www.annarborsuzuki.org

Ann Arbor Young Actors Guild

Theater opportunities for beginning to experienced actors age 8 through college. Five full productions per year in various places. Two-week summer camp at the U-M Student Theater Arts Complex each July. Any actor dedicated to rehearsals and to learning will be cast in an age-appropriate production. info@aayag.org, www.aayag.org

Ann Arbor Youth Chorale

Two main auditioned choirs for boys (with unchanged voices) and girls, ages 9–16. Choirs perform locally; concert choir tours nationally and internationally. Season runs Sept.–May. a2youthchorale@yahoo.com, www.annarboryouthchorale.org

Annhua Chinese School

Classes in Chinese language and culture for children ages 5–17. Chinese as second language classes available for preschool–grade 2. Some parent-child classes available. Meets Sun. 9 a.m.–5 p.m. at U-M’s North Campus, Dow Bldg., first floor. Class schedule follows public school calendar. Open to all. Call for tuition rates. annhua2007team@umich.edu, www.annhua.org

Boy Scouts of America Great Sauk Trail Council

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

Boychoir of Ann Arbor

Vocal training and music education for boys ages 8–18. Choir performs sacred, classical, and secular music in popular Christmas concerts and other performances throughout southeast Michigan, as well as weddings and other private events. Auditions by appointment. office@aaboychoir.org, www.aaboychoir.org

Bryant Community Center (City of Ann Arbor Parks & Recreation)

Supervised after-school educational and recreational programs. Summer day camp features swimming, computers, art, games, and field trips. Programs for teens. Call for fee (scholarships available) and schedule information. www.a2gov.org/communityservices/parks (click on Community Centers)

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• General Programs

Buhr Park Children's Wet Meadow Project

Children helped create and continue to care for this educational site and ecosystem, which acts as a filter for stormwater runoff from the park and supports a diverse habitat of plants and animals. People of all ages can participate in ongoing projects. jeannine@wetmeadow.org, www.wetmeadow.org

Cellochan

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. cellochan3b@gmail.com, www.cellochan.com

Community Leaning Post

U-M student volunteers tutor elementary, middle, and high school students in an after-school family mentorship tutorial program. Other programs include family nights, summer youth employment program, and Granny, Gramps, & Me. All programs free (donations welcome). c-post@att.net, www.communityleaningpost.org

Dance Gallery Studio

Youth classes in ballet, jazz, hip-hop, creative movement, yoga, Pilates, and modern dance. Fall, winter, and summer semester classes. Recreational and preprofessional training. Performances and community events. Summer camps. Private instruction available. Class schedule online. molly@dancegalleryfoundation.org, www.dancegalleryfoundation.org

Dance studios

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

Domino's Petting Farm

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 available on weekends, Apr.–Oct.. Birthday parties and picnics: call for group rates. info@pettingfarm.com, www.pettingfarm.com

Gallup Park River Kids

Exploratory program for ages 2–4 with caregiver, using kayaks, paddleboats, and canoes to interact with river ecosystems and nature, plus fishing fun. River Tot Stroll offered for ages 0-2. Call for dates and times; $40–$64/per child per month.

Girl Scouts of the Huron Valley Council

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@gshvc.org, www.gshvc.org

Jewish Community Center

After-school child care and after-school enrichment classes (school year only) for grades K–5. Art, dance, music, sports, drama, cooking, nature studies, and science courses. Raanana Day Camp for grades K–6 and Camp Keshet for ages 3–5. Kids’ Night Out (Parents’ Night Off) is a Sat. night party for ages 5–10. Programs for teens include the Outdoor Club. Classes open to all; members pay reduced fees. Toilet-trained children only. deborahhuerta@jccfed.org, www.jccannarbor.org

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• General Programs

Jump City

For $6, kids age 2 & over can bounce on giant inflatable toys (also available for outdoor rental). Drop-in playtimes Tues. 10–11:30 a.m., 1–2:30 p.m., 4–6 p.m.; Fri. 10–11:30 a.m., 1–2:30 p.m. Call for extended hours during school holidays. Family Fun Nights first Fri. of every month, 6:30–8:30 p.m. Socks and waivers required. Available for parties. info@jump-city.com, www.jump-city.com

Kindermusik

Music and movement classes for parents and their children ages newborn–7 years. Several instructors in the Ann Arbor area; local class locator on website. www.kindermusik.com

