Grand Rapids SUMMER CAMPS for Kids
Don’t freak out, but summer vacation isn’t that far off. Sure, it’s only late March, and sure, we’re still wearing winter coats around, but we all know that time is going to start flying with end of school activities and sports and time spent outside.
Now is the time to enroll your kids in a Grand Rapids Summer Camp. I did this last year and it was so nice to have our summer calendar planned out in advance. We were able to plan our vacations around important summer camps (like zoo camp and Vacation Bible School) and to make sure that other activities didn’t conflict with each other. If we wanted to take a road trip to Grandma’s, we could plan it without worrying that it would cause someone to miss one of their camps (because if I’m paying good money for this, I hope my kid can go to every day of the program!).
Here is a great list of summer camp options covering all ages, activities, and interests.
Many camps fill up quickly, so make sure to sign up as soon as possible!
*The following are sponsored listings.
Summer Camp Guide for Kids in Greater Grand Rapids
Located on Kimball Lake in Newaygo, Camp Henry sits on over 200 acres of forests, fields and wetlands, providing the perfect environment for summer and year-round fun!
Camp Henry has had the privilege of serving campers, families, and guests since 1937. We believe that a camping experience at Camp Henry has the capacity to transform lives in many ways. With such a concentrated amount of time, a beautiful natural environment, intentional camp programs, opportunities to try something new, and campers being surrounded by positive Christian role models – the combination is perfect for enhancing and positively changing the lives of campers and guests who come to Camp Henry.
Camp Henry offers week-long summer camps including specialty programs like Water and Horse Camps; Adventure and Service for teenagers; Day and Mini-Camps for younger campers. The majority of campers come for “Regular” camp, our traditional overnight program where campers have the chance to experience all of the Camp Henry favorites – boating, archery, arts & crafts, and riding on our Big Banana as well as selecting favorites from over a dozen land and water activities. Ages 5 – 17.
Camp Henry is an ideal outdoor and retreat center for youth and adults. School classes, church groups, and community organizations can partner with Camp Henry staff to plan customized activities for their group – including Team-Building, High Adventure, Outdoor and Environmental Education. In addition, Camp Henry offers events for families such as Dad & Me and Mom & Me Weekends.
ACA accredited.
CONTACT INFORMATION:
5575 S Gordon Ave | Newaygo, MI 49337
WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | 616-459-CAMP
“This was the first time my daughter went to sleep over camp for a week. She went not knowing anyone. She made wonderful friends who she still communicates with and live all over the country. By far the best experience ever!”
Imaginations get their rocket fuel at Camp Invention! This summer’s all-new curriculum allows children in kindergarten through 6th grade to experience real-world problem solving and creative thinking as they transform a distant exoplanet, take risks as future entrepreneurs, blast rockets and rubber chickens, and wire a circuit to create their own Spy Gadget Alarm Box! Local educators lead a week of hands-on activities that will launch your child’s imagination. Visit campinvention.org or call 800-968-4332. Use promo code INNOVATE15 by 5/1 to save $15 on registration.
CONTACT INFORMATION:
Kent Innovation High School | 1655 East Beltline Avenue Northeast | Grand Rapids, MI 49525
Oakwood Intermediate School | 10505 Learning Lane | Allendale, MI 49401
WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | 800-968-4332
SEE ALSO: Grand Rapids Christian Also Offers Excellent Early Childhood Programs
R-Athletics is hosting 25 action-packed camps all summer long. Our trained and safety-certified coaches are ready to lead your children on adventures, teach skills and have FUN! Each three hour camp has a theme that encourages creativity with activities, games and crafts. Extended play is available from 7:45 AM to 5:15 PM daily. R-Athletics is offering a variety of themed camps for boys and girls of all ages such as…Wacky Water, Nerf/lazer tag, American Girl/Barbie, Dare Devil Adventure, Glitz and Glam, Wilderness Safari, Crazy Creative Crafts, Ninja Zone, Gymnastics, and Rush Athletics camp!
