Urban Ecology Center summer programs encourage youth to learn about science and nature while having fun. (Photo courtesy of the Urban Ecology Center)

“I’m bored!” This is a phrase that parents often hear from their children during the summer months. A variety of free and affordable summer camps and programs are available throughout the city to help solve the problem.

Here’s an overview:

Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee

Boys & Girls Clubs offers a full-day summer program for children to participate in sports, games and outdoor fun with a dose of education-based activities to exercise their brains in preparation for school resuming in the fall. The program also offers several field trips to places such as Milwaukee Public Museum, Wisconsin Dells and the Milwaukee Zoo.

Enjoy free admission to Milwaukee attractions

The Milwaukee Public Museum offers free general admission for all visitors on the first Thursday of every month. The Milwaukee Art Museum also offers free admission on the first Thursday of every month. Kids 12 and under are free every day.

Milwaukee Area Technical College

Milwaukee Area Technical College will hold 12 four- or five-day career summer camps in June for high school students across its four campuses. Most of the courses are free and taught by MATC instructors. Visit http://www.matc.edu/summer/ for details. Call (414)-267-6136 or email explore@matc.edu for a registration form.

Milwaukee Public Schools

Summer Enrichment Camps offered through Milwaukee Public Schools are free of charge for MPS students and City of Milwaukee residents. Interactive camps allow students to explore new ideas, develop new abilities and learn in a safe, nurturing environment. Camps include topics such as music, design, coding, robotics, outdoor education and more.

Urban Ecology Center

Register your child for a summer camp offered at the Urban Ecology Center. Activities include exploring nature and building science skills. The organization offers summer programs at three locations: Menomonee Valley, 3700 W. Pierce St., Riverside Park, 1500 E. Park Place, and Washington Park, 1859 N. 40^th St.

YMCA of Metropolitan Milwaukee

The YMCA of Metropolitan Milwaukee offers affordable summer camps and programs to youth at five locations around the city. The first summer session runs from June 18 to July 22 and the second summer session runs from July 23 to Aug. 26. Scholarships are available.

If you know of other free or affordable summer programs for children, please add a comment below.