Summer is just around the corner and we are just as excited as your children are! For many of us, summer is time to get out and have fun. Don’t let it pass you by! Below are a few summer programs that may help your child get the most out of their summer. The programs on this list are either free to participate in, or have scholarship programs for interested families to keep cost from becoming a barrier. Spots tend to fill up quickly and summer programs start soon. If you see something that interests you, act fast. Here’s to a great summer!
Education & Personal Growth
- Hennepin County Libraries offer free programs for all ages in addition to some parent-child classes. The Library Lab provides a space for children to learn about the wonders and excitement of chemistry; Bruce the Bug Guy presents lively, entertaining, hands on program featuring all sorts of creepy crawlies; The Hennepin County Northeast Library also has baby story time programs, yoga classes, spaceship origami, and so much more! Check them out at hiclib.org or call 612-543-6775. Options vary by location.
- The Barnes & Noble Summer Reading Program helps children in grades 1-6 read books of their choosing to earn a free book of their choice. Visit a store near you or check them out online for more details.
- The Boys and Girls Clubs (Jerry Gambles Boys & Girls Club of the Twin Cities in Near North and the Southside Village Boys & Girls Club of the Twin Cities in Powderhorn) offer programs for ages 5-18. Yearly membership fee is $5 per child/young adult with breakfast and lunch provided. Programs include academics, sports, arts, nature, teen programing, mentoring, and more. For more contact: Near North – 612-522-3636; Powderhorn – 612-822-3191.
- Park Avenue Freedom Schools Summer Program accepts children who have finished kindergarten through 8th grade. Weekly themes focus on identity and the ways they can make a difference in themselves, in their families, and in their communities. Find them online or call 612-825-6863 for more information.
- WE WIN Institute is a free program for K-4th grade children. Students earn school credits while they enhance their math, reading, and writing skills. The program also includes activities such as mural painting, gardening, and dance. Transportation, breakfast and lunch is provided. Upon completion of the program, committed students will be eligible for a trip to Valley Fair! Visit the website at we-win.org or contact them at 612-721-2364.
Sports & Activities
- Minnesota Vikings Youth Skills Development Camp is a 4-day, free coed football camp for ages 8 through 18 hosted by the MN Vikings and professional coaches. Spots are limited. For more information, contact Jeff Robinson at 952-828-6500 or Char Davis at 612-230-6448.
- The Brian Coyle Center & Teen Programs offers school and summer programs for K-12th graders from day camps and fieldtrips, overnight camping opportunities, athletic teams to tutoring services, you’re sure to find something that fits. For more, call Pillsbury United Communities at 612-338-5282
- Minneapolis Parks & Recreation Board has swimming lessons for children of all ages. Locations vary. For questions and more information, call Sahara at 612-655-7564.
Art & Music Programs
- The Minneapolis College of Art and Design offers summer camps to students ages 5-18. Participants are also offered an extended care option which offers both free play time and organized activities with Chilldren’s Theatre Company. Scholarships are available, but limited. Register by phone at 612-874-3765.
- MacPhail provides accessible musical learning experiences through over 50 different camps designed to meet the needs of the student. Program is open to ages 3 through grade 3. Contact student services at 612-321-0100 or visit macphail.org.
- The Loft Library Center Young Writers’ Program advances the artistic development of young writers and inspires a pssion for literature by offering creative writing classes to youth ages 6-17. Located on Washington Ave. downtown, The Loft fosters a thriving literary community in the heart of Minneapolis. Register online at loft.org or call 612-215-2575.
