Find camps with outdoor adventures, science explorations, and on-stage experiences this summer. Check out summer camp options from around West Michigan.
South West Michigan
Students interested in all things theatre, both on stage and off, are encouraged to attend the week-long summer workshops at Tibbits Opera House in Coldwater. Acting sessions, available to students grades 3-12, are performance focused, with students honing their acting skills through acting games and collaboration exercises. Students will gain confidence on stage before quickly transferring into ‘rehearsal’ mode to work on the camp’s performance showcase. The exciting new technical theatre session, for students grades 5-12, explores technical theatre and the world of theatrical design. From lighting to props, and sets to sound design, the camp will give a well-rounded, hands-on technical education where camp members will work on becoming the crew for the performance showcase.
The Woods Fitness Park is the ultimate destination for summer camps and get-togethers. This 40-acre outdoor adventure area is nestled in Benton Harbor, with great activities like monkey bars, tunnels, ropes, walls, a zip-line, and other fun and challenging obstacles. Their “boot camps” are scheduled during the summer, offering your kids a fun opportunity to learn about fitness and make new friends. New in 2023, they will also have a Kids Zone with a bounce house, climbing dome, kid’s obstacles, and games. They also have picnic tables and a grill so you can plan a day and enjoy lunch right here on the property.
Looking for something fun and educational this summer for your child? Sign them up for the South Haven’s Michigan Maritime Museum STEAM Summer Camp, focusing on Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math. STEAM Camp is open to 3rd-5th graders. The half-day camp, held on the Michigan Maritime Museum campus, will feature a maritime themed program through engaging STEAM activities and lessons. The camp includes activities aboard the tall ship Friends Good Will, campus tours, and a paddle on the Black River in a voyageur canoe. Registration opens in March.
At the Air Zoo in Portage, you’ll find a wide selection of in-person science-based day camp programs that engage and inspire children to learn about the exciting world of science, technology, engineering, art, and math. Utilizing fun, exciting, and highly interactive programming, the Air Zoo guides young minds through creative and inquiry-based experiences that instill a lifelong passion for learning.
Summer is on its way and Binder Park Zoo in Battle Creek offers a unique alternative to summer day care – Summer Day Camp! Your child will be so busy exploring the world of nature they won’t even realize they’re learning. Children who attend camp will have many opportunities to shape and expand their knowledge of plants, animals, and conservation, all while enjoying a summer they won’t soon forget.
Allegan Event is a unique, exciting venue for all ages and groups, including summer camps, field trips, youth groups, teams, scouts, large families, and more! Navigate the facility at your own pace while you get physical, encourage your peers, push your limits, bond and explore with your group, and most importantly… have fun! Check out their website for more information about their many attractions.
Art on the Meadow at the Ox-Bow School of Art in Saugatuck offers creative workshops that are affordable, multi-level, and intergenerational for their visitors. This year’s workshop offerings are designed to spark the creative process in new and exciting ways. Check out their website for more information and dates!
The Saugatuck Center for the Arts offers a number of summer camps and classes June through August for kids ages 3–14. Each class is taught by professional artists and includes experiment-based art projects, multidisciplinary learning, outdoor kinesthetic activities, and healthy snacks to keep both the mind and body active and creative. There are 1,2, and 4-day camps available focused on drawing, painting, planting, theatre experiences, and more.
Central West Michigan
The Critter Barn has moved to their new location in Zeeland! This year-round active farm provides an unforgettable, hands-on learning experience for the whole family. Critter Barn is also continuing to implement new equipment to increase accessibility for guests of all ability levels. Time your visit right, and the kids might even join a “Little Farmers” of “Good Night Barn” day camp.
Welcome to Action Wake Park in Hudsonville, West Michigan’s premier water sports camps! Action Camps are the perfect place for riders of all levels to expand their skills both at the cable wake park and behind Mastercraft boats.
Join the Grand Rapids Public Museum this summer to explore the wonders of science, history, and culture. Sign your kids up for Camp Curious, where kids ages pre-K through high school will have special access to the Museum to use as a learning lab, experimenting, creating, exploring, and having fun! Camp Curious begins mid-June and runs through mid-August 2023. Visit their website here for registration details.
The John Ball Zoo Summer Zoo Camp in Grand Rapids has been enjoyed by campers for over 25 summers! Kids ages 3 years through going into 9th grade have fun exploring different animal themes in small class sizes. Each class follows a particular theme and instructors plan various activities and tours to bring the class to life. Camp activities may include: games, zoo tours, park exploration, behind-the-scenes tours, keeper talks, hands-on animal demonstrations, stories, songs, art projects, and more.
Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park in Grand Rapids offers more than 30 engaging camps for children ages 4-14 throughout the summer. Check their website in mid-March for registration and camp details.
Summer Camp at BattleGR Tactical Games in Comstock Park includes laser tag, archery, dodgeball, basketball, volleyball, soccer, science, pizza making, arts and crafts, water balloons, board games, and making tie-dye shirts. Camps are offered for three age groups, 4–6 years old, 7–10, and 11–13 years old, and available multiple weeks in June, July, and August. Find camp schedules and registration information online.
CranHill in Rodney has made it their mission to transform lives into the image of Christ and help foster that life change. They take full advantage of the uniqueness of the campus to show each camper how much God truly loves them. They have crafted Summer Camps to provide a safe, uplifting, and authentic experience for each camper ages 7-17. This summer, share in their love for camp by signing up your kids for a week at CranHill, you’ll be glad you did! To learn more and to register your camper, click here!
Dunes Harbor Family Camp and Grace Adventures in Mears offer a variety of retreats and Summer Camps for kids of all ages. Campers will enjoy activities including horseback riding, tubing, archery, campfires, and more!
North West Michigan & Upper Peninsula
This summer, motivated junior golfers can learn every component of the game on some of the best golf courses in Michigan at Shanty Creek Resort’s Junior Golf Camp. The three-day Junior Golf Camp, happening on June 26-28, includes in-depth instruction, skill building, and on-course experience, and is geared toward the beginner and advanced junior golfers. PGA professionals lead the camp activities and education including the rules of golf, proper golf etiquette, and the history of the game. For more information on the camp, and to register for Shanty Creek’s Junior Golf Camp, click here.
Grass River Natural Area summer day camp is back! Enjoy five weeks of camps at GRNA in Bellaire for 6–11 year old children Each week’s camp consisting of four days full of a variety of activities. Campers can come for multiple weeks and participate in a wide array of programs. Space is filling fast, so reserve your dates now.
Join the magic of the Annual Grand Princess and Superhero Package at Mackinac Island’s Grand Hotel. Your own princess or superhero will have a grand time dressing up as their favorite princess or superhero for two days filled with fun activities and entertainment. Featured characters may include: Anna, Elsa, Rapunzel, Belle, Ariel, Tiana, Black Widow, Wonder Woman, Spider-Man, and Batman. Book your stay here.