CONTACT INFORMATION:
2845 Thornhills Ave. SE | Grand Rapids, MI
WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | 616-957-4900
Manners matter at the Kingdom Dance camps at HIS Dance Academy! Students ages 2 through teen will learn manners and scripture along with a dance style of their choice during this 5-week session. Not sure what style of dance you like? Dance Sampler for ages 10+ is the perfect class for you! Mom and Dad don’t think we forgot about you! Adult Hip Hop, Tap and Ballet classes are a fun way to get in a workout.
Graded Technique students (Level I-VII) may join the 6-week summer session to keep up their skills. Classes in Ballet, Contemporary and Stretch are offered.
CONTACT INFORMATION:
2715 29th Street SE | Grand Rapids, MI 49512
WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | 616-245-9501
Summer fun happens at the Grand Rapids Public Museum! Join us to explore the wonders of science, history, culture and fun! Kids ages 4-14 can use the Grand Rapids Public Museum as a learning lab – experimenting and growing – all while having a great time in one of the area’s most history-rich and unique places! Camps range from one day to four days and include a variety of topics including slimy science, fossil hunters, Victorian life, wizard’s academy, robotics and more! Each camper receives a FREE camp t-shirt! Multi-camp and multi-camper discounts available!
CONTACT INFORMATION:
272 Pearl St. NW | Grand Rapids, MI 49504
WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | 616-929-1700
Kent Career Tech Center summer camps are guaranteed to entertain, inspire creativity, spark curiosity and make learning fun! In our seven different career-themed camps, students explore IT, video game design, criminal justice, automotive technology, culinary arts and more. Campers get hands-on with the same equipment and technology that professionals in these fields use every day. Your camper will have so much fun they’ll forget they’re learning!
Camps are for students entering 7th, 8th and 9th grades in fall 2017. Sessions run June 19-22 (session 1) and June 26-29 (session 2) from 9 AM-2 PM.
Space is limited so sign up today!
CONTACT INFORMATION:
1655 East Beltline NE | Grand Rapids, MI 49525
WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | 616-365-2231
NorthPointe Christian Schools’ Summer Adventure offers a safe and fun environment for kids to enjoy a variety of adventures – field trips, swimming, outdoor fun, art classes, and more. Field Trips include the Zoo, Michigan Adventure, Jester’s Court, and much more.
Sign up for select days, a week, or the whole summer!
Ages 3 – 12 / Open 6:30 AM – 6:00 PM
1st child: $25/half day, $40/full day, $160/full week (+$100 registration fee)
Multi-child discounts available.
Checkout NorthPointe’s other offerings:
• STEM Lego Camp / June 26-29
• STEM Water Exploration Camp / July 17-20
• Mustang Sports Camps / June 12-22
CONTACT INFORMATION:
540 Russwood Ave NE | Grand Rapids, MI 49505
WEBSITE | 616-363-4869
SUMMER FUN FOR KIDS: Gymco Summer Day Camps offer active fun in the gym no matter what the weather, awesome activities indoors & outdoors and healthy snacks… all supervised by our friendly, enthusiastic, experienced, safety-certified staff.
FLEXIBLE SCHEDULE: Campers can stay for a half a day in the morning (8 AM-1 PM) or afternoon (1 PM – 6 PM). Or all day long. Kids can camp for just one day or all week long.
SAVE YOUR SPOT NOW: Check Gymco’s website for times, prices and more info. Or give us a call: (616) 956-0586. Save $$$, ask about our sibling discount and member discount.
CONTACT INFORMATION:
2306 Camelot Ridge Court SE | Grand Rapids, MI 49546
WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | 616-956-0586
Camp Kroc at The Salvation Army Kroc Center is a Christian day camp for ages 5–12 where each day is loaded with activities such as arts & crafts, swimming, rock climbing, Bible lessons, archery, giant slip & slide and field trips. Camp Kroc runs Monday–Friday from 9 AM–4 PM (extended care options are available for an additional cost).
