Helpful Websites for Families
The Michigan Department of Education
PBS For Parents
This site contains guides on a variety of topics such as child development, curriculum connections, and technology for kids. It also shares information on hot issues in education. On the lighter side, there are games, stories, and guides to the TV programs offered by PBS.
The guide is also available in Spanish
. Bienvenidos a PBS Padres!
www.pbs.org(spanish)
Scholastic for Parents
This site contains age appropriate guides for helping your child learn to love reading. Divided into early childhood and school age children, the site also contains resources for helping your child with math, technology and other subjects. Additionally, there is an array of information about family matters.
Time for Kids Teacher’s Homepage
This site shares diverse resources for parents including virtual tours around the world, kid-appropriate current events stories, homework help, and games.
FunBrain for Parents
Educational games are the highlight of this site. The games cover all interest areas and target specific age levels. There are “parent-kid challenges,” “homework relief,” and “books on the run” links. Also linked to this site, there is a family education newsletter that helps with school, life, entertainment, and special needs issues.
KidsReads
This website shares reviews of “cool new books” and authors. The books are categorized by age and by genre. There is a link for podcasts and another for book clubs. The newsletter highlights the newest and best on the site.
Let's Go Learn Reading Instruction
Let’s Go Learn provides innovative online tools to drive long-term measurable academic success using a central hub of efficient, research-based diagnostic assessment, differentiated instruction, program placement, and historic data storage.
Ann Arbor Area Piano Teachers Guild
665-5346
Referrals to qualified piano teachers for all levels and ages. Recitals, workshops, award competitions, student achievement testing, financial aid. Summer music camp. Sponsors Mostly Music Camp; scholarships available. aapianoteachers@gmail.com, aaaptg.googlepages.com
Ann Arbor Art Center
117 W. Liberty [map]
994-8004 ext. 101
Year-round classes and workshops in all art major media for children, teens, and adults. Art parties, workshops, summer and vacation camps, art parties for birthdays and team building, and more. Studio space available for event rentals. info@annarborartcenter.org, annarborartcenter.org
Ann Arbor Chinese Center of Michigan
P.O. Box 130733, AA 48113
769-9068
Traditional Chinese language classes and cultural activities for preschool-high school, including martial arts, sketching, table tennis, Chinese yo-yo, and drama. Sept.-June, Fri. 7-9:50 p.m. at Northside Elementary School, 912 Barton Dr. principal@aaccom.org, aaccom.org
Ann Arbor Community Center
625 N. Main [map]
662-3128
After-school programs, tutoring, and recreation Oct.-May for grades 1-5. Ten-week summer camp for ages 5-12; programs year round on health, financial, and community awareness for all ages. Call for fees. ywhiten@aacc1923.org, 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 Downtown branch and other local branches: Malletts Creek (3090 E. Eisenhower), Pittsfield (2359 Oak Valley), Traverwood (3333 Traverwood), and West (2503 Jackson, Westgate Shopping Center). Playgroups (children under age 2 accompanied by caregivers) and preschool storytimes (children age 2 & over accompanied by caregivers) year round. Summer Family Reading Program for all ages offers games, programs, and prizes. Arts and crafts, magic and puppet shows, video game tournaments, author and storyteller visits, and musical programs. All activities free. aadl.org
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Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum
220 E. Ann [map]
995-5439. Recorded information: 995-5437
Nearly 250 interactive science and technology exhibits, including a light and optics gallery, a full-size ambulance, several energy exhibits, and the Measure Up health and fitness station. Special demonstrations 1 weekend most months, and other programs most weekends. New and traveling exhibitions, preschool gallery, birthday parties, camp-ins and outreach and distance learning programs. Memberships available. See website for hours and prices. museum@aahom.org,aahom.org
Ann Arbor Music Center & Rock Band School
312 S. Ashley [map]
883-4751
Private lessons in guitar, bass, drums, voice, piano, harmonica, saxophone, ukulele, and more. Rock, blues, and jazz band classes for ages 8-18. Rock and jazz summer camps. All ages and skill levels. Classes daily year round. Instrument repairs and rentals. a2musictoo@yahoo.com, rockbandschool.com
