Make A Splash For Art mural project involving kids in the community at Art in the Loft

It’s that time again. Come Sunday night we will be setting our alarms a little bit earlier, filling out planners, and packing lunches. Oy vey!

Whether you are preparing for college, high school, or getting your little one back in the groove for the next grade of elementary school, here are the top student friendly places in the Alpena area for study space, student discounts, of course, FUN!

  1. Alpena Civic Theatre and Thunder Bay Theatre 
    • Discounts available at Alpena Civic Theatre for students that show school ID, $8.00 admission.
    • Discounts available at Thunder Bay Theatre for children 12 and under, $8.00 admission, and for teens 13-17, $12.00 admission. 
    • Attending our local theatres gives your child the opportunity to enjoy the performing arts as a spectator or as a performer through volunteer positions and academic programs. 
  2. Alpena County George N. Fletcher Library
    • Computer labs and computer classes available to those that need them. 
    • Reading and audio books available for check out, as well as videos. 
    • Learning and kid-friendly events are held throughout the year. Stay up to date on event schedules through the library website (link above), or by visiting www.visitalpena.com/events. 
  3. Art in the Loft
    • Art in the Loft holds various artistic workshops throughout the year for kids, teens, and adults to be able to express their creativity through the art of different mediums. 
    • Every April is Young Artist Exhibit Month, where Art in the Loft celebrates young people by displaying their arts and crafts, and by holding workshops for kids of different ages every weekend- all month long.
  4. Besser Museum for Northeast Michigan
    • Besser Museum offers discounts to kids ages 6-18 for $3.00 admission. Alpena Community College students can get in for FREE by showing their ACC student ID. 
    • An informative hub where art, history, and science collide. You can find artwork from famous painters, as well as local and regional artists, on display throughout the year during different exhibits. Immerse yourself into the local history of Alpena by walking the cobblestone street replica of downtown before going into the newly renovated planetarium for a breathtaking interactive view of worlds far, far away in outer space.
  5. Boys & Girls Club of Alpena
    • After school programs are an all-time favorite for kids and parents alike, as these programs help build relationships with peers and help students reach their full potential as responsible, caring, and productive members of society. 
    • The Boys & Girls Club even offers summer programs to keep children occupied and continually learning all summer long through fun field trips and events. 
  6. Dinosaur Gardens

    Fun and games at Dinosaur Gardens

    • School/educational tours are available throughout the park. These tours offer opportunities for kids to learn about the Paleozoic Era, as well as visuals of the dinosaurs that roamed the Earth during these different Periods in time. 
  7. Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Center
    • The maritime center is free for all ages to walk around the museum and explore Alpena shipwreck history. 
    • A 93-seat theater inside the center showcases informative films daily, as well as innovative education space for special programs, meetings, events, scientific research facilities, a community boat building center, and a small watercraft workshop. 
    • Glass bottom boat tours are a fun way to see the ill-fated shipwrecks first-hand, discounts are available for children ages 6-12 for $10.00 tickets. 
  8. Alpena Kiwanis Kiddie Park (across from the Band Shell and Bay View Park)
    • Free Wi-Fi available for working on school projects from your vehicle or outside by the bay. Take that assignment outdoors with a Lake Huron view to clear your mind and bring about better focus.
    • A fun place to let the kids run around and be care-free after school! 
  9. Lee’s Miniature Golf

    Lee’s Miniature Golf- Creating family nostalgia since 1961

    • Historic in its own right, Lee’s Miniature Golf is the longest continuously running miniature golf course in Michigan! (Since 1961, tell your kids about your mini golf experience there when you were their age…they won’t believe it!)
    • Kids under age 13 play for FREE when accompanied by a paying adult(s). 
    • Another fun way to take the mind off of homework for a while to recharge the mind and body for a new day. 
  10. Rockport State Recreation Area
    • A hands-on learning experience awaits at Rockport State Recreation Area. Explore the abandoned limestone quarry and search for Devonian Period fossils by day. By night see why this place was designated a dark sky park by observing the stars above like you’ve never seen them before! 

Where is your favorite spot for a study break or to take the kids in the Alpena area? Let us know on Facebook @ Alpena: Sanctuary of the Great Lakes. 

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