Free Programs
Free programs for Kids and Teens for Summer 2019. This list is currently being updated. MORE COMING SOON!
Kids 12 & Under
Onbase with grpd
For ages 9-12 years old. GRPD teaches kids baseball! Search OnBase at the link below.
YMCA – Summer Inner City Youth Baseball/Softball
Boys & Girls up to 8th Grade. Baseball & Softball. If you are interested in learning more about this program or would like to get involved, please contact Luke Bronkema at 616.855.9522 (They are always looking for coaches too)
GRPL Summer Reading Club
Kids & Teens. TBA; Other Grand Rapids Public Library Stuff for Kids & Teens. They also have story times for preschool.
New City Day Camp
Ages: Students entering 2nd-5th Grade in the Fall. New City Day Camp is a seven-week program where caring adults encourage children, challenge them to grow, and help them meet new friends.
Teens 13-18
shape
For boys and girls currently in 7th & 8th grade. A one-week, day camp introduction to the health professions.
GRPL Summer Reading Club
Kids & Teens. TBA; Other Grand Rapids Public Library Stuff for Kids & Teens. They also have story times for preschool.
GRFD Summer Fire Youth Academy
High School Freshman, Sophomores & Juniors. Are you a student interested in learning more about how firefighters serve our community? The Grand Rapids Fire Department is now accepting applications for this summer’s Fire Youth Academy for high school freshmen, sophomores and juniors. The academy runs 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. June 18-22 at the Grand Rapids Fire Training Center, 1101 Monroe Ave. NW.
ArtWorks – UICA
Ages 14-18. Students participating in the Artworks program will receive in-site job training and mentorship, and engage in art. Design and installation projects.
YMCA – Summer Inner City Youth Baseball/Softball
Boys & Girls up to 8th Grade. Baseball & Softball. If you are interested in learning more about this program or would like to get involved, please contact Luke Bronkema at 616.855.9522 (They are always looking for coaches too)
GRPD Youth Police Academy
Students who moving into their Junior/Senior year & Seniors who will have just graduated (Spring, 2018). The Grand Rapids Police Department will be hosting two High School Youth Police Academies this summer. These academies are open to high school Juniors and Seniors in the Kent County area who may be interested in a future career in law enforcement. This 40 hour program is designed to give students a taste of what being a police officer is all about. Uniforms & Lunch will be provided! See link for details/contact info.
18 & Under
Meet Up & Eat Up
Kids up to 18 years old. At select locations in the city. Working to get a location & Date listing that is current. THEIR WEBSITE HAS NOT BEEN UPDATED FOR 2019 YET!
City View Church
Will have different events through the summer. TBA
New City Kids
Will have a 3 week summer day camp. TBA
Low Cost Summer Programs
Low-Cost Summer programs for Kids & Teens.
Kids 12 & Under
DC2 Student Day Camp (Design. Develop. Collaborate. Create.)
For students entering 5th or 6th grade. A two day camp experience where students will solve real world problems by developing empathy, working in teams, building solutions, and reflecting. They will learn how to give their ideas shape, voice, and wings. Cost $25
Girls Rock! Grand Rapids
For girls ages 8-16. A week long summer camp that exists to empower girls & women through music. Each year, girls at camp get to participate in instrument lessons, workshops, band forming, song writing, logo & album art creation. Priority acceptance is given to girls living in the Roosevelt Park Neighborhood. Cost: Sliding Scale
Camp Blodgett
Ages 8-13 years old. Kids who live in Kent or Ottawa Counties. These week-long themed camp sessions aim to empower youth in West Michigan. Camp Blodgett offers a sliding fee scale.
Grand Rapids Children’s Museum
Thursdays (5-8 PM) is Family Night at GRCM for a special cost per person! Additionally, GRCM also participates in Museums for All (EBT Card holder, up to 4 people per card can get a special entry rate) every day. There are also special events and toddler times. Cost: $1.75 per person (see above for how).
City of GR Pools & Splash Pads
All ages. Locations & cost may vary. Splash pads will be open after Memorial Day depending on weather. Cost: ?
Teens 13-18
Stiel Boys & Girls Club
Kids & Teens. Kids programs and more! Clubs offer program activities in five areas: *The Arts *Character and Leadership Development *Education and Career Development *Health and Life Skills *Sports, Fitness and Recreation See the link for details! Cost: $5 Membership
Summer Art Camps at WMCAT
For all teens who have finished 6th-11th grade. GRPS school students in the area. GRPS Student tuition is $20, some restrictions apply.
City of GR Pools & Splash Pads
All ages. Locations & cost may vary. Splash pads will be open after Memorial Day depending on weather. Cost: ?
Scholarship Based Summer Programs
These programs have a cost but scholarships are available if you apply.
Kids 12 & Under
Grand Rapids Art Museum Camps
Ages 4-17. Choose from themes to experience a unique and creative summer. Cost: ?
Kendall College Youth Camps
Ages 6-17. Youth courses that connect children, and teens, in new ways to the world around us: the people, places, things, and especially the wide range of art-making methods & materials that help us express ourselves creatively. Contract Brenda Snipe at 616-451-2787, ext. 1139 for details. Cost: 50% off tuition Scholarships available
Blandford Nature Center
Ages 4-12. Learn hands on in nature. Cost: ?
Will Power Camp at GVSU
For kids entering grades 1-6. Shakespearean drama camp. Cost: ?
City of GR Recreation
All ages. There are youth and adult recreation programs and scholarships for qualifying residents are available, see link for details. Cost: Depends on programming. Scholarships available.
Teens 13-18
Grand Rapids Art Museum Camps
Ages 4-17. Choose from themes to experience a unique and creative summer. Cost: ?
Kendall College Youth Camps
Ages 6-17. Youth courses that connect children, and teens, in new ways to the world around us: the people, places, things, and especially the wide range of art-making methods & materials that help us express ourselves creatively. Contract Brenda Snipe at 616-451-2787, ext. 1139 for details. Cost: 50% off tuition Scholarships available
City of GR Recreation
All ages. There are youth and adult recreation programs and scholarships for qualifying residents are available, see link for details. Cost: Depends on programming. Scholarships available.
Full Cost Summer Programs
Full Cost Summer programs for Kids & Teens.
John Ball Zoo – Kids & Family
Whether you’re looking for a Camp opportunity for your child, a Twilight Tour for the whole family or want to make your Zoo visit even more memorable with a Behind the Scenes Tour, John Ball Zoo has something for everyone! Cost: Depends on Programming.
The Geek Group
All ages. Kids under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Lab & Equipment training; Member labs including science/education fun. Cost: Day Pass $10; Family Membership $30 a month.