Get Ready for Summer Camp

Ask any kid what their favorite season is, and they will say, Summer. Schools are out until the fall, ice cream is abundant, and the beach is only a car ride away. West Michigan summer camps are full of nonstop fun and outdoor adventures, making them the perfect place to make the most of warm summer days. We have compiled a list of West Michigan summer camps that focus on hands-on learning, arts, and adventures of a lifetime.

Creative Stages: Art & Theater Summer Camps

• The Saugatuck Center for the Arts offers summer camps from June through August, led by professional artists. These camps feature hands-on art projects, multidisciplinary learning, outdoor activities, and healthy snacks. Options range from one to five days, covering drawing, painting, and theater experiences.
• Aspiring performers can attend a week-long workshop at Tibbits Opera House, where they will engage in acting games and collaboration exercises before transitioning into rehearsal mode for a showcase. Technical theater enthusiasts can explore lighting, set design, and sound production, working behind the scenes for the performance.
• Art on the Meadow at Ox-Bow School of Art in Saugatuck provides affordable, multi-level, and intergenerational workshops designed to inspire creativity. Visit their website for details.

Time Travelers & Trailblazers: History & Science Summer Camps

• Tri-Cities Historical Museum’s “Making History” series offers hands-on programs for kids who love to create. Activities include painting nautical scenes inspired by the Coast Guard exhibit, exploring Victorian architecture, and engaging in historic crafts such as wool dyeing, candle dipping, and butter making.
• At the Air Zoo in Portage, science-based day camps inspire children through interactive programs focused on STEM and the arts. Similarly, South Haven’s Michigan Maritime Museum hosts a STEAM Summer Camp for 3rd-5th graders, featuring activities aboard the tall ship Friends Good Will and paddling on the Black River.

• Grand Rapids Public Museum’s Camp Curious, running June 10 – August 2, offers behind-the-scenes experiences, science experiments, and artifact explorations. The Grand Rapids Children’s Museum encourages hands-on learning with STEAM activities, music, and sensory-friendly programs.
• The Inland Seas Education Association in Suttons Bay provides a unique marine learning experience, teaching kids about Great Lakes ecosystems while sailing. 
• Northern Michigan University in Marquette County offers diverse youth programs, including STEM activities, sports camps, and outdoor adventures.

Wild Wonders: Explore Nature Summer Camps

• Sarett Nature Center offers immersive programs across 1,000 acres of Michigan woodlands, wetlands, and meadows, providing hands-on ecology education. The Woods Fitness Park in Benton Harbor features obstacle courses, zip-lining, and boot camps, blending fitness with outdoor fun.
• Binder Park Zoo in Battle Creek provides nature-focused day camps where children engage with wildlife and conservation. The Critter Barn offers hands-on farm experiences, allowing kids to interact with animals such as goats, bunnies, and calves.

• John Ball Zoo’s summer camp connects young adventurers with nature through guided activities. 
• Raven Hill Discovery Center in East Jordan provides custom hands-on classes for all ages, with interactive lessons spanning four days.
• Grass River Natural Area in Bellaire offers a four-day camp where kids explore Michigan wetlands, interact with naturalists, and discover local wildlife. Registration opens on March 12.

• For adults, Motel Bear Lake offers a unique retreat designed to recapture childhood summer camp experiences with activities like watercolor painting, bocce ball, and lakeside relaxation.
• Cranhill is West Michigan’s choice of Christian summer camp that offers youth a transformative experience unlike any other. Where fun meets faith - participate in activities ranging from everything biblical teachings to rock climbing and horseback riding.
• Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park hosts engaging summer camps for various age groups. Grand Rapids’ Blandford Nature Center offers guided outdoor programs for children ages 4-10, featuring bug netting, pond dipping, and birdwatching.