Free and low-cost programs provide supervised fun
Every summer, the MPS Recreation Department provides our city’s youth with safe, supervised recreation and enrichment activities. Many of the programs are free or low-cost, giving children positive choices during the summer months. These programs are listed in Milwaukee Recreation’s Summer Recreation Guide, which was mailed to every city of Milwaukee household. The activities are also listed at MilwaukeeRecreation.net. Spaces are still available for many classes and activities. The public is
invited to call (414) 475-8811 for details. Media representatives are encouraged to highlight these
programs in an effort to direct children toward positive summer activities.
Milwaukee Recreation coordinates Summer Stars, the evening recreation program for teens. Free for
youth between the ages of 13 and 17, Summer Stars will be open from 6-9:00 p.m. Monday-Thursday from June 22 through August 11. Activities include sports leagues, enrichment classes, field trips, swimming, video games, weight training, teen chat, computer classes, and organized games. Summer Stars will be held at the following community centers: North Division (1011 W. Center St.) and South Division (1515 W. Lapham Boulevard). For more information, see page 20 of the Summer Recreation Guide or call (414) 475-8811.
Milwaukee Recreation is Now Playing Everywhere. Free summer playgrounds will open June 20 for youth ages 6-17. The playgrounds provide supervised activities, including kickball, dodgeball, box hockey, champ bowling, basketball, field trips, art projects, and more. Many playgrounds are also free lunch and supper sites. On days when the temperature is predicted to be 85 degrees or above, the city of Milwaukee connects industrial-strength sprinklers to several playground fire hydrants to create Cool Spots. For more information, see pages 32-33 of the Summer Recreation Guide or call (414) 475-8811.
In addition to the free programs listed above, Milwaukee Recreation offers a wide assortment of low-cost
activities. Popular programs include swim lessons, sports camps, art workshops, music, dancing,
cheerleading, cooking, outdoor education, Summer Recreation Enrichment Camps (SREC), and Community Learning Centers. Every activity is carefully supervised and designed to allow youth to learn and grow in a safe, respectful environment. Everyone is welcome to participate, and accommodations will be made for individuals with disabilities.
Milwaukee Recreation is a department of Milwaukee Public Schools, established in 1911 to provide
the entire community with affordable and enriching recreational activities. For more information, visit
MilwaukeeRecreation.net or contact Brian Hoffer (Brian@MilwaukeeRecreation.net) at (414) 475-8938.
