Celebrate the planet with these Earth Day events for metro Detroit families

Every year on April 22, Earth Day is celebrated by families everywhere. We celebrate our beautiful blue orb by cleaning her up and enjoying other Earth Day events.

Looking for ways to get your kids tuned into learning about environmental issues and appreciating nature in 2026?

From volunteer clean-ups to craft days and festivals, metro Detroit and Ann Arbor are chock-full of fun Earth Day activities for all ages to enjoy. Gear up, go green and head outside to give back to Mother Earth.

Earth Day events in Detroit

Greenfest at Belle Isle Nature

April 11-12, 2026

• Address: 176 Lakeside Drive, Detroit
• Cost: Free
• Time: 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

Greenfest is a free, two day family friendly event that explains how simple actions can support a healthier environment. Go green with community science initiatives, connection with local conservation experts, creative exploration and community connection. Admission is free!

Greenfest at Detroit Zoo

April 11-12, 2026

• Address: 229 W. Michigan Ave., Ypsilanti
• Cost: All festival experiences are included with admission and free for members.
• Time: All day

Participate in events including Green Showcase & Mindfully Made Market, Arts & Scraps Creation Stations, scoop your own poo zoo compost giveaway and more. Greenfest activities are located throughout the Zoo. All festival experiences are included with admission and free for members.

Earth Day Celebration at the Recreation Activities Center

April 16, 2026

• Address: 4640 Walnut Lake Road, Bloomfield Hills
• Cost: Free event; $5/nature hike for resident, $7/nature hike for non-resident
• Time: 4-6 p.m.

Explore the Outdoor Natural Play Area and celebrate the holiday with a recycled craft, live animal interactions and guided hikes. You can register with or without the hike. Pre-registration required.

Dequindre Cut Spring Cleanup

April 18, 2026

• Address: Dequindre Cut Greenway, Detroit
• Cost: Free
• Time: 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

This cleanup event will focus on removing litter from the Dequindre Cut Greenway and surrounding streets. Volunteer for a few focused hours or casually collect litter as you walk. Trash bags, gloves and a limited number of trash pickers and rakes will be provided. Volunteers under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

Earth Day Celebration at Burgess-Shadbush Nature Center

April 18, 2025

• Address: 4101 River Bends Drive, Shelby Township
• Cost: Free
• Time: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. 

All ages can celebrate Earth Day with live music, guided hikes, crafts, live animal ambassadors, face painting and more. Meet local environmental organizations at the event and learn how you can get involved. 

Earth Day Seed Packing Social

April 22, 2026

• Address: 4444 Vernor Highway, Detroit
• Cost: Free
• Time: Noon-2 p.m.

Celebrate Earth Day by packing seeds with Keep Growing Detroit and fellow Outlier Collective members. Volunteers will help pack and organize seeds that will go directly to Detroit gardeners ahead of the growing season.

Earth Day Craft Buffet

April 22, 2026

• Address: 5201 Woodward Ave, Detroit
• Cost: Free
• Time: 5-6 p.m.

Create an Earth Day craft, suitable for all ages. Supplies will be provided but space is limited and seating will be on a first come first serve basis. 

Earth Day Plein Air Painting

April 22, 2026

• Address: Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Centennial Park, 1801 W. Jefferson, Detroit
• Cost: Free
• Time: 6-8 p.m.

Enjoy a guided walk through Ralph Wilson Park for inspiration for your painting, and then paint freeform or with guidance from TEAD One teaching artists. All ages and skills are welcome and no experience is required. Tables, paints and canvases are provided, but feel free to bring your own materials too. 

Earth Day Community Cleanup & Ice Cream Social

April 22, 2026

• Address: 4240 Cass Avenue #suite 100
• Cost: Free
• Time: 6-8 p.m.

Join The Cleanup Club as we celebrate Earth Day with a community cleanup, followed by an ice cream social at Cold Truth! Everyone is welcome and all cleanup materials will be provided. Please bring a reusable water bottle so you can stay hydrated with provided water refills without the single-use plastic.

Huron Corridor Earth Day Clean Up at Indian Village Park

April 25, 2026

• Address: 782 W. Huron St., Pontiac
• Cost: Free
• Time: 8 a.m.-1 p.m. 

This all-ages event will take place at Indian Village Park. Participants will help by picking up trash, making basic improvements and more. Donuts, water and snacks will be provided. Make sure to bring gloves, flat head shovels and rakes.

