20 Best Summer Programs In Springfield, MA (2022 Updated)

I took the CNA ‘Plus’ programme there back in October 2021. For $2395 we never got a clinical! And the facilities and equipment provided were unbelievable! One mannequin with its leg falling out and not even a proper night gown to keep it from being exposed! Sheets were dirty! Equipment faulty, and now we are STILL waiting to take our state licensure exams! If you’re taking the CNA programme, do not take the “plus part” it is a waste of money and time. The instructor is very compassionate and hardworking and honestly the reason why I kept on going. Otherwise, it’s just a money grabAaliyah Davis

State Street U is amazing. I attended 22 years ago and stopped by for the first time since then and I was amazed to find, updated buildings, a beautiful store, and a whole new feel. The professors and professionals were mostly great when I was there and though I don't attend, I had a chance to talk to administrators and they are still amazing. It is a fantastic education at a great price. If you are looking for a great community college, look no further than STCC. I'm proud my children and family are attending to make their lives better.Paul Goodchild Ph.D., CPA

Great school with the absolute best teachers. Mr. Crowley, my English teacher, was really amazing and reignited my love for writing. It also offers great programs, like the student ambassador program, that really lets you get more involved in the school activities, and allows you to make the most of your experience at STCC.Rebecca Lasky

I graduated from Our Lady of the Elms in 1964, one of 4 Chemistry majors. Afterwards, I worked for the FDA in New York City, the Chemical Abstracts Service in Columbus, OH, and, in 1968, joined the Papal Volunteers for Latin America. I underwent training at the Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C., and at the Catholic University of Puerto Rico in Ponce. In December, 1968, I arrived in Lima, Peru, where I was assigned to research enzymes in fish meal protein at the Catholic University of Peru. Shortly afterwards, I adopted a tiny baby girl, who is a graduate of the University of St. Thomas, in Houston, TX. I've also lived in Belize, became a technical translator and editor, and ran 2 corporate libraries in Houston. In 1989, I earned a TX teaching certificate in Composite Science, and , in 2001, an MEd in Science Curriculum and Instruction. These are just a few of my accomplishments, and I credit my fantastic education and dedicated faculty at the Elms for my successes. Now, at the age of 73, I am a 50-year member of the American Chemical Society, tutor for Houston Community College, as well as privately, and drive the Houston freeways, I've encountered may challenges along the way, but I'm well prepared.Ann Kelley

I transferred to Elms from HCC and was pleasantly surprised by my experience there. I loved that the campus was small and I loved that because of that, each student got more one on one help. The dining hall is beautiful and new, the library is comfortable and the people there are helpful, and the professors are all amazing at what they do. I wish I could have stayed there to continue my education!Rhea Huggins

I think this college is amazing and the most welcoming I am a temp and ever since I started working at elms I have felt nothing but warm welcoming I love the staff they are so bubbly and definitely have great personalities.Michelle Robinson

If you want to live don't go here. Sounds like I'm kidding I'm really not. Fights almost every night assaulted by other students where the campus pd if you even call it that did nothing but blamed me. My ex started to stalk me so they issue a stay away order against me. I was it was her who wouldn't leave. Bar on campus so easy to get drunk underage drinking runs wild. This place should be shut down. Noises cussing ignorant and racist till 3am and they don't enforce the rules. If you want to live don't go here and run away far awayIdentical Frother

Went here for my covid vaccine, everyone here were very helpful and friendly. It was first day of the school year so a lot of students were around, they were friendly, helpful with directions and polite as I found my way to the vaccine area. The school was very clean and organized with convenient parking close to where I needed to be. I felt very safe and secure during my visit and I think it's a good place for parents to send their kids.John Papasodora

Not a place for adults who have a work schedule. Constantly calling, harassing me so much I blocked the councilors number. The councilor is a complete bully and I cannot go to another person because it’s assigned and any attempt to go over her is deflected. I absolutely loathe this school, at least all those I’ve had dealings with in the head office. This place needs shut down or it’s staffin entirely replaced.Elke Styers