Rec & Ed (Ann Arbor Public Schools Department of Community Education and Recreation)
Pioneer High School, "E" wing, 1515 S. Seventh
994-2300
Classes and sports leagues for preschool through high school offered year round after school, evenings, and weekends. Instructional classes include art, dance, languages, gymnastics, LEGO robotics, martial arts, music, chess, and sports (see Youth Sports, below). Summer camps for children preschool-high school. Call to receive youth sports mailings, scholarship information, or quarterly catalogs. aareced.com
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Ann Arbor School for the Performing Arts
637 S. Main [map]
213-2000
Classes for all ages. Early childhood arts classes include Music Play (infants, toddlers, and preschoolers), Dalcroze Eurhythmics (ages 3-6), Musical Theater (ages 5-10), Keyboard Club (ages 4.5-8), and Kinderstrings Violin and Cello (ages 4-6). Jazz studies program for players of all levels. Orchestral ensembles include the Junior String Orchestra, Sterling String Orchestra, Youth Symphony Orchestras (grades 1-11), and the New Horizon Senior Strings Orchestra. Group classes include flute (ages 6-8), recorder (ages 6-8), children's choir (grades 2-6), and the teen choir (grades 7-10). 15-week semesters for classes and ensembles begin in Sept. & Jan. Private instruction for all ages in piano, voice, woodwinds, strings, brass, percussion, organ, and guitar. Summer sessions and camp. info@aa-spa.org, aa-spa.org
Ann Arbor Suzuki Institute of Music
Mary Lou Roberts, coordinator, 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, annarborsuzuki.org
Ann Arbor Young Actors Guild
P.O. Box 79, Whitmore Lake 48189
985-0783
Theater opportunities for beginning to experienced actors age 8 through college with professional directors and teachers. 5 full productions per year; workshop-style auditions for inclusive casting. 2-week summer camp at the U-M Student Theatre Arts Complex. info@aayag.org, 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. a2youthchorale@yahoo.com, annarboryouthchorale.org
Ann Hua Chinese School
P.O. Box 130212, AA 48113
274-5313
Offers Chinese language and cultural classes for K-12 and adults. Courses are designed for heritage and non-heritage students. Meets Sun. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. at U-M Dow Bldg., first floor (2300 Hayward, North Campus). Follows AAPS calendar. Chinese New Year celebration and summer activities, including summer camp for ages 7-12. Call for rates. 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 referral to a troop in your area. join@gstcbsa.org, 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 and at area community events, weddings, and private functions. Auditions by appointment year round. Camp in June. office@aaboychoir.org, aaboychoir.org
Bryant Community Center (Community Action Network)
3 W. Eden Ct. [map]
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. Free toy library for all ages. Call for fee, schedule, and eligibility requirement information. Scholarships available. canannarbor.org
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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, wetmeadow.org
Cellochan
Suzanne Smith, 662-2325
Cello program for students ranging from beginners to advanced players. Holistic teaching philosophy helps students relax and become grounded at the cello for greater confidence, mastery, and ease of playing. cellochan.com, cellochanwoods.com
Dance studios
Many private studios offer dance instruction. Search online or 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, pettingfarm.com
4-H youth programs (MSU Extension Washtenaw County)
705 N. Zeeb [map]
997-1678
Programs for ages 5-18 include animal care, arts, crafts, gardening, horses, nutrition, natural resources, community service, and leadership. 4-H Youth Show, last week in July, offers animal and still project 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)
Gallup Park River Kids
3000 Fuller Rd [
]
794-6240
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. Call for dates and times; $52-$64/per child per month. csaam@a2gov.org, a2gov.org/canoe
Girl Scouts Heart of Michigan
Ann Arbor Regional Center, 1900 Manchester [map]
(800) 497-2688
Six age divisions for girls ages 5-18. Activities include camping, leadership and career exploration, and community service. Call to volunteer, join, or start a troop. gshom@gshom.org, gshom.org
Jewish Community Center
2935 Birch Hollow [map]
971-0990