Earth Day Celebration at Barn Sanctuary

April 26, 2025

• Address: 20179 McKernan Road, Chelsea
• Cost: $35
• Time: 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

This celebration features a guided tour where you get to meet their remarkable residents, an educational presentation and more. Reservations required.

This article was recently updated on April 9, 2026, by Metro Parent staff writers. The update included adding Earth Day events to the MetroParent.com‘s calendar and featuring the best events on this list. 

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YMCA Camp Timbers builds confidence through connection and outdoor adventure

On 300 acres of Northern Michigan forest, campers at YMCA Camp Timbers are surrounded by a natural setting that’s both new and familiar. With long days outside, time on the lake and unforgettable traditions, campers gain a strong sense of belonging. 

“From the moment campers arrive, there’s an intentional focus on creating a welcoming, inclusive environment where every child feels safe, supported and part of something bigger,” says Executive Director Ricky Wright.

Among the wooded trails, open space and a private lake, new campers immediately find their place. Staff help ease the transition, and families often point to how quickly camp bonds form, both with counselors and with other campers.

Campers swim, boat, craft and embrace camp traditions

Photo credit: YMCA Camp Timbers

Camp runs June 14 through August 1 for ages 6-17, with a daily schedule built around new experiences and friendships. 

“The day is structured enough to keep things running smoothly, but flexible and fun so campers stay engaged,” Wright says.

Mornings start together, then shift into activity rotations that might include swimming, boating, arts and crafts or team sports. After lunch and a break to recharge, afternoons open up more choice, with time to revisit a favorite activity or try something new.

By evening, the full camp comes back together. Campfires, group games and themed nights give the day a shared ending, the kind that campers tend to talk about long after summer ends.

“This is when a lot of the camp’s community spirit really shines,” Wright says.

For outdoor explorers, first-time overnight campers and social learners

Photo credit: YMCA Camp Timbers

Some campers arrive ready to try it all. Others take a little time. Both tend to find their place at YMCA Camp Timbers.

“You don’t have to be experienced — just willing,” Wright says.

Kids who enjoy being outside often settle in quickly, especially with the focus on lake activities and group play. But it’s often the campers who are still figuring things out — trying something new, building confidence or navigating friendships — who see the biggest gains.

“The campers who thrive most are not necessarily the most athletic or outgoing. They’re the ones who are open, willing and ready to engage,” he says.

Programs that support character development, leadership and belonging

Photo credit: YMCA Camp Timbers

There’s a wide mix of activities, all designed to support growth, connection and confidence.

“It’s not just ‘fun for fun’s sake,’” Wright says. “Campers are guided to grow as people while they’re having fun.”

YMCA core values — caring, honesty, respect and responsibility — are part of daily life. Campers are encouraged to take on small challenges, build independence and look out for one another. 

“Every camper is actively supported in feeling like they belong,” Wright says.

Where kids gain confidence, independence and friendships

Camp culture shapes everything at YMCA Camp Timbers. With days spent fully outdoors, kids disconnect from screens and engage with the people and environment around them.

Many parents notice their child returning more confident and self-reliant, more comfortable making decisions or stepping into new situations. 

“Kids often return excited, proud of what they accomplished and eager to go back,” Wright says. “It’s a place where they try new things, become more confident and build meaningful relationships that last well beyond the summer.” 

Camp snapshot

Camp name: YMCA Camp Timbers
Location: West Branch, Michigan
Address: 3269 Horseshoe Lake Road, West Branch, MI 48661
Ages: 6-17
Camp type: Overnight camp
Dates: June 14-August 1
Cost: $660-$1,400
Website: www.camptimbers.org
Phone: 989-345-2630

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Plan a weekend with your family in America’s No. 1 summer destination

If you’re still scrolling through the usual suspects for your family’s summer vacation — theme parks, beach resorts, the same crowded national parks — it’s time to look north. To a tiny, magical island in Lake Huron where the cars stopped running over a century ago and the fudge never stops flowing.

Mackinac Island has just been named the No. 1 Summer Travel Destination in the United States by U.S. News & World Report, beating out some serious competition. Glacier National Park, Yellowstone, the Grand Canyon and the Adirondacks all made the list. And this isn’t a one-year fluke: USA Today readers have voted Mackinac Island the Best Summer Travel Destination three years running, making it one of the most consistently celebrated spots in the country.

