Are you looking for something for the youth in your family to do? Please check out this is a list of activities and groups in the area. Do you have an organization you’d like to see listed? Please send us an email at jamandbreadmi@gmail.com.
This list is for activities, groups and experiences in the Cadillac and surrounding areas, not a reference list for services which can be found here.
The Cadillac Wexford Public Library
Loaded with lots of great programs for Children and teens, make sure to check out the calendar of upcoming events! With creative programing and Teen Tuesdays there is always something to do at the library.
Cost: FREE!
Founded for the purpose of bringing an arts facility to the Cadillac area. Up North Arts (UNA) provides a space for classes, meetings, rehearsals and exhibitions. Always adding unique and fun classes, membership includes discounts to classes as well. While there is a cost, UNA offers scholarships as well
Cost: $25 yearly membership plus the cost of the class**
From the tiniest of dancers to flourishing ballerinas the landing dance academy offers many different classes. The Academy does offer scholarships for those who show merit and face financial challenges. For scholarship application click here.
Cost: Monthly rates as low as $40 per month plus costume costs
More than just cows! Did you know that 4-H offers a plethora of fun workshops, classes and family events that are mostly free! Baking and cooking classes, Shooting sports such as Archery, Livestock, Botanicals, Social Clubs and so much more! Start a club, be an entrepeneur or help with the community garden. Check out the many programs avaiable.
Cost: FREE
AmeriCorps has a new representative in the Wexford County MSU Extension office and they are so excited to bring programming for emotional, mental and physical wellness for the youth in our community. Stay tuned for more information.
Cost: FREE
Offering Taekwondo classes from ages 4-adult. Family discounts are available.
Cost: Starting at $50 per month not including cost of uniform
Cadillac Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy
Provides traditional jiu jitsu programs designed to match the unique requirements, aspirations, and skill levels of every student.
Cost: Kids 10-17 $80 per month for 8 classes
The primary focus of our mentoring program, Cadillac Boxing Club, is to nurture Men of Excellence. Excellence is defined as the quality of being outstanding or exceptionally good. Men of excellence serve as strong leaders within their families, contribute positively to the communities in which they reside, and make a lasting impact on our world.
Cost: FREE
That’s us! We offer free ukulele, guitar and piano classes to inspire young musicians. One of the most important aspects of what we do is to encourage our students to give back. We started Volunteer Cadillac as a way for kids to do just that. So far our students have set up music stages at Gopherwood and Up Beat Cadillac concerts, helped weed gardens with the Cadillac Garden Club and have raised over $2,000 for community projects.
Cost: FREE**
Is more than just a dedicated outreach program for youth in many counties but they also offer several free fun activities in the summer months including bowling, swimming and social events. Staircase youth services is also an excellent resource for those teens experiencing trauma and or homelessness.
Cost: FREE
Because moms need help! A phenomenal resource that empowers single moms and encourages family time. But the best part are the free youth events so that mom can take a break. Check out their website as they service several areas and offer great support for those moms out there who need it.
Cost: FREE
Sensory and Immersive Playroom
Cost: $7.95 per person (including adults) for 1 hour
Cadillac Footliters Junior Players
Cadillac premiere theater group, the Footliters also has a youth theater program as well! There are many ways to be a part of the Footliters family. Stage hands, set design and props are all important components of bringing a performance together. The Cadillac Footliters also offer a partial scholarship to help defray the cost of summer arts camps, such as Interlochen Summer Arts Camp, Blue Lake Summer Arts Camp, Calvin’s Knollcrest Music Camp, etc.
Cost: FREE**
Cadillac Area Public Schools (CAPS) offers a variety of after school programs. Athletic programs such as Basketball and downhill skiing, Life Skills such as babysitting intermix with fun dynamic workshops such as creative writing and miniatures. Must be a student at CAPS/
Cost: Varies per program
Bringing together a unique eduction program along with a fun summer camp, Forest and Farm has created programs based on community relationships and the local farmers market as well.
Cost: Contact directly for more information
Aquatics, Basketball, Yoga, Aikido, Gymnastics and a supervised teen center where kids get help with homework, socialize and play games. Camp Torenta is a great day camp during the summer months offering fun activities on Lake Mitchell, The Y offers generous scholarships for those who need financial assistance. Click here for the application.
Cost: Monthly rates for Youth $24 Family $74 Single Parent Family $65
Northern Lights Dance Academy specializes in Traditional and Irish Dance as well as Classical Ballet. NLDA brings quality and non recreational training to the Cadillac Area.
Cost: 45-90 minute classes ranging from $80+ per 8 week session
Axe throwing for all ages but recommended ages are 12+
Cost: $15-30 min $25-1 Hour
Carl T. Johnson Hunting and Fishing Center
Located with the Mitchell State Park in Cadillac, the center offers a range of nature education programs for all ages. The hunt and fish center is also the home base of the DNR’s outdoors skills academy. In the winter glowing lanterns dot the heritage trail for special evening hikes. Want to learn how to fish and don’t have a pole? Call the center. A true wealth of knowledge for all ages. Hours vary seasonally so check the site for program details.
Cost: FREE
The Clam River Greenway is a 1.6 mile paved trail that takes visitors from the CASA soccer fields to a couple Lake Cadillac trails. The trail is 10 feet wide and covers multiple boardwalks, bridges, and snakes with the Clam River through its entirety.
Cost: FREE
Fred Meijer White Pine Trail State Park
This 92-mile linear, paved trail state park connects Comstock Park (in the Grand Rapids area) to Cadillac. The state’s second-longest rail-trail, it follows the rail bed of the old Grand Rapids and Indiana Railroad. Asphalt covers much of the trail, except for a few short stretches.
The trail travels through 15 towns and cities, areas of rural farmland, has many overlooks, picnic areas, and more. There are many wildlife viewing opportunities along the route
Cost: FREE
The Hockey Rink at the WEX hosts several youth leagues, open skates, rentals, private parties and public events! They also offer youth programming and activities for children ages 3. The WEX also host conventions and events all year long.
Cost: Programs vary please see schedule
Wexford-Missaukee-Manistee Great Start Collaborative.
The Collaborative was formed in October 2008 (Manistee joining in 2013) with the vision that “Ensuring all families have the support they need to help their children reach their true potential”. They have established a partnership of community leaders, business owners, charitable and faith-based organizations, health and human service agencies, educators, and parents. It is committed to establishing and maintaining a comprehensive early childhood system.
Please contact directly for more information
Providing Cadillac’s youth with the opportunity to participate in a formal decision making process that addresses youth issues in Cadillac, Michigan. During the summer months, the youth council hosts several community events including movies in the park.
Cost: FREE
Cadillac volleyball club organizes and promotes other youth volleyball opportunities for students who attend Cadillac Area Public Schools or who live in the CAPS school district. It offers off school season opportunities for 5th & 6th grades, Summer Beach Volleyball and AAU programs for 13U,14U and 15U.
Cost: Prices vary depending on program
** Indicates members of the Cadillac Arts Council. Scholarships are available for ALL Art Council Group Members. If you would like a ticket to an Art Council Event, volunteers are always needed and will get you free or reduced admission to events. The CAC is comprised of 11 Non Profits culturing arts and culture in the Cadillac and surrounding areas.