I wish the Hitchcock Center had been open back when I was a student at Hampshire. I think it's SO COOL that it's an addition to the campus now. When I was attending Hampshire the only entity of the "Cultural Village" that had been opened was the National Yiddish Book Center, which was also a FANTASTIC cultural addition to Hampshire & it's campus. The Eric Carle Museum opened (in 2003) a few years after I graduated from Hampshire in 1998. Coming back to campus and going to the opening of that was really incredible – I could see that the Museum was also going to improve the cultural vitality of Hampshire's campus. These institutions REALLY strengthen the college overall itself, and draw the public to the campus (which I always felt Hampshire needed) like Mead & Beneski @ Amherst or UMCA and the Fine Arts Center @ UMass.Ben Schaeffer

Very nice place to visit & see how a building can work off the energy of nature. Offers different programs for families to partake in during the year. Part of Hampshire College campus.Jason Boyer

great experience, love the name! Why would anyone rate someone's business 1 star due to it? You'd have to be a prehistoric gorilla minded idiot!Chris marble

5 museums with one ticket. Four are on a grassy quadrangle; one is across the street. Remarkable value and variety. Something to interest everyone: science/nature/planetarium, Dr Seuss, representational to modern art and a wealth of inventions and services that originated in Springfield. The cafe is great. Delicious, made to order sandwiches and wraps, reasonably priced. There are also picnic tables under a tent if you want to bring your own food. You will need the entire day (10 to 5) to see everything. Friendly staff. Masks are required in kids' spaces, otherwise optional. Parking lots at the visitor's center and across the street from the city library.Allen Livermore

Springfield Museum is a jewel in New England. There are total five museums in the campus. Science Museum is in the same building as the welcoming center where you buy your ticket. We visited George Winter Vincent Smith Art museum and Museum for Fine art. Both have great collections with former contains more ancient and more Asian arts, the latter hosts more European paintings. Because the collections are in different buildings, you get a chance to finish one then go to the outdoor sculpture garden to have some fresh air before immersing to another. It could be a full day visit with so many to see. Very worth the time and the money to visit.Aggie Wang

A lovely surprise to see these museums not far from our hotel. We loved the Dr Seuss museum and we’re quickly taken back to the lovely books we read to our children. While we enjoyed see the history of this loved author it was fun to take a few photos with the Grinch and the Cat in the Hat. While visiting we stopped in at the Blake Cafe and enjoyed the delicious apple and butternut soup and tuna melt. Afterwards we went on to enjoy the Art and Science Museums. We highly recommend! Visited on
Weekday

Wait time
No wait

Reservation recommended
Not sure

Price for adult entry
$16–20Anne Blinch

This Zoo is a nice location to visit. There are no lines and 75-80% of animals you will see. It's hard to see animals caged in, however what's nice is that many of their animals were injured, saved from roadside, or pets from previous homeowners. I think of it as shelter. The zoo is large and we had the opportunity to see a snake at their 3pm showing. My daughter was able to pet it! The kids are allowed to ask questions and provided responses. Great learning experience. Very affordable, too. Adult $10, child $5, to enter park with out of state license plates $5. Only a total of $20 for a great experience! Highly recommend. Visited on
Weekday

Wait time
No wait

Reservation recommended
Yes

Price for adult entry
$6–10Lakeisha Mitchell

4.20.22 OH my goodness what a pleasant surprise. The zoo was so much better than what I had imagined. First, there's a $5 fee for CT/out of state cars. But worth it! Check your library for discount zoo passes. The park itself is huge with many trails and cool things to see and do for adults and kids. The zoo has many interesting animals, mammals etc such as eagles, donkeys, wolves, a leopard, bobcat etc. Lots of parking, bathrooms close by, snacks available, zoo was very clean. We absolutely loved it. Visited on
Weekday

Wait time
No wait

Reservation recommended
Not sure

Price for adult entry
FreeMargaret Honan

General admission is 10 USD For children &/or senior is less, around 7 USD. Zoo is small, I love the way they describe why is the animal in that zoo, because of some disease, etc. Visited on
Weekday