Korean School of Ann Arbor

Sept.–June, Sat. 10 a.m.–1 p.m., at Tappan Middle School, 2251 E. Stadium. Instruction focuses on Korean language and culture taught in English and Korean. For ages 4–adult. $175/semester. Open to all. ksofaa@yahoo.com, www.koreanschoolaa.org

Leslie Science & Nature Center

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

MSU Extension Washtenaw County

4-H youth programs for ages 5–18 (by Jan. 1) cover many special interests, including animal care, arts, crafts, gardening, horses, nutrition, natural resources, and leadership. 4-H Youth Show, usually in July, offers animal judging contests, prizes, and many other family activities. Also, outreach programs for at-risk youth. No membership fees; some costs for activities. $10 yearly participation fee. fischerc@ewashtenaw.org, www.ewashtenaw.org/government/departments (click on MSU Extension, then 4-H Youth Development)

Neutral Zone

A youth-driven teen center dedicated to promoting personal growth through artistic expression, community leadership, and the exchange of ideas. Programs offered in arts and culture, music and technology, literary and performance arts, and community leadership and education. Drop-in activities include pool, Ping-Pong, computer lab, DVD graphics lab, recording studio, video games, and big-screen TV. Weekend entertainment events include live music performances, DJ parties, poetry slams, and movie nights. Membership free; program fees apply (scholarships available). Weekend event admissions vary from free to $5. Mon.–Thurs. 2:30–8 p.m., Fri. 2:30–6 p.m. (later for occasional special events), Sat. 7 p.m.–midnight. info@neutral-zone.org, www.neutral-zone.org

Peace Neighborhood Center

After-school tutoring and clubs for elementary and middle school students. Also, a career exploration program, homework help, counseling, health seminars, teen recreation, and drug prevention and rehabilitation programs. Five-week summer day camp on site for schoolchildren through grade 8. Comprehensive information and referral service. All activities free, except $20/child for summer camp; new registrations $50. info@peaceneighborhoodcenter.org, www.peaceneighborhoodcenter.org

Scrap Box

Children preschool age & older can browse through a warehouse of surplus stuff, filling 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. 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

Art classes for children of all ages. Summer, homeschool, after-school, school-break, and vacation programs available, plus birthday parties. Call for prices. ask@talkingcolors.com, www.talkingcolors.com

U-M Exhibit Museum of Natural History

Educational programs include guided and unguided tours for school groups, outreach programs, planetarium shows, birthday parties for children, and 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

Matthaei (1800 N. Dixboro) offers programs for children of all ages and their families. Self-guided or docent-led tours are available as well as daytime and evening classes for adults and families. The Arb (1610 Washington Heights) offers a family program plus scout and school activities. Check website for more information. www.mbgna.umich.edu

U-M School of Music Instructors

Maintains an informal list of music graduate students, alumni, and faculty who give lessons in voice and instruments. Referrals are free; cost of lessons varies. mfitzpa@umich.edu

U-M Youth Ensembles

Michigan high school students invited to audition for the Michigan Youth Symphony Orchestra, Michigan Youth Band, Michigan Youth Jazz Improvisation Program, Michigan Youth Women’s Chorale, and Michigan Youth Chamber Singers, all conducted by U-M School of Music, Theatre, & Dance faculty. Some middle school students accepted. Auditions Apr. & Sept. Weekly rehearsals Sun. Concerts in Nov. & Mar. Visit website, send email, or call for fees. michyouthensembles@umich.edu, www.music.umich.edu (click on Special Programs, then Michigan Youth Ensembles)

YMCA

Preschool programs (ages 21/2–5) include day care, dance, swimming, and gymnastics. Programs for youth (ages 6–11) include after-school care, Active Girls, summer camps, dance, swimming, gymnastics, soccer, basketball, and martial arts. Teen programs (ages 12–17) include after-school care, volunteer and government groups, summer camps, dance, swimming, martial arts, and fencing. Financial assistance available. Program details, rates, and registration online. www.annarborymca.org.

Related Topics:

• General Programs & Facilities
• General Programs
• Ann Arbor YMCA Child Care Center

Young People's Theater

Offers theater, voice, and dance workshops and classes for ages 5–high school, theater productions for ages 6–high school, and summer theater camps for ages 5–high school. aaypt@yahoo.com, www.youngpeoplestheater.com

Zap Zone

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

826 Michigan

Writing center offers students ages 6–18 drop-in after-school tutoring (Mon.–Thurs. 2:30–5:30 p.m.), in-school tutoring, field trips, workshops, writing labs, help with student publications, and help for English language learners. All programs free. info@826michigan.org, www.826michigan.org