10 things to do with kids around metro Detroit to keep learning through the summer

It's known as the summer slide and research suggests for some children, it could be real: Student test scores can flatten or decline over summer vacation, according to the Brookings Institution.

The extent of summer slide may not be catastrophic, but keeping young brains stimulated while they're away from school is important (and may also be important to keep parents and caregivers from pulling their hair out when confronted with two months to fill with activities).

Southeast Michigan is central to a bevy of low-cost and free activities to keep kids occupied, happy and learning. Here's a list from the Detroit Free Press' education reporter:

1. Self-guided nature walks and scavenger hunts at Heritage Park, Farmington Hills

Good for: A sunny or overcast day

Cost: Free

Farmington Public Schools partnered with the Farmington Nature Center at Heritage Park to create printable, self-guided nature walks with activities for children. The activities are separated by grade level, so kindergartners have different, more age-appropriate tasks than fifth graders. The Nature Center, indoors, is also open in case it starts to rain and is great for kids who love animals. The Nature Center is free and open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday from noon until 4 p.m.

2. Public planetarium shows at Wayne State University, Detroit

Good for: Cold or rainy summer nights, an activity before getting ice cream

Cost: Free

On select Friday nights in June and July, Wayne State hosts a free public planetarium show, one at 6 p.m. and another at 7:30 p.m. The presentation includes a 30-minute film followed by a talk by a planetarium staff member. The presentation may be more attuned to learners who can sit for a little more than an hour, so may not be the best for very young children.

3. Kensington Metropark Farm Center, Milford

Good for: A sunny summer morning

Cost: Free

Open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Kensington Metropark's farm center offers kids the chance to meet chickens, goats, sheep, cattle and draft horses. The farm center also hosts "Fun on the Farm" on select Thursdays (the farm center's calendar can be found here). Each event focuses on a different farm animal with specific activities for children ages 2 to 6. An adult must be present.

4. Stemville, Northville and Detroit

Good for: A little math and science tuneup

Cost: $20 for one child and one adult at Northville and $10 in Detroit or $5 for Detroit residents

If you want to encourage a little science and engineering creativity, Stemville promises to encourage kids to create with various tools, robots and more. This summer, the organization is hosting a pop-up with Decked Out Detroit, along with the location in Northville. Stemville requires parents to book online in advance and recommends children wear socks with grips.

5. Michigan State University's Community Music School, Detroit

Good for: Families and kids who need a consistent summertime activity

Cost: $100 for a summer session

MSU's community-based music school in Detroit offers a summer session for early childhood learners from 0-8, with different classes for different age levels. Many of the programs begin in mid-July and end in late August. Early childhood music promises to promote "tonal and rhythmic awareness" and other musical skill-building.

6. Summer reading challenges, your local library

Good for: Motivation to read

Cost: Free

It's a classic summer activity for a reason: It's free and burgeoning (and established!) readers have a lot of options for books to get through over the summer. Local libraries across the state have created summer reading challenges, which often include prizes, such as an art prize basket in Southfield or an Amazon gift card in Detroit. Children (and adults in some challenges) just need to track their reading.

7. Outdoor Adventure Center, Detroit

Good for: Rainy or sunny days

Cost: Free to $5 depending on age

Near the riverfront, the Outdoor Adventure Center features indoor exhibits and activities like archery. It also offers a calendar filled with events, some that cost money, like an outdoor party with bubbles and sidewalk chalk and a live reptile exhibit. Once a month, the OAC offers sensory-friendly days, with sounds at a lower volume.

8. Ann Arbor Arts Center, Family Fridays, Ann Arbor

Good for: A rainy Friday evening

Cost: Varies

Ann Arbor Arts Center, in addition to other programs for kids and teens, offers a family Friday event on select Fridays, which has children completing a different craft in each session, such as stuffed animals or a painted cookie mug. The center also hosts art activities for teens, including pottery and beginning drawing.

9. Downriver Arts Council, Wyandotte

Good for: Teens who need something to do

Cost: Varies

The Downriver Arts Council offers a range of activities for teens, from Anime Academy to a teen art club. Adults looking to home in on their artistic side can also check out classes.

10. Summers concerts at Huron-Clinton Metroparks

Good for: Families on a summer evening

Cost: Free

Lake St. Clair and Stony Creek Metropark are hosting a variety of concerts on Sunday and Friday evenings, depending on the park. Parents can expose kids to different types of music, from disco to rock.

Contact Lily Altavena: laltavena@freepress.com.