Key takeaways

• The bigger picture: Mackinac Island was just named the No. 1 Summer Travel Destination in the U.S. by U.S. News & World Report for 2026, beating out Yellowstone, the Grand Canyon, Glacier National Park and the Adirondacks.
• A day on the island: The island is completely car-free. Getting around means walking, biking or taking a horse-drawn carriage; a genuinely unique experience that slows everything down in the best way. Between Fort Mackinac’s living history reenactments, outdoor recreation, fudge shops and horse-drawn carriage rides, there’s something for every age group.
• What you need to know: Sneak Peek Week runs April 24–30, 2026, offering an uncrowded early look at the island. Full summer season runs through August with mild temps in the 70s.

 

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What makes it so special for families?

Mackinac Island’s car-free streets mean transportation is refreshingly simple: walk, bike or grab a horse-drawn carriage. For parents used to navigating highway traffic and parking lots, this alone feels like a vacation. For kids, it feels like stepping into a storybook.

Fort Mackinac also features reenactments, gunfire salutes and costumed interpreters who make you feel like you’ve gone back in time. Kids don’t just read about history here — they experience it. Many families leave with their children even wearing a powdered wig from the gift shop.

Photo credit: Rochester Hills Museum at Van Hoosen Farm

Outdoor adventure for every age

Kayaking, biking and hiking to the Instagram-worthy Arch Rock are just a few of the ways to explore. Mackinac Island State Park offers miles of paved and forested trails perfect for all fitness levels, and the island is surrounded by the Great Lakes in every direction making water views a constant backdrop to every adventure.

Summer Festivals you won’t want to miss: 

• June 5-14: Lilac Festival in June
• July 4: W.T. Rabe Stone Skipping Competition, Fireworks, & 4th of July Celebrations
• Oct. 2-3: Mackinac Island Fall Fudge Festival
• Oct. 23-25: Mackinac Island Halloween Weekend

 

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The famous fudge (yes, it’s worth the hype)

No trip to Mackinac is complete without sampling the island’s legendary fudge. The Mackinac Island Fudge Festival in October is a sweet celebration of Michigan’s most famous confection. There are multiple fudge shops lining the main street, and watching it get made on marble slabs is a show in itself.

 

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Where to stay and when to go

Accommodations range from iconic to cozy. The Grand Hotel features the longest front porch on earth, full of rocking chairs with breathtaking views of the Straits of Mackinac. For families seeking a more relaxed vibe, Mission Point Resort is a family-owned property with plans to expand culinary programming and update guest rooms for the 2026 season.

The 2026 tourism season kicks off with Sneak Peek Week, April 24-30 — a great chance to explore the island before the summer crowds arrive. Peak season runs through August, with mild temperatures and plenty of sunshine making it ideal for outdoor exploring.

 

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Frequently asked questions about Mackinac Island

Where is Mackinac Island? It’s located in Lake Huron, between Michigan’s Upper and Lower Peninsulas in the northern part of the state.

How do you get there? You take a ferry from either Mackinaw City or St. Ignace on the mainland. The ferry ride itself is part of the experience. Private charter flights into the island’s small airport are also an option.

Are there really no cars on the island? Correct. Cars have been banned on the island for over a century. Transportation is by foot, bicycle or horse-drawn carriage.

What’s the weather like in summer? Mild and pleasant. Highs are typically in the 70s°F, making it comfortable for outdoor activities without the sweltering heat of many other summer destinations.

What should families make sure to do? The must-dos include a horse-drawn carriage ride through downtown, visiting Fort Mackinac for the history reenactments, biking or hiking to Arch Rock, kayaking and of course sampling the famous fudge.

When is the best time to visit? Late June through August is peak season with the most events and activities. For a quieter trip, late May or early June offer a more relaxed experience with fewer crowds.

What are the big summer events? The Lilac Festival in June is the marquee event, but the Fudge Festival in October is also hugely popular. The island’s full summer calendar is packed with festivals and activities.

Is it expensive? It ranges widely. The Grand Hotel is a splurge, but there are more budget-friendly hotels and resorts on the island. U.S. News & World Report factors affordability into its rankings, so it’s accessible at multiple price points.

Is it worth it for kids specifically? Absolutely. The car-free environment, interactive history at the fort, outdoor adventures and novelty of horse-drawn transportation make it a genuinely memorable trip for children of all ages.

