School may be out for summer, but learning doesn't have to take a vacation.
Summer offers children something special: time to explore new interests, build confidence, discover hidden talents, and learn through hands-on experiences. Whether a child loves science, art, movement, nature, reading, technology, or simply spending time with friends, there are countless opportunities throughout the Ingham ISD service area to keep curiosity alive all summer long.
Research consistently shows that students can lose academic skills over the summer months when learning opportunities are limited—a phenomenon often referred to as the "summer slide." Fortunately, preventing learning loss doesn't require expensive programs or a packed schedule.
Simple activities like reading together, visiting local libraries, exploring parks, creating art projects, playing educational games, listening to audiobooks, or participating in community programs can make a meaningful difference.
10 Ways to Prevent the Summer Slide
Families can help children stay engaged by:
- Setting aside 20–30 minutes each day for reading, writing, or math.
- Joining a local library's summer reading program.
- Exploring free online learning resources.
- Turning everyday activities into learning opportunities.
- Playing educational board and card games.
- Keeping a summer journal or scrapbook.
- Participating in local camps and enrichment programs.
- Starting a hands-on summer project.
- Visiting museums, parks, and community attractions.
- Listening to audiobooks and educational podcasts.
Local Opportunities for Summer Learning
Families looking for structured experiences have a wide variety of options available throughout the region. Opportunities include:
- Boys & Girls Club of Lansing
- Building Twentyone Summer Ninja Camps
- Every Kid Outdoors
- Fenner Nature Center
- Gifted and Talented Programs
- Ingham County Parks
- Impression 5 Science Center Camps
- Lansing Community College Youth Programs
- Michigan Learning Channel
- Michigan State University Youth Programs
- Michigan Virtual Summer Learning
- Michigan Youth Future Flight Challenge
- National Superconducting Cyclotron Laboratory Camps
- Reach Art Classes
- Sparrow Hospital Camps
- Spartan Dance Center
- Woldumar Nature Center Camps
- YMCA of Lansing Summer Day Camps
- Zoomani Summer Camp at Potter Park Zoo
Community Connections Matter, Too
Summer learning isn't only about academics. It's also about helping children build relationships, strengthen social skills, and feel connected to their community.
Families with young children can explore local opportunities such as Kidtime Child Development Center's upcoming Ice Cream Social, where prospective families can tour the program, meet staff, connect with other families, and learn more about preschool options available in the area.
Children can also enjoy creative, child-led experiences like Shora House's free Summer Open Play sessions, where families can explore movement, art, imaginative play, and social interaction in a welcoming environment.
Learning Is Everywhere
The best part about summer learning is that it doesn't always look like school.
It can happen while building a fort, planting a garden, creating a piece of art, exploring a nature trail, reading under a tree, learning a new dance move, visiting a local museum, or sharing an ice cream cone with friends.
When children have opportunities to stay curious, stay connected, and keep exploring, learning continues long after the final school bell rings.
To explore additional summer learning opportunities available throughout the Ingham ISD service area, visit the Summer Activities resource guide and connect with local organizations offering programs for children and families this season.
Stay tuned to BackPackPress.org for more stories from around Ingham County.
Recent Stories:
Heartwood School welcomed students and families back for an Open House filled with familiar faces, classroom visits, games and plenty of excitement for the year ahead.
Ingham ISD staff came together for Opening Day with a question: “What if?” As the district begins year two of its "Power of What If?" theme, the focus is shifting to student voice—and creating meaningful learning experiences by listening to the students at the center of the work.