Wait time
No wait

Reservation recommended
Not sure

Price for adult entry
$6–10Brayan Reyes

This is the first time I've visited since the center became home to the Thunderbirds and it's in great shape. There isn't a better place to see a game and this game tonight was incredible. Calder Cup playoffs game winning goal with 4.4 seconds left in the game. Thank you, T-birds. My son went looking for a burger and fries and unfortunately, the consessions didn't have burgers. Other than that the night was great. Visiting the center used to be a pain but with the opening of MGM, the parking situation has been fixed.Paul Goodchild Ph.D., CPA

I came here with my aunt and uncle to see wwe Saturday night main event. The floors were clean. I got great seats where I could see the wrestlers come down to the ring and I could also see the wrestlers in the ring as well. They have many vendors that sell food and drinks. They also sell beer here as well. This place also had wrestling t shirts and wrestling action figures, masks all sorts of different wrestling type stuff. The staff were nice friendly and helpful as well.Dennis Parent

The arena and the event was fantastic. The concessions were overpriced for getting cold food that was supposed to be warm. Hot dog pretzel and nachos were all cold. The lemonade I bought was warmer than the food.Artt LaFlamme

Massachusetts Taekwondo Academy was a great experience to my own family and is a fantastic resource for the larger community. What I respect most about the Academy leadership is that they recognize taekwondo is a modern Olympic sport, and acknowledge its traditional heritage, but the curriculum also emphasizes the art's practical application. They keep strong ties to contacts in the Republic of Korea and with taekwondo's governing body, while still teaching practical, realistic self-defense technique. Their program laid a solid foundation of physical strength and mental discipline that served my son well in later years and in other sports. As a resource for the broader community, the Academy runs after-school and summer programs that can impart many of the same lessons of perseverance, respect, and discipline as the martial arts students learn. We would definitely do it all again.Thomas Borjas

As a Taekwondo Master myself, I can fully attest that Massachusetts Taekwondo Academy is one of the finest martial arts centers in New England! Traditional and original Taekwondo instructions, followed by Kukkiwon rules and regulations, are thoroughly drilled into each and every student. MTA also zooms in on the aspect of hand-to-hand combat for real life situations, which can be applied to and supplemented as a great workout, hobby, and everyday life. The students at MTA are able to dedicate their studies because the instructors do a phenomenal job at evoking the students’ drive and passion to push past their boundaries, such as physical capacities, mental awareness, self-discipline, goal-setting skills, and much more!ChangBae Son

I absolutely love Mass TKD. Both of my boys have attended and by far it is the best after/before school program. The staff have gone above and beyond for my boys, are great with the kids, and keep parents informed on any new programming or procedure's. Mass TKD has been very accommodating and I wouldn't have my son attend anywhere else. He enjoys taking evening TKD class and has a good relationship with his instructors. Amazing program!!!Shanealia Jernigan

The child care here is exceptional! The staff takes the utmost care with respect and compassion. The Lees have been helping families for years. My daughter loves the time she's spent in the program with Taekwondo! They have multiple locations and participate in a variety of activities for the kids. Their attention to detail and quality really goes above and beyond other places I've seen. I would recommend them to anyone, anytime!Mark Smith

we love the opportunity to have transportation from school and home very convenient for working. My son loves the Tuesday and Thursday taekwondo class that is amazing and we are so grateful for Master Lee’s. We think it would be a great idea for Saturdays class to being corporated with parents I think it would be fun for both the kids and the parents and a great bonding experience!!!Ashley Johns

My children love the befor and after school program! They also love the whole crew there and they always help with w.e I need also very informative always exciting story’s when they come home! The best place I could have chosen for my children. highly recommendTasha Laury

I absolutely love Master Lee’s! The staff are so friendly, understanding, and very caring! I am so happy I chose to send my child to Master Lee’s before and after school program. The center is very clean and well kept. The hours are fantastic; especially for working parents. If you are looking for a reliable, creative, caring, and outright amazing place to send your children, this is the place!! I would absolutely recommend Master Lee’s program to anyone!Alexis Giraud