After-school child care and enrichment classes in art, sports, and more for grades K-5 during the school year (transportation from local schools) and monthly Kids' Night Out on Saturdays for grades K-5. <1>For K-8: Day programs during school breaks and days off school for grades K-8 (Mon.-Fri. 8 a.m.-6p.m.). Summer camp at Independence Lake Park. Programs for middle and high schoolers. shoshanajackson@jccfed.org, jccannarbor.org
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Jump City
2825 Boardwalk [map]
995-5055
Age 1 & over can bounce on giant inflatables during birthday parties (call for rates and schedule) or drop-in playtimes ($7) June 21-Sept. 3: Tues. 9:30-11:30 a.m., Thurs. 1-3 p.m., Fri. 6-8 p.m., Sun. 4:30-6:30 p.m. Call for extended hours during school holidays and weekends. info@jump-city.com, jump-city.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, koreanschoolaa.org
Leslie Science & Nature Center
1831 Traver [map]
997-1553
Natural science and environmental education for youth and families. Indoor and outdoor activities on 50 acres of fields, woods, prairies, and ponds. Programs for groups, birthday parties, weekend and special events, nature day camps during the summer and school breaks. Hikes encouraged. Building can be rented. Call for fees and program schedules. info@lesliesnc.org, lesliesnc.org
MPulse Summer Performing Arts Camp
1100 Baits (1281 Moore Bldg) [map]
936-2660
U-M faculty teach this summer performing arts program for students entering grades 10-12 and graduated seniors. Two-week in music performance (clarinet, double reeds, flute, harp, 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 and program details; scholarships available. mpulse@umich.edu, music.umich.edu/mpulse
Neutral Zone
310 E. Washington [map]
214-9995
Youth-driven teen center for grades 9-12. 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. Events (sometimes a cover charge) include live music performances, DJ parties, and poetry slams 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, neutral-zone.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. All activities free, except $50/family for summer camp. info@peaceneighborhoodcenter.org, peaceneighborhoodcenter.org
Pittsfield Township Parks & Recreation
701 W. Ellsworth [map]
822-2120
Offers horseback riding lessons (ages 5-17), cooking classes (grades 1-5), and bowling leagues (ages 3-8). See website for catalog. recreation@pittsfield-mi.gov, pittsfield-mi.gov/Parks_and_Recreation.html
Scrap Box
581 State Cir.[map]
994-0012; 994-4420 (recorded information)
Parents and children of all ages can browse through a warehouse of materials for arts and crafts projects ($4/small bag, $6.50/large). Birthday parties and workshops by appointment. Tues.-Fri. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Call for summer or holiday hours. tess@scrapbox.org, 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, 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. Mon.-Sat. 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Sun. noon-5 p.m. dmadaj@umich.edu, 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.) Thurs. evening scout programs and Sat. morning youth programs. See Also listing in the Recreation section.mbgna.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 department faculty. Auditions Apr. & Sept. Weekly rehearsals Sun. afternoons Oct.-Mar. Concerts in Nov. & Mar. For fees, call, email, or visit website. michyouthensembles@umich.edu, music.umich.edu/mye
Wild Swan Theater
410 S. Maple [map]
995-0530
After-school theater classes, summer drama camps, and participatory workshops for students in grades K-12, including activities designed for participants with disabilities. wildswan@wildswantheater.org, wildswantheater.orgfacebook.com/Wild.Swan.Theater
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, summer camps, dance, swimming, martial arts, and fencing. Financial assistance available. Program details, rates, and registration online. 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, 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, youristpottery.com
Youth in Harmony
445-1945
Vocal music education and introductory singing for grades K-8. Four-part "barbershop" chorus for middle and high school students offers performance opportunities at clinics and festivals. More information for high schoolers at pioneerdistrict.org/yih/yih.htm. hvharmonizers.org
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 (June-Aug.: Mon.-Thurs. noon-11 p.m., Fri. noon-midnight), Sat. 10 a.m.-midnight, Sun. noon-9 p.m. 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, 826michigan.org