Schools out and the kids are at home, now what? It is important to find activities that keep them engaged. Here are 5 Grand Rapids summer camps that are fun and educational.

John Ball Zoo Summer Camp 

John Ball Zoo’s Summer Zoo Camp offers a hands-on learning experience for children ages 3 years to those entering 9th grade. Each session follows a specific wildlife theme and uses games, stories, songs and more to make learning fun. To provide a high quality experience, class sizes are strictly limited and each class has their own qualified instructor and educational aide. Day camps and overnight camps are available and cater to individual age groups.

The Salvation Army Camp Kroc

The Salvation Army Kroc Center’s Camp Kroc is a faith-based day camp program for ages 5-12 that offers 12 weeks of summer day camp.  Children can play and grow in a safe and positive environment, while enjoying swimming, drama, music, arts & crafts, group games, sports, bible lessons, and other fun activities.

YMCA Camp Manitou-Lin

  The waterfront location provides the opportunity to enjoy activities such as kayaking, skiing, swimming, canoeing and inflatable toys. SPIRIT Farms Riding Center allows horse enthusiasts to learn how to care for and ride horses. Camp Manitou-Lin also offers rock climbing, archery, arts and crafts and a nature center to keep your camper engaged and entertained.

Humane Society of West Michigan Animal Summer Camps

 The Humane Society of West Michigan offers several different camps that feature animal interactions, presentations, crafts and games.  Camps include :  K9 Training camp, where campers get to try their hand at training shelter dogs.  Vet Camp, where future vets can spend a week seeing if veterinary medicine is in their future. Animal Care Experience camp, where kids can get the best of both worlds and spend the whole day at HSWM, playing with cats, dogs and bunnies and more!

Horizon Complex Summer Camp

The Horizon Complex offers 32 different summer camps options! From gymnastics, Pirates, Glitz & Glamour, Ninja Turtles, Pretty Princess, Cheer-leading and Arts & Crafts, to LEGOS, Cooking, Superheroes,  and so much more! Each day of camp is filled with games, crafts, activities, and snacks, and every Friday is Wet & Wild Water Day! You’re sure to find something for your little camper.

School will be back in session before you know it so make sure your child has experiences that will build memories to last a lifetime!