With summer quickly approaching and the school year coming to an end, many parents are asking, “What are my kids going to do this summer?” We’ve found a number of free activities in Cleveland for youth. Let’s take a look at a few that may be of interest.

Cleveland Sports and Recreation

The City of Cleveland has partnered with Civic Rec to create a recreation portal, which allows residents to explore the free extracurricular activities being offered in the city this summer. Activities include swimming lessons, soccer, robotics and anime club. There will also be family nights at the Lonnie Burten recreation center beginning on June 10 for people  looking to have some family fun. To set up your free membership and view the full list of available activities, click here.

Studio 105 Music Camp

The center for arts-inspired learning will be hosting a free music camp for youth beginning on June 10 at Studio 105. This camp is for children in grades 4 through 8 who are currently attending Cleveland Metropolitan School District schools or another school within Cleveland city limits. There will be three four-day sessions with lunch and snacks provided. Sessions are from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Participants will have the chance to explore instruments including guitar, keyboard, trumpet and violin. Youth will be provided an instrument of their choosing for free to practice. After participating for 10 weeks, the students will be awarded that instrument for program use and beyond. To view and register for available sessions, click here.

Club Create – Superhero Comics, Zines and Creative Writing and Spoken Word

Lake Erie Ink will be hosting a free creative writing class. Participants will create their own superhero, write their storyline, illustrate their own superhero comics and mini-magazines. A culminating event will showcase and celebrate participants’ work. Participants ages 8 to 17 are welcome to sign up. The class will meet every Tuesday from 5 to 6:30 p.m. at Stella Walsh, located at 7345 Broadway Ave. 

Lake Erie Ink will also be hosting a spoken word class. Join local and rising poets in the Cleveland area, as each session will give space for writing, learning new techniques and spoken word. The final gathering of the season will feature an open mic night, where participants will have the opportunity to share what they have created. Participants ages 8 to 17 are welcome to sign up. The class will meet every Wednesday from 4 to 5 p.m. at the Alexander Hamilton recreation center, located at 13200 Kinsman Rd.

To register for these classes, stop by the rec center or  print and fill out the form found on page 41 of this guide.

Photography for kids

The Greater Cleveland Neighborhood Centers Association will host an introductory photography class for children in grades 6 to 12. Participants will learn basic camera operation, lighting and special techniques. The classes will be held on Wednesdays beginning on June 12 from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. at Cudell Fine Arts, located at 10013 Detroit Ave., and on Fridays from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. at the Cory rec center located at 10510 Drexel.

To register for these classes, stop by a rec center or print and fill out the form found on page 41 of this guide.  

Join the performing arts Showagon

Showagon is the City of Cleveland’s summer performing arts troupe made up of youth ages 8 to 17. The troupe dances, sings, acts and performs poetry at festivals, recreation centers and community events throughout the summer. This 10-week program runs from June 3 to Aug. 17. The first four weeks will be dedicated to rehearsals, and the remaining six weeks will be dedicated to performing.

The Showagon staff, which includes vocal coaches and choreographers, will work with artists to sharpen their skills. To register for this group, you must print and fill out the form found on page 41 of this guide or by going in person to your local rec center.

You can also contact Angela Winborn at 216-990-2105.

Summer Youth Design Build Workshop

Making Our Own Space (MOOS) will be hosting a youth design build workshop. This program teaches middle school and high school students design and construction skills to transform public places. Students will learn problem solving, creative-thinking and basic construction techniques to create projects such as seating, shade structures, signs and play structures. Participants will also receive a $300 stipend for the completion of the program.

There are a limited number of spots available, so register soon (the second session still has spots open.) It runs from July 8 to July 26 at the Alexander Hamilton rec center, located at 13200 Kinsman Rd. To register for that session, click here. 

You must be a Cleveland resident to participate in these programs. For questions or more information, contact the Department of Parks and Recreation at 216-664-2570. To take a look at free meals being offered this summer, click here.

Community Reporter (he/him)
I work to gain the trust of Cleveland residents through direct community engagement and storytelling. My goal is to amplify and celebrate the residents and stakeholders who contribute to the success of city neighborhoods. I’m hoping to erase the negative stigma that has been cast on some neighborhoods throughout the years.