Summer Programs for Children

Several girls explore nature at the Washington Park Urban Ecology Center during a summer program. Photo courtesy of the Urban Ecology Center.

Scrambling to find something productive and fun for your children to do this summer? A variety of free and affordable summer camps and programs are available throughout the city.

Here’s a roundup:

The Urban Ecology Center is now taking registrations for more than 100 summer programs at the organization’s three locations: Menomonee Valley, 3700 W. Pierce St., Riverside Park, 1500 E. Park Place, and Washington Park, 1859 N. 40th St.

Programs usually last one week, but they vary depending on the camp. They are offered to youth from preschool to 12th grade. Cost and dates vary, but most run from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Scholarships are available to campers. Activities include exploring nature, building science skills and participating in hands-on adventures.

“We reserve 50 percent of our spots in the camps for scholarships to make them accessible to youth in Milwaukee,” said Jeff McAvoy, director of marketing at UEC. “We want to keep the learning going during the summer. We teach them about science and nature, while they’re having fun.”

Before- and after-care is available to campers as early as 8 a.m. and as late as 5 p.m. at all three locations. The fee is $10 per day or $50 per week.

Day campers from the Milwaukee YMCA participate in activities and make friends at Greene Park. Photo Courtesy of Milwaukee YMCA.

The YMCA of Metropolitan Milwaukee offers affordable summer camps and programs to youth at five locations around the city. The Y offers weeklong traditional camps as well as specialty and sports camps. Prices range from $184 to $230 depending on the camp. Scholarships and discounts are available.

Traditional summer camps are available to children ages 4 to 12 throughout the summer. The camps run from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., but campers can arrive as early as 7 a.m. for structured before-camp activities.

The YMCA camps encourage children to leave electronics at home, and instead focus on making friends and participating in activities.

“Kids are forced to have face-to-face interaction with kids their age,” said Chris Przedpelski, the YMCA director of day camp. “They become social beings.”

Specialty camps include Cooking Camp, Drama Camp and Fishing Camp. Sports camps are available for basketball, baseball, volleyball and many other sports.

The YMCA is also partnering with Milwaukee County Parks for Milwaukee Swims. The program consists of eight swim lessons at $5 per person or $10 for families. The lessons are offered to children 6 years or older.

Milwaukee Recreation offers programs throughout the city. The Safe Places program takes place all summer around Milwaukee for students in kindergarten through eighth grade. It costs $45 to $60 depending on time and location. The program offers a variety of recreational activities, including arts and crafts, games and other social activities. Nearly all Safe Places are open from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., but times may vary.

Twilight Centers are available to youth ages 12 to 18 every Monday through Thursday from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. and Saturday from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. from June 3 to Aug. 19. The program, which takes place at five locations, is free to students. The centers offer activities such as roller skating, games, open gym and movie nights.

Summer Recreation Enrichment Camps for children ages 3 to 12 are offered at Hawley Environmental School, 5610 W. Wisconsin Ave., or Lancaster School, 4931 N. 68th St. Activities include outdoor adventures, educational field trips and games. The camps cost $115 per week for the first child and $90 for each additional child. Families who qualify for Wisconsin Shares can register for a $40 fee for one child or $50 for the family.

Milwaukee Kickers Soccer Club offers soccer camps for children ages 3 to 6 to learn and improve their skills. The program meets once a week for six weeks. The fee is $72 per child.

Artists Working in Education offers a Free Truck Studio for children ages 4 to 14. Four art trucks will travel around the city this summer for children to use their imaginations and create art.

The COA Goldin Campus offers summer programs Monday through Friday from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. The cost is $5 for the whole program. Activities include field trips, sports and fine arts.

If you know of other free or affordable summer programs for children, please add a comment below.

This story was originally published by Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service, where you can find other stories reporting on fifteen city neighborhoods in Milwaukee.