Awesome crew to be around. Everyone is so friendly here and they really do care about the kids. My son started just two weeks ago and he really enjoys it here. He had his first Taekwondo session this afternoon and he LOVES it. If you're looking for after school child care or even just a program to get the kids involved and active, I highly recommend Master Lee's!Jason Wright

My kids just started attending this program and loved it the first day they started. There is great structure provided by staff, snacks are offered and transportation is provided. All great qualities for an after school program. My kids already made friends and love the staff. I would recommend this program to all parents.Jasmine Santana

My kids have been going here for about a year now and I would recommend this program to anyone. I can honestly say they are amazing. They’re so accommodating to each families needs and also great with children with all types of needs. My kids have special needs and they’re so great with them and very understanding when they have some difficulty behaving. My kids absolutely love going to this program and I appreciate them always trying to help my family as well as the fact that I can trust that my kids are being well taken care of while I’m at work. Also the staffs communication with me has always been great.Jennifer Reyes

I work here, and for the first time in my life, I can HONESTLY say, that I love my job. Working with such a wide range of students every day, leaves such a good feeling in my heart, at the end of each day. I work with the most amazing coworkers, that I consider my family as well as our students. If you're looking for a before and after school program, or perhaps just a summer program, please come in and check us out. We would love to meet you, and your child!Jennifer Bogoslofski

If you are looking for a before and after school program 1 root is what you are looking for, my child is picked up on time and delivered to school safely in the morning and also afternoon. 1 root is a new place but the staff in charge is not new, I have a young man of 15 and a boy of 10 who were always in the care of Master Juan because in my personal experience he has always been very responsible with the care and transportation for my sons.Rousmery Negron

If you are looking for the best Child Activity Center in the Wilbraham area, 3rd Level Consulting recommends All American Gymnastics. Based on our decades of working with Children’s Education, Entertainment, Arts, and Sports Instruction programs in multiple industries and Countries, we are confident in our recommendation.Barbara Anne May

I love this place! Helped me learn so many cool skills (including backflips.) All of the coaches are AMAZING! And all of the kids who go here are so nice. If you’re looking for a gym with great people, excellent safe equipment, and a super good time, choose All American Gymnastics Academy!Duke J

I go to the parkour class and my main coach is Coach Josh he's a really good coach and the class is very fun I'll give a five-star rating overallTeam Hypz

I agree with Mr. Burgess, Walt Lysak's education provides an all around superior technical skill combined with interpersonal skill to all who trained and live by his principles. I also had the luck to observe my son Alex's incredible growth for 8 years (from 9 to 17 years old) with Walt's Mixed Martial Arts training and it provided the deep foundation he carries with him today. Walt's system is methodical and provides deep understanding of Martial Arts defensive and offensive techniques. It provides immediate hands-on application from day one. It adjusts to everyone's level and challenges you all the way through. Walt will pair you with other students with the same skill, or higher, to challenge you all the way through all his "belt" degree levels, making you earn everyone of them. He also pairs you with lower level students to let you help others with lower skills. He makes all his classes very dynamics including active grappling and combat situation. Students have total control of the intensity on these exercises. You can not get a better Martial Art's education than at: "Lysak's Academy of Mixed Martial Arts!".Gus Sanchez

My three children attended classes at Lysak's from the time they were 5 or 6 until they were teenagers. As a parent, I can't say enough good things about Walt, his program, and the rest of the staff. My son is now 25 and a U.S. Marine. He still loves training and stops in to the dojo whenever he's in town. My daughters don't live at home anymore, (NYC and UMass) and I worry a LOT less about them since they each have about 10 years of Walt's training. Most importantly, Walt stresses values and principles like discipline and respect, and I believe his influence helped them make good decisions as teenagers and become better, happier and more productive adults. Walt made my job as a parent easier, and I will always be grateful for the positive influence he and his program had on my family.Edward Burgess

I’ve been training with Shihan Walt since 2002 and during that time he has brought in numerous living legends and other World Class coaches to help us his students reach our utmost potential as Martial Artists. But, during that time I have still yet to meet another Martial Artist, or person for that matter who is more dedicated to their craft, their students, becoming the best version of themselves possible, or a better living example of what the Samurai called the Bushido Code than him. If you want the absolute most “no nonsense”, well rounded, practical, constantly evolving, passionate, grounded in Reality, and family oriented Martial Arts instruction out there, look no further than Shihan Walt Lysak Jr and his school Sento MMA Academy.Keegan Yentsch