Camp Kroc also offers a number of specialty camps in areas like basketball, soccer, swimming, ballet, and art. Stop by the Kroc Center to pick up our summer camp guide, or download it at GrKrocCenter.org.
CONTACT INFORMATION:
2500 S. Division | Grand Rapids, MI 49507
WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | 616-588-7200
The Goddard School’s summer camp curriculum incorporates STEAM learning (science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics) into exciting, one-of-a-kind and fun experiences for your child every day! We offer a broad range of programs and mini-camps to pique the interest and curiosity of every child.
The founding principle of The Goddard School’s curriculum is that children experience the deepest, most genuine learning when they are having fun. We have integrated this philosophy into every aspect of our summer camp to foster play-based learning opportunities both inside and outside the classroom.
We’ve created a variety of camps so your children can find a program they will absolutely love.
CONTACT INFORMATION:
1544 Macnider Road SE Grand Rapids, MI 49546 (Cascade)
5820 Bayberry Farms Drive SW Grandville, MI 49418 (Southwest)
WEBSITE (Cascade) WEBSITE (Southwest) | FACEBOOK (Cascade) FACEBOOK (Southwest) | 616-954-7550 (Cascade) 616-202-2777 (Southwest)
The Mud Room offers DIY art activities for the whole family! Sign up ages 7-15 for Camp Mud classes, where kids can create with clay on a Potter’s Wheel, Paint Canvas, make Fused Glass and MORE! Plan ahead and sign up early… these classes sell out!
Check their Events Calendar for more family friendly classes, plan a Birthday Party, or stop in during Open Studio hours for an impromptu creative day out, where you can paint pottery, make fused glass or paint a trendy pallet sign.
The Mud Room was our 2016 Grandtastic Award winner and their helpful staff will help anyone feel like an artist!
CONTACT INFORMATION:
1971 E Beltline Ave NE | Grand Rapids, MI
WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | 616-259-7269
Give your child an unforgettable summer music experience at a weeklong camp with top-notch instructors at Grand Rapids’s #1 music lesson school – The Academy of Music in Grand Rapids! Campers will explore, connect, and grow together as they build musical skills in a creative, encouraging, and fun environment. Expect low student-teacher ratio, 10-15 hours of instruction, and free Academy t-shirts.
Check the link below for more details about our Music Discovery Camp, Singing Camp, Summer Music Festival Singers Camp, String Ensemble Camp, Ukulele Camp, Drum/Percussion Camp, and Guitar Rock Camp.
CONTACT INFORMATION:
6159 28th St SE | Ste 24 | Grand Rapids, MI 49546
WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | 616-965-1655
John Ball Zoo Summer Camp is a unique, hands-on learning experience that is fun and educational!
Your camper may be prowling past the Tigers, creating animal treats or even cleaning out Bongo stalls! Each class follows a particular theme and spends time in the Zoo and park setting. Qualified instructors use a variety of methods to stimulate the learning process (role-playing, games, stories, and nature play). Older students enjoy increased opportunities to meet zookeepers and explore behind the scenes areas. Class sizes are strictly limited to provide a high quality experience. Camp opportunities include full day, half day, and overnights.
CONTACT INFORMATION:
1300 W. Fulton St | Grand Rapids, MI 49504
WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | 616-336-4300
Own-A-Horse’ Camp offers an outdoor, hands-on equestrian experience. Kids will learn what it is like to own a pony or horse! They will have FUN at the stables while learning all aspects of horse care including, feeding, grooming, safety, how horses think, stable management, and more! Kids will practice riding horses in a variety of disciplines and then have a show at the end of the week for parents!
Ages: 6-17
Dates: April 3-7 & every weekday between June 12 – August 28
Times 8:30 AM-11:30 AM & 12:00 PM-3:00 PM. Half day or a whole day options
Come enjoy a Human-Horse Connection!
CONTACT INFORMATION:
8001 Patterson Ave SE | Caledonia, MI 49316
WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | 616-570-1106
Interested in learning more about science and technology this summer? Spend a week designing, building and programming a LEGO Mindstorms Robot, then compete in an exciting challenge with fellow campers. Whether you are an experienced programmer, or whether robotics is new to you, you will be challenged and have fun at robotics camp!