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Where to find alterations, hemming and last-minute fixes for your prom outfits

Finding the perfect prom outfit is only half the battle. Getting it to fit just right is what really makes the look come together. Whether it’s hemming a dress, adjusting straps or tailoring a suit, alterations can make a huge difference.

In metro Detroit, there are plenty of local tailors and alteration shops that specialize in formalwear and can help with everything from quick fixes to full custom adjustments. Some even offer rush services if you’re down to the wire.

Key takeaways

• The bigger picture: A well-fitted prom dress or suit can completely elevate the look, and metro Detroit has plenty of local shops equipped to help.
• More details: The shops on this list cover a wide range of needs, from full custom tailoring and formalwear fittings at Crown Custom Clothing and Sam Michael’s Menswear to quick fixes and faster turnarounds at spots like Mai’s Alterations and Express Alterations.
• Why this matters: Many students don’t think about alterations until it’s almost too late. Knowing where to go means a last-minute fit issue doesn’t have to derail the whole look.
• How this helps: With locations spread across metro Detroit, from Royal Oak and Farmington Hills to Canton Township and downtown Detroit, there’s likely a trusted tailor close to home no matter where you’re coming from.

Here’s where to go for prom wardrobe assistance in metro Detroit.

Mai’s Alterations

Mai’s Alterations is a local go-to for dress hemming and quick fixes, including strap adjustments and resizing. It’s especially helpful for simple prom alterations with faster turnaround times.

• Address: 5918 Sheldon Road, Canton Township
• Hours: 10 a.m.–6 p.m. Monday–Friday; 9 a.m.–3 p.m. Saturday
• Phone: (734) 455-9560

Express Alterations

A well-known local tailor serving metro Detroit, Express Alterations offers hemming, dress adjustments and full tailoring for both men’s and women’s formalwear. They handle everything from prom dresses to suits and emphasize precision fit for special occasions.

• Address: 114 Catalpa Drive, Royal Oak
• Hours: 9 a.m.–7 p.m. Monday–Friday; 9 a.m.–4 p.m. Saturday
• Phone: (248) 584-0700

Hot Sam’s Tailor Shop

A historic downtown Detroit tailor, Hot Sam’s offers alterations for dresses, suits and formalwear, including hemming, resizing and detailed garment adjustments. Pricing varies depending on the type of alteration, but services cover most prom needs.

• Address: 127 Monroe St., Detroit
• Hours: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday–Saturday
• Phone: (313) 961-6779

Crown Custom Clothing

Crown Custom Clothing provides tailoring and alteration services for formalwear, including dresses and suits. Known for custom work and fittings, this is a good option if you want a more tailored, polished look for prom.

• Address: 2410 W 14 Mile Road, Royal Oak
• Hours: 11 a.m.–5:30 p.m. Monday–Friday; 10:30 a.m.–3 p.m. Saturday
• Phone: (248) 439-1898

Sam Michael’s Menswear

Sam Michael’s is a long-standing menswear store that also offers tailoring and alterations for suits and tuxedos. It’s a strong option for prom suits, especially if you need both fitting and styling help.

• Address: 29437 W 12 Mile Road, Farmington Hills
• Hours: 9 a.m.–6 p.m. Monday–Friday; 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Saturday
• Phone: (248) 477-4615

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10 Reasons to Save with MESP

This article was reviewed and updated on April 6, 2026.

The cost of higher education is only going up, but that shouldn’t get you down. Saving for college doesn’t need to be a burden. With the Michigan Education Savings Program (MESP), there’s no big upfront investment and getting started takes about as long as grabbing a cup of coffee.

1. Easy & convenient

With MESP you can easily open an account online in just 15 minutes. Account management is made simple with online access. By setting up recurring contributions from your bank account or by payroll direct deposit (if supported by your employer), making regular contributions is hassle free.

2. Savings grow more due to tax advantages

Your earnings, if any, are free from federal income tax when used for qualified expenses. In the meantime, your earnings are reinvested automatically so your account can grow more than a taxable account over the same period.

3. Use at schools anywhere

Funds can be used at any accredited university, college or vocational school nationwide — and many abroad. Basically any institution with a student aid program qualifies.

4. Use for more than just tuition

MESP can be used to pay for tuition, certain room and board costs, computers and related technology expenses as well as fees, books, supplies, and other equipment.

