Education Everywhere — School’s out for the summer, but the learning doesn’t have to stop, thanks to the many opportunities offered at area organizations for students to use their imaginations, have fun, explore and develop skills.
Here’s a roundup of summer camps and other opportunities.
Grand Rapids Art Museum
2026 Summer Creativity Camp: Campers will take part in two-day sessions focused on observation and discussion in GRAM’s galleries, participate in hands-on art activities, and explore the power of art to build creative confidence, empathy and connection.
Grand Rapids Public Museum
Camp Curious: Campers will explore the wonders of history, science, culture and more through a variety of one- and multi-day camp options. With artifact explorations, hands-on experiences, behind-the-scenes adventures, exciting experiments and creative crafts, campers will enjoy an immersive and unique experience.
Grand Rapids Public Library
Summer reading challenge: Young readers can choose their own reading adventure.
- 30 Day Challenge: Read a total of 30 days and mark a circle for each day you read.
- Book Count Challenge: Pick a number of books to read this summer and write in titles on the reading log.Â
Frederik Meijer Gardens
Summer camps: World-renowned gardens and galleries offer unique opportunities to explore, create and grow. From sculpting to environmental leadership to botanical adventures, each camp inspires curiosity and fosters a deep appreciation for the natural world.
John Ball Zoo
Zoo Camp: Young explorers will connect with nature, discover fascinating animal habitats and participate in hands-on activities that spark curiosity and creativity.
Kent District Library
Summer Wonder reading challenge: The program encourages lifelong learning through reading, hands-on activities and free events for a variety of interests, learning styles and abilities.
St. Cecilia Music Center
Summer camps: Developing musicians can choose from two opportunities: Stella Royce Piano Camp is an engaging, intensive week-long camp for young pianists, while Middle School Band Camp is for band students who want to hone their skills, learn new things and join a community of passionate musicians.
Van Andel Institute for Education
K-12 STEM summer camps: Students can choose from one-day and four-day options in science, engineering and robotics that offer a variety of hands-on, interactive investigations where kids think and act like scientists.
Grand Rapids Children’s Museum
Artists in Residence summer program: Children and their parents can explore curiosity and art in this four-week program, with weekly themes led by local professional working artists.
Mathnasium
Summer Camp math programs: Students participating in the interactive week-long Half-Day Math Camp will gain confidence through games and hands-on learning, or taking part in a Summer Skills Plan program will help them make steady, milestone-based progress through focused instruction. For more summer learning options, see here.