Spend a week learning about gear ratios, sensor inputs and drive train development. Training to be a future engineer! For students entering grades 4-9. See our website for details. New opportunities for other grades and new weeks will be added throughout the spring.
CONTACT INFORMATION:
5100 Belding Rd. | Rockford, MI 49341
WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | 616-929-0686
Give your child “The Best Summer Ever” at Sherman Lake YMCA Camp conveniently located a short drive off I-94 in Augusta, Michigan.
With over 300 acres of woodlands, prairie, and pristine lakefront, there’s no end to the adventure for summer campers. Overnight and Day Camp programs include classic camps or specialty camps focused on arts, water sports, adventure, music, theatre, horseback, culinary, digital media and role-play camps. There’s something new and different each week and each year. State of the art facilities include all-season carpeted cabins, each with a shower and bath plus a full service recreation center and indoor pool.
CONTACT INFORMATION:
6225 N. 39th Street| Augusta, MI 49012
WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | 269-731-3000
Avoid the summer slide at Mathnasium! Our summer programs give students an extra boost for the school year ahead. For some students that means a solid review of previous material. Others benefit from previewing upcoming concepts. Most students will get some of both.
All Mathnasium students start by taking an assessment which pinpoints their learning needs. We meet them where they are and take them where they need to go. Mathnasium’s unique assessment process determines (with great accuracy) exactly what each child knows and what they need to learn. Our assessment reveals each skill area that needs to be mastered so kids aren’t wasting time reviewing concepts they already know.
CONTACT INFORMATION:
6080 28th Street SE | Grand Rapids, MI 49546
6101 Kalamazoo Ave SE | Suite B1 | Kentwood, MI 49508
WEBSITE (Grand Rapids) | WEBSITE (Kentwood) | FACEBOOK (Grand Rapids) | FACEBOOK (Kentwood) | 616-956-5600 (Grand Rapids) 616-541-5150 (Kentwood)
Grace Adventures Summer Youth Camps create an incredibly fun and safe environment while challenging kids to try new experiences and teach them principles from God’s Word. Our highly trained staff will take care of and mentor your kids as they explore new activities, make new friends, eat great food, and learn more about God.
Grace Adventures Horse Camps at Paradise Ranch provide fun for kids as they learn quality horsemanship and about their walk with Jesus Christ. Campers will care for, feed, and ride a horse every day while being mentored and cared for by our highly trained staff.
CONTACT INFORMATION:
2100 N Ridge Rd. | Mears, MI 49436
WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | 231-873-3662
This summer, Kendall College of Art and Design of Ferris State University’s Continuing Studies program is rolling out a new and improved lineup of youth course offerings designed to help young learners reconnect with the basic, elemental experiences of creativity and artistic expression. By giving them the time and space to explore their own creative potential, these classes will revitalize your child’s natural curiosity. So what are you waiting for? Enroll your child in a class today and see what happens when you let them connect with their inner creativity.
CONTACT INFORMATION:
17 Fountain St. NW | Grand Rapids, MI 49503
WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | 616-451-2787 x3012
Animal lovers will get 3 days of in-depth, hands-on learning about life on a dairy farm at Dairy Day Camp. Kids will care for a calf and train her for the dairy show on the last day of camp. Participants get to go on a hayride, learn about cow care, perform farm chores, learn about dairy foods, and tour a modern, working, family dairy farm.
Grades K-8.
Camp sessions are June 12-14 and June 26-28. 10 AM-2 PM (bring a sack lunch).
Register by May 31st.
CONTACT INFORMATION:
12877 84th St. SE | Alto, MI 49302
WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | 616-293-0432
MVP Summer Camps are the ULTIMATE in active summertime FUN for kids ages 3-11yrs old! Campers will enjoy weekly themed projects & activities, swimming, water play, sports, active fun and so much more! Weekly, Daily and Extended Care options are available. Visit MVPSportsClubs.com for location specific information!
CONTACT INFORMATION:
MVP Sportsplex | 4035 Burton Street SE |Grand Rapids, MI 49546
MVP Athletic Club, Crahen |115 Crahen Ave NE | Grand Rapids, MI 49525
MVP Athletic Club, Holland | 650 S Waverly Road | Holland, MI 49423
WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | 616-254-8800
Summer Camp at GRG! If your child is 4 years or older, then they are in for an amazing week!
From the foam pits to the trampolines, gymnastics to swimming or using their creativity through cool crafts, campers will make memories that last a lifetime. Register at GRGymnastics.com or give us a call.
CONTACT INFORMATION:
1601 Galbraith Ave | Grand Rapids, MI
WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | 616-975-2992
Have a blast at Theatre Day Camp! Grand Valley Shakespeare Festival’s Will Power-The Shakespeare Camp for Kids! One session only! June 26-30, 9 AM-12 PM (camper entering grades 1-3) and 1-4 PM (camper entering grades 4-6). $110 per camper; $95 second child discount. Scholarships available. GVSU Allendale Campus. www.gvsu.edu/shakes. 616-331-2300.
CONTACT INFORMATION:
290 LSH | Allendale, MI 49401
WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | 616-331-3668
Summer Camp is an exciting time at the Grand Rapids Civic Theatre! Camps are available for students age 4 through 12thgrade. Tuition includes a t-shirt, the opportunity to perform on the Meijer Majestic Stage, a comprehensive theatre arts curriculum taught by a highly experienced faculty, and more! View our Summer Camp brochure here for more information and session dates.
CONTACT INFORMATION:
30 N Division Avenue | Grand Rapids, MI 49503
WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | 616-222-6650
Each week, there is a new morning theme and new afternoon theme! Camp examples include: Mad Scientist, Ninja Warrior, Iron Chef Jr., Gymnastics, Spy Kids, and so many more! There are many options available, including multiple week discounts. Our all summer option is cheaper than daycare and way more fun!
CONTACT INFORMATION:
6462 Center Industrial Dr | Jenison, MI 49428
WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | 616-669-7722
Summer Explorers offer school-age day camps during elementary school breaks.
Our themed curriculum will keep your child’s mind active during the summer. We provide outdoor and indoor activities: crafts, water play days and plenty of exciting group games in addition to many trips to local attractions.
Visit our website at www.appletreekids.cc/locations/ to access our 10 locations
CONTACT INFORMATION:
10 locations in West Michigan
WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | 616-454-5432
English horseback riding camp designed for beginner riders ages 8-14. Each day campers will have a riding lesson, then participate in games, crafts and more! On the last day of camp, riders will participate in a friendly competition to show off all they have learned during camp!
Camp dates are June 19-22 and July 17-20.
CONTACT INFORMATION:
9914 Vergennes Ave | Lowell MI 49331
WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | 616-446-6968
Your kids will learn the process of making froyo, create their own flavor, and discover what it takes to run a business. This is a great opportunity to experience the 21st century education that Journey Academy provides! Ages 7-11.
CONTACT INFORMATION:
6206 Ada Dr. SE | Ada, MI, 49301
WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | 630-303-0749
Summer Programs: June 21-July-26th
Morning Program: 8:30 AM – Noon
Individualized remediation in reading, writing, and math for students in grades 1st-10th and Orton-Gillingham reading instruction which includes multi-sensory and phonics-based activities.
Afternoon Program: 12:30-3:30
Educational activities aimed at promoting executive functioning brain growth for students ages 5-9 by using music, rhymes, dramatic play, and age-appropriate developmental and physical activities.
CONTACT INFORMATION:
2428 Burton SE | Grand Rapids, MI 49546
WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | 616-464-3330
Sharpen your athletic skills or learn a new sport in a fun, Christian environment! NorthPointe Christian Schools’ Mustang Sports Camps serve students entering grades K-8. Only $50 per camp!