5. Lower impact on financial aid than other savings options

Many parents worry that a 529 Savings Account can adversely affect eligibility for financial aid. Assuming the parent is the account owner, funds are typically treated as belonging to the parent, not the child, minimizing the impact on financial aid.*

6. Affordable

Open an account with as little as $25 per investment option, or $15 dollars per pay period using payroll direct deposit. Since there are no application, sales, or maintenance fees, saving for college is affordable even for those on a modest budget.

7. Everyone can help

You don’t have to do it all on your own! Grandparents as well as other family and friends can make gifts to your account for maximum growth potential.

8. Unused funds can be used for other eligible members of your family

If your loved one doesn’t need all the money or their education goals change, you can designate a new beneficiary penalty-free as long as they’re an eligible member of your family.

9. Investment flexibility

MESP provides a variety of professionally managed investment options to choose from including enrollment year options that automatically change as the beneficiary approaches college enrollment. Alternatively you can tailor your portfolio with multi-fund, single-fund and principal plus interest options to match your risk tolerance, timeline and investment preferences.

10. Estate tax planning benefits

When you or anyone else makes a contribution, it may qualify for an annual gift tax exclusion of $19,000 per year for single filers and $38,000 a year for couples. As a 529 Plan, MESP is the only investment that allows you to give up to 5 years’ worth of gifts at one time — for a maximum of $95,000 for a single filer and $190,000 for couples. (This information applies to tax year 2026.)

Open your account online today and your MESP account could be growing by bedtime.

*The treatment of investments in a 529 savings plan varies by school. Assets are typically treated as the account holder’s and not the student’s. (Student assets are generally assessed at 20% whereas parental assets are generally assessed at 5.6%.) Any investments, including those in 529 accounts, may affect the student’s eligibility to get financial aid based on need. You should check with the schools you are considering regarding this issue.

This content brought to you by the Michigan Education Savings Program. Learn more at misaves.com. Find more articles like this at Metro Parent’s Making Your Child’s College Dreams Come True.

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What are the benefits of an MESP college savings account?

This article was reviewed and updated on April 6, 2026

College expenses cause stress. It’s a simple truth for parents — whether your child is a newborn or near graduation. Another truth? Opening a college savings account for your kid is a smart way to tame those future costs, wherever you are in your parenting journey.

The Michigan Education Savings Program, or MESP, is designed to help you do exactly that.

This Michigan 529 college savings plan offers both flexibility and stability in the face of those tumultuous costs, including tuition, room and board, books and more.

“The cost of college is a major concern for most families with good reason,” MESP notes on its website. “It is increasing at a faster rate than inflation.” Unplanned financial challenges prompted by a global pandemic haven’t helped matters.

But the good news is that MESP can provide a solid foundation. The sooner you start, the more money you’ll have to help pay for your child’s college dreams.

Here’s a closer look at this plan, how it works and how you can get one started for your child today.

What is a 529 plan?

In a nutshell, a 529 plan is a tax-advantaged savings plan designed to help save for qualified higher education costs. The “529” refers to the Section 529 of the Internal Revenue Code.

MESP is similar to a 401(k) or Roth IRA in that you take after tax contributions and invest for your loved one’s future. MESP offers a variety of different investment options to meet everyone’s investment strategy. These grow, tax-deferred, over time (note that funds do fluctuate with the economy).

When you ultimately withdraw the funds for higher education expenses, you’re not taxed. Your MESP funds can be used for in-state or out-of-state schools. And, specifically, you can use them to cover tuition, room and board and additional college costs.

Keep in mind that you can’t deduct your contributions from federal income taxes.

How much to contribute

“It only takes $25 to open an account and that is the minimum amount one can contribute. You can contribute as often or as infrequently as you like, weekly, monthly, once a year at bonus time,” says Jennifer Burke, director and senior marketing manager for MESP. “The commitment to save can fit into any budget.”

Anyone can pitch in — family members, friends, both in-state and out — and for whatever occasion, whether that’s a birthday, graduation, holiday or just because.

There’s no limit to how much money you can invest annually, either, but the maximum balance per account is $500,000.

You can also set up payroll direct deposit through your employer with a minimum of $15 per pay period. That’s a savvy way to establish recurring contributions as a fixed expense — so you don’t even have to think about it.

Opening an account

Getting started takes a few straightforward steps — only 15 minutes on average. Start by visiting the “Open a 529 Account Now” page on MISaves.com. You can also print your enrollment forms from the site, fill them out and mail in.

To set up your account, have a few things ready to make filling out the forms quicker. According to MESP, these include the following:

• Information About You (address, birthdate, social security number)
• Information About Your Beneficiary (birthdate, social security number)
• Bank Information (account number, routing number)

Note that the first Social Security Number you’ll enter on the form is for the account owner (parents, grandparents, etc.), and the second is the beneficiary (your child, niece, etc.).

There are no sales charges, start-up or maintenance fees to start your MESP account.

Flexibility is key

The funds in your MESP account can ultimately be used for any eligible institution in the United States — as well as some abroad. That includes public and private colleges and universities, trade schools, graduate schools and professional schools, MESP notes.

What if your child decides not to attend college, or some of the funds go unused? You can ultimately transfer those to another eligible family member’s plan. Keep in mind that non-qualified withdrawals are subject to federal and state taxes, as well as a potential 10% federal penalty on earnings.

And, while starting earlier is ideal, investing later in the game is far from a deal breaker.

“Even if you start saving when your child is in middle or high school, having some money set aside can help reduce their need to borrow,” MESP notes.

To learn more about MESP, visit MISaves.com or call 877-861-MESP from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday-Friday.

Content is sponsored by Michigan Education Savings Program. Find more articles like this at Metro Parent’s Making Your Child’s College Dreams Come True.

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Royal Oak Summer Camps That Make Every Day an Adventure

Royal Oak offers a range of summer camps that cater to every child’s interests, from the arts to sports, theater, and STEM activities.

Here are some of the best summer camps in the Royal Oak area that will ensure your child has a memorable summer.

Looking for more summer camps? Check out our ultimate guide to find the best summer camps for metro Detroit kids.

Best summer camps for kids in Royal Oak

Creative Arts Studio Summer Camp

June 8-Aug. 31, 2026

• Address: 114 West 4th St., Royal Oak
• Cost: $225
• Best for ages: 6–14

Creative Arts Studio Summer Camp offers hands-on painting, sculpture and mixed media activities, ending with an art exhibition where kids showcase their creative masterpieces.

Shakespeare Royal Oak KidsAct Summer Camp

July 27-31, 2026

• Address: 1321 W 13 Mile Road, Royal Oak
• Cost: $250–$400
• Best for ages: 6–14

Shakespeare Royal Oak’s KidsAct Summer Camp builds confidence through acting, improvisation and performance, ending with a final production where young actors showcase their skills on stage.

The Salvation Army Summer Day Camp

2026 dates TBA

• Address: 3015 N. Main St., Royal Oak
• Cost: $175 per week
• Best for ages: 6–14

The Salvation Army Summer Day Camp offers arts, sports and team-building activities, fostering personal growth, teamwork and fun in an inclusive, active environment for kids..

Royal Oak Schools Summer Camp

June-August 2026

• Address: 2222 W. Webster, Royal Oak
• Cost: $150–$350
• Best for ages: 4–11

Royal Oak Schools Summer Camps offer fun, learning and flexible part-time or full-time options at district locations, providing convenience and engaging experiences for families.

Total Soccer Royal Oak Camp

June 6-Aug. 7, 2026

• Address: 1319 Lexington Blvd., Royal Oak
• Cost: $139
• Best for ages: 5–10

Total Soccer Royal Oak Camp helps kids improve skills, build confidence and enjoy drills, games and competitions in a fun, team-focused environment for all skill levels.

Safari Camp at Detroit Zoo

June 22-Aug. 14, 2026

• Address: 8450 W. 10 Mile Road, Royal Oak
• Cost: $190-$455/day camps, $45-55/evening camps (discount available to Zoo members)
• Best for ages: 5-11

Safari Camp connects campers with wildlife through STEAM activities, inquiry projects and Zoo habitats, fostering stewardship, advocacy and meaningful bonds with animals and nature.

South Oakland Family YMCA

June 8-Aug. 28, 2026

• Address: 1016 W. Eleven Mile Road, Royal Oak
• Cost: $295 per week for members and $340 per week for non-members
• Best for ages: 4-12

YMCA Detroit Day Camps offer swimming, sports, arts, STEAM and more, fostering creativity, teamwork and lifelong friendships through fun group activities and exciting weekly adventures.

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