*Please note: This list is not exhaustive and is not an endorsement of any particular program or activity.  Please review all links for updates.  Details can change.  List last updated on April, 2025

• Kinder-8th Grade

• 9th-12th Grade

Summer Connections- open to all rising 1st through 5th-grade students

Achieving Excellence Academy
A cultural summer program that highlights and raises up that experiences of Black/African American, LatinX, Native, Asian American rising 9th through 12 grade students .

Duolingo- free online language learning – 50+languages. Website 

Khan Academy- free online courses, many subjects and topics, differentiation of learning. Website

Scratch Coding teaches free online programming/coding and activities Website

These are platforms for free, college-level courses (great online- with assignments, videos, readings, ways to connect in person with other learners, etc) from universities around the world.  For a nominal fee, people can also get continuing ed credit, including for teachers.  The links are below: 
 www.coursera.org 

There are some awesome ways to learn about cool things of interest like art, politics, engineering, Buddhism, and more.  For students 13 or older (with parent permission before 18 years of age), you can take online classes complete with readings, videos, and assignments….If you complete them with a C or higher, you can receive a certificate of completion for your efforts.  This can be useful for employment, possible credit for prior experience, and for your own personal pride.

Youth, ages 5–18, can have a key to the city with a MY Denver Card in hand! Youth will get free access to recreation centers, swimming  pools and various cultural facilities where they can participate in healthy, safe and fun activities after school, during school and summer breaks, and on the weekends. Website

IDEA Lab- FREE AT Denver Public Libraries: What is an ideaLAB? ideaLABs are makerspaces: free community spaces to make things. Do you need to produce videos, create games, make music, or learn about electronics?  We aim to provide the tools and resources you need to make your projects happen. The tools available varies from lab to lab - please check the equipment and software lists to find the space that has what you need. The lab is free to anyone – no library card necessary!
Website

Denver Dumb Friends League (Grades 3-8) - offers seasonal camps for kids and teens in support of DDFL's goal to teach children and young adults the importance of treating animals in a humane way, a lesson that will benefit them and the animals in our community for a lifetime. Camps are available at the shelters in Denver, Castle Rock as well as at the Harmony Equine Center in Franktown. Website

Denver Rocky Mountain Chess Camp (Ages 6-18) - Participants will be divided into similar ability groups (beginner, intermediate, advanced) and age groups for sessions focusing on all aspects of the game including scorekeeping and chess etiquette. Students will compete in mini tournaments for trophies as well as play in a simultaneous exhibition against an instructor. Website

Annual Denver Rocky Mountain Chess Camps Website 

International School of Denver Summer Camps (Ages 3-14) - Every week your child will have a chance to explore the world while moving their body, expanding their mind, developing new skills,and forming new friendships! With experienced counselors, fresh topics each week, and camps offered in English, French, Mandarin, and Spanish, you can choose from options like Camp Invention, Movie Making, Hula Hooping and Circus Arts, STEM Challenge, Seed Science, and more! (No prior language experience is required for participation.) Plus, weekly field trips around Colorado! Website

Learn More…Read a Great Book!  

Summer is right around the corner, which means most schools will be letting out and students will be busy with family vacations, summer camp and a myriad of other activities. With research finding that children who do not read over the summer may lose up to three months of reading progress, it’s important to encourage your students to pick up a few books during the hot months ahead. This is a great chart to help you and your student choose a great book! 

 Learn More…Gain a Hobby- older students:

Put a checkmark next to any activity that you would like to do this summer. When you are finished, number activities in the order that you would like to do the most.

1.____ Visit the local library and read books on the x grade reading list.
2.____ Visit the local park and find out what programs you can take part in this summer.
3.____ Complete ___ hours of community service.
4.____ Visit a 2-year or 4-year or technical school you are considering after graduation.
5.____ Take a class that interests you.
6.____ Visit an older neighbor that may need your help.
7.____ Spend a day at the lakefront.
8.____ Begin an exercise program to keep in shape.
9.____ Write in a journal each day.
10.____ Look for a way to help someone in the family each day.
11.____ Volunteer at a hospital or day care center.
12.____ Paint or sculpt.
13.____ Do some home improvement projects.
14.____ Learn to play a musical instrument.
15.____ Learn to cook.
16.____ Get a part-time job
17. ____Develop a website with help/support of others
18.____ Start a pen pal relationship
19. ____ Join your local library for reading programs and events

There are opportunities for volunteering all over the community.  Call your local recreation centers, libraries, nursing or retirement homes, elementary and middle schools, and churches for possible volunteer opportunities.  These places typically have programs and a variety of options (and other places you may be interested in working with) to connect you to.  You may also simply check in with family or neighbors that may be in need of assistance.  Neighbors that are ill, have small children, or senior citizens may welcome your support with groceries, lawn maintenance, reading, or simply visiting this summer.  Talk with your parents or teachers for more ideas. 

 The summer is a great time to really take charge of your health and wellness.  You will have the time to hopefully get your 10-11 hours a night of sleep, exercise regularly, and get outside for the fresh air and sunshine. 

 Although the hope is for easy health and wellness through the summer, this may not be the reality for some.  It is also an easy time to have a lack of sleep schedule, working too many hours at a summer job, lounging on the couch too often, and eating lots of junk food. 

 Make the commitment to health and well-being by striving for balance with enough sleep, some outside exercise each day, and time for work as well as free time.  You deserve good health and wellness.