Offerings:
• June 12-15: Basketball, Cheer, Golf ($65), Tennis, Running, & Volleyball
• June 19-22: Basketball, Football, Soccer
CONTACT INFORMATION:
3101 Leonard St. NE | Grand Rapids, MI 49525
WEBSITE | 616-942-0350
Calvin Christian summer sport’s camps are open to all families and students ages 4-18 years old. Each camp is led by the varsity coaches at Calvin Christian. Full camp descriptions and schedules can be found online at http://www.gosquires.org/athletics/.
CONTACT INFORMATION:
3750 Ivanrest Ave SW | Grandville, MI 49418
WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | 616-516-0172
Join the fun at Kids Rock Summer Camp! Nine weeks, with a new theme each week! Only $115/week! Two convenient Grand Rapids locations. Check out more at www.kidsrocksummercamp.com
CONTACT INFORMATION:
At Bricks4Kidz we learn, build and play with LEGO bricks! Our theme based summer camps are fun, educational, and engaging. With our great themes around Batman, Pokeman, Robotics, Movie-making and more, you will find just the camp for your child ages 5 – 13. Check us out at our website.
CONTACT INFORMATION:
Camps are offered at various school districts including: East Grand Rapids, Forest Hills, Grandville, Hudsonville and Rockford
WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | 616-438-9993
Integrity School of Dance Arts Summer Camps 2017:
Submerged: A Under the Sea Adventure!
Daytime and Evening Camps available June- August
Preschool- Advanced Dancers
Camps Offered In: Tap, Ballet, Jazz, Hip Hop, and Contemporary
Register online at integritydance.com or call 616-583-9886.
Dance… with Purpose!
CONTACT INFORMATION:
2495 84th Street SW | Byron Center
WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | 616-583-9886
More Camps
- AYF Miniwanca | 8845 W Garfield Rd | Shelby, MI 49455
- Balletmore Dance Studio| 2335 Burton St SE | Grand Rapids, MI 49506
- Blandford Nature Center | 1715 Hillburn Ave NW | Grand Rapids, MI 49504
- Compass Summer Film and Acting | 41 Sheldon Blvd | Grand Rapids, MI 49503
- CARE Ballet | 2661 29th St. SE | Suite I | Grand Rapids, Michigan 49512
- Camp Blodgett | 1545 Buchanan Ave SW | Grand Rapids, MI 49507
- Camp Geneva | 3995 Lakeshore Drive North | Holland, MI 49424
- Camp Roger | 8356 Belding Rd NE | Rockford, MI 49341
- Cran-Hill Ranch | 14444 17 Mile Road | Rodney, MI 49342
- Critter Barn | 9275 Adams Street | Zeeland, MI 49464
- Grand Rapids Art Museum | 101 Monroe Center St | Grand Rapids, MI 49503
- Grand Rapids Treetop Adventure Park | 2121 Celebration Dr NE | Grand Rapids, MI 49525
- Humane Society of West Michigan | 3077 Wilson Dr NW | Grand Rapids, MI 49534
- Hearts in Motion Dance | 4336 Plainfield Ave NE | Grand Rapids, MI 49525
- Kent ISD | 2930 Knapp Street NE | Grand Rapids, MI 49525
- Maple Hill Golf | 5555 Ivanrest Ave SW | Grandville, MI 49418
- Michigan Ballet Academy | 1595 Galbraith Ave. SE | Grand Rapids, MI 49546
- Salvation Army | 1215 Fulton Street East | Grand Rapids, MI 49503
- SpringHill | 7699 95th Ave | Evart, MI 49631
- West Michigan Fencing Academy | 1111 Godfrey SW | Suites N250 & N260 | Grand Rapids, MI 49503
- YMCA Camp Algonquin | 2055 Iroquois Trail | Hastings, MI 49058
- YMCA Camp Echo | 3782 S Triangle Trail | Fremont, MI 49412
- YMCA Camp Manitou-lin | 1095 N. Briggs Road | Middleville, MI 49333
- YMCA Camp Pendalouan | 1243 E. Fruitvale Rd. | Montague, MI 49437
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