If you’re thinking about having a birthday party here, book it already! The staff is wonderful and so helpful. They take care of everything- pizza, cake, your choice of tablecloth color and even multiple colors of candles to make your birthday kid smile! Inflatable bounce house, kids being able to run around the gym and jump in the foam pit, it was truly a joy to be there. I can’t recommend them enough! Even gave the kids water bottles with their logo to take home as a favor. To all the lovely ladies who were working today, please know that we all had a blast; kids and grown ups alike!sam benson

The best. It’s our second session and my three year old daughter is very shy at first. The teachers keep her included constantly and it is very appreciated ! A lot of places around here are not that Hands on. I highly recommend!!Brittany l

Can't say anything about bad. Staff are great and always here for the kids. I highly recommend this gymnastics facility.Jose Alicea

I’ve now had 2 out of my 3 children attend this after school program and my 3rd will absolutely attend as well when she’s old enough. Extremely caring and loving staff who want nothing but the best for the children under their care. My children have always looked forward to the fun activities that this camp provides for the kids. The last 8 years with this program have been wonderful and I will absolutely recommend them to anyone looking for afterschool / summer care for their school aged children!Shawna Berthiaume

My younger brother started attending classes about 10-11 years ago. Then my kids few years ago. Periodically they attend summer camp which is absolutely awesome and includes a lot of outdoor time such as hiking, fishing, ocean beach. Ken absolutely loves kids and the rest of the stuff are super friendly and kind. They work with each child individually to find a right approach and build connection. I highly recommend this program.Lucy Tkachenko

My daughter has been going there for the afterschool program since Kindergarten. She loves it. They always have her do her homework first before she does any activities and that's great . This is her first year in the Summer Camp and so far she is having the best time. Lori and Ken are great and so is the staff. I recommend them to everyone I know. I have never had a problem.Vilma Cosme

The only people who don't like this place are the potheads, they just don't like putting their kids before their weed and actually act like a responsible adult and taking care of their kids sober. That's not the YMCA's problem. Their concern is the safety of the children and apparently they're doing a good job at it even if pothead parents don't like it. Grow up. If you don't like it you don't have to be here. The YMCA offers a ton of fitness classes and programs here, and in other facilities. Every YMCA membership is equipped with a nationwide membership which means people can stop complaining about the lack of pool and go to another YMCA that has a pool. Simple solution. There's plenty of public transportation options available if you don't drive. Stop complaining. If you don't like it here cancel your membership. The YMCA offers so much for community wellness including classes, programs, nutrition counseling, personal training, physical therapy, games and more. I support their mission in making better communities.Sirena

Today I visited the new facilities at 1500 Main St, Springfield, and they look amazing. On the first floor they have child care. The gym and other amenities are on the 2nd floor. At the reception I was received by some girls who very kindly guided me on how the new installation works, registration, costs, special program (Jump start) which offers you a personalized service with an instructor according to your goals. They have modalities such as Zumba, yoga, lower toning class, boot camp, Y-Spin, ABSolute core, Tabata, Zumba gold, Strong nation and Pound Pro. Hours are Monday through Friday 5:30 a.m. – 8 p.m. and Saturdays 7 a.m. – 2 p.m. closed on sundays. Unfortunately in this new facility there is no swimming pool. The use of a mask is required.Johanna Guillen

Good new look! Disappointed that there isn't a track or a gym for the kids. I think membership will decline. I feel membership fees should be waived until the YMCA reopens. It's not that members aren't showing up! The YMCA is closed due to thing beyond our control. I even tried calling to cancel my membership until you reopen but you can't leave a message or speak to anyone. Not fair to keep charging your members!Sharon Taylor-Brown

As a protective parent, Jessica is exactly who I'd feel comfortable with driving my child! I didn't know her until we found her listed on Google. I called and she assