Photo: Dr Leslie Wagner
Photo: Natalie May
Photo: Heidi Lynn Holz
The War Memorial
★4.8(929 reviews)$Community Center
🕑 1-3 hours for individual classes or events; full-day or half-day options for camps👶 Best for ages 3-17. Preschoolers enjoy creative arts classes and story times, elementary-aged kids love the summer camps and recreational programs, while teens appreciate the cultural events, performing arts opportunities, and special interest classes.🧡 Saved by 100+ families
About
The War Memorial is a stunning historic lakefront community center that offers families an impressive array of programs, from seasonal camps and enrichment classes to cultural events on beautiful waterfront grounds. With its exceptional 4.8-star rating and long-standing commitment to serving families, this Grosse Pointe gem provides year-round activities in a welcoming, safe environment that parents trust.
Highlights
- ✓Year-round enrichment classes including art, music, dance, and educational programs
- ✓Popular summer day camps with varied themes and activities
- ✓Beautiful historic lakefront setting with grounds perfect for family photos
- ✓Cultural events and performances throughout the year
- ✓Safe, supervised environment with experienced instructors
Pro Tips
- 1.Register early for popular summer camps as they fill up quickly, especially the waterfront and arts programs
- 2.Check their monthly calendar online before visiting - they often host free community events and performances perfect for families
- 3.Take advantage of the beautiful lakefront grounds for a picnic before or after your scheduled activity
- 4.Parking can be limited during peak program times (early morning and late afternoon weekdays), so arrive 10-15 minutes early
- 5.Ask about family memberships if you plan to attend multiple classes or camps - they offer significant savings
Best Time to Visit
Weekday mornings and early afternoons (9 AM - 2 PM) are quietest for exploring the grounds and dropping in to inquire about programs. Summer is peak season for camps, while fall and spring offer excellent class selections with less congestion than summer months.
What to Know
Program fees vary by activity type - camps, classes, and events each have individual pricing, so check their website or call ahead. The facility is open daily from 8 AM to 8 PM and offers accessible parking. Some programs allow drop-in registration while others require advance booking.
Seasonal Notes
Summer is the busiest season with full-day camps running June through August. Fall and spring feature robust class schedules. Holiday-themed events and performances occur throughout December. The lakefront grounds are particularly beautiful in spring and fall, though accessible year-round.
Nearby Eats
The Dirty Dog Jazz Cafe (less than 2 miles away) offers kid-friendly American fare with live music. For a quick bite, City Kitchen (about 1 mile away) serves fresh, casual meals including kids' favorites like mac and cheese and grilled cheese sandwiches.
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