Discover the best summer camps, creative workshops, outdoor adventures, and educational programs across West Michigan and Michigan. From overnight camps to hands-on museums and arts experiences, these unforgettable opportunities keep kids learning, exploring, and having fun all summer long.
Air Zoo Summer Camps – Portage
- At the Air Zoo in Portage, STEM-focused summer day camps spark curiosity through hands-on learning in science, aviation, and art. Interactive activities and engaging programs encourage kids to explore innovation, creativity, and discovery while enjoying one of West Michigan’s most exciting educational attractions.
Michigan Maritime Museum PIRATE Summer Camp – South Haven
- South Haven’s Michigan Maritime Museum hosts a popular PIRATE Summer Camp for third through sixth graders. Campers sail aboard the tall ship Friends Good Will, paddle the Black River, and enjoy hands-on maritime adventures rooted in Great Lakes history.
Saugatuck Center for the Arts Summer Camps
- The Saugatuck Center for the Arts offers creative summer camps from June through August for kids ages 3–12. Led by professional artists, camps feature hands-on art projects, theater experiences, outdoor activities, and healthy snacks, with flexible one- to five-day options.
Art on the Meadow – Ox-Bow School of Art, Saugatuck
- Art on the Meadow at Ox-Bow School of Art in Saugatuck offers affordable, intergenerational workshops designed to inspire creativity at every skill level. These hands-on programs provide a welcoming environment for artistic exploration in one of West Michigan’s most creative communities.
Sarett Nature Center – Benton Harbor
- Sarett Nature Center offers immersive summer programs across 1,000 acres of woodlands, wetlands, and meadows. Campers participate in hands-on ecology education, wildlife exploration, and outdoor discovery, making it an ideal destination for nature-loving families in Southwest Michigan.
Tibbits Opera House Youth Workshops – Coldwater
- Aspiring performers can attend week-long summer workshops at Tibbits Opera House, featuring acting games, collaboration, and rehearsal leading to a final showcase. Technical theater participants explore lighting, sound, and set design, gaining behind-the-scenes experience in a historic Michigan theater.
Binder Park Zoo – Battle Creek
- Binder Park Zoo in Battle Creek offers nature-focused summer day camps that immerse children in wildlife conservation and animal education. Campers explore habitats, learn about species care, and engage in outdoor activities that foster curiosity and appreciation for the natural world.
The Critter Barn – Zeeland
- The Critter Barn provides hands-on farm camps where kids interact with goats, bunnies, calves, and more. These engaging experiences introduce children to agriculture, animal care, and rural life, offering memorable summer learning opportunities rooted in West Michigan’s farming heritage.
Grand Rapids Museums Summer Camps
- Grand Rapids Public Museum’s Camp Curious offers behind-the-scenes access, science experiments, and artifact exploration. The Grand Rapids Children’s Museum adds hands-on STEAM activities, music, and sensory-friendly programs that make learning exciting all summer long.
John Ball Zoo Summer Camps – Grand Rapids
- John Ball Zoo summer camps serve kids ages 3 through ninth grade with themed sessions and small class sizes. Activities include zoo tours, behind-the-scenes experiences, keeper talks, animal demonstrations, games, art projects, and park exploration throughout the summer.
Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park Summer Camps – Grand Rapids
- Summer camps at Frederik Meijer Gardens offer kids creative, nature-inspired experiences across its 158-acre campus. Programs include sculpting, environmental leadership, botanical exploration, and hands-on art projects—guided by expert educators in one of West Michigan’s most beautiful settings.
The Event Center at BGR Day Camp Options – Grand Rapids
- The Event Center at BGR offers high-energy Day Camp options packed with friendly competition, laughter, and active fun. Kids enjoy rotating activities like Laser Tag, Archery Tag, gaming, and court games. New for 2026, four-day camps run select weeks June through August.
Planet Rock Climbing Gym Climbing Camp – Grand Rapids
- Planet Rock’s Climbing Camp offers four fun-filled days for youth ages 6–13, with no experience required. Campers build confidence through top roping and bouldering while learning footwork and route-reading skills. Games and team-building activities add extra adventure, alongside weeknight recreational youth classes available all summer.
Overnight Ship Experiences – Muskegon County
- History comes alive in Muskegon County with overnight experiences aboard World War II vessels. Youth groups and scouts can sleep on the USS Silversides submarine or USS LST 393, exploring real naval ships and sleeping in original bunks for a truly unforgettable hands-on history adventure.
Motel Bear Lake Adult Summer Camp – Bear Lake
- For adults seeking nostalgia, Motel Bear Lake offers a unique summer retreat inspired by childhood camp experiences. Guests enjoy watercolor painting, bocce ball, lakeside relaxation, and carefree fun, making it a refreshing and playful getaway in Northern Michigan.
Cranhill Ranch Summer Camps – Rodney
- Cranhill Ranch Summer Camps begin June 15 and offer both overnight and day camp experiences in a supportive, faith-based environment. With a focus on personal growth, outdoor adventure, and meaningful connections, campers enjoy an engaging summer surrounded by Michigan’s natural beauty.
Grace Adventures Summer Youth Camp – Silver Lake
- Located on Upper Silver Lake near the Silver Lake Sand Dunes, Grace Adventures Summer Youth Camp encourages kids to try new activities, make friends, and grow in faith. Campers enjoy outdoor recreation, teamwork, and meaningful experiences in one of West Michigan’s most scenic settings.
Crystal Mountain Summer Activities – Thompsonville
- Crystal Mountain’s summer activity centers offer action-packed day adventures for all ages. Ride Michigan’s only alpine slide on the Crystal Coaster, soar on the bungee trampoline, tackle the Vertical Edge Climbing Wall, zipline over the pool, then cool off in the water playground.
Inland Seas Education Association – Suttons Bay
- The Inland Seas Education Association in Suttons Bay offers a unique summer camp experience focused on Great Lakes ecosystems. Kids learn about freshwater science and environmental stewardship while sailing, combining hands-on education with unforgettable time on the water in Northern Michigan.
Grass River Natural Area – Bellaire
- Grass River Natural Area in Bellaire hosts a four-day summer camp where kids explore Michigan wetlands, meet wildlife, and learn from naturalists. Focused on environmental education and outdoor discovery, this Northern Michigan camp opens registration March 18.
Raven Hill Discovery Center – East Jordan
- Raven Hill Discovery Center in East Jordan offers four-day, hands-on summer classes for all ages. Custom-designed programs emphasize interactive learning across science, history, and the arts, creating engaging educational experiences that encourage curiosity and creativity in Northern Michigan.
Northern Michigan University Summer Camps – Marquette County
- Northern Michigan University offers diverse summer camps combining education, athletics, and outdoor exploration. Programs include science and technology camps, overnight sports camps led by NMU coaches, Wildcat Youth Camp, and the Future Educator Academy—providing engaging experiences for a wide range of interests.
Camp Grand at Grand Hotel – Mackinac Island
- Camp Grand offers families a one-of-a-kind summer experience on Mackinac Island, combining classic camping fun with luxury accommodations at Grand Hotel. Enjoy family-friendly movies, daily Duck Derby races, a Woodlands Activity Center credit, and unforgettable island adventures—all while staying in a stylish guest room.
Grand Princess & Superhero Package – Grand Hotel
- Step into storybook magic with the Grand Princess and Superhero Package at Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island. Kids dress as favorite characters and enjoy two days of themed activities and entertainment, creating cherished family memories and timeless summer traditions at one of Michigan’s most iconic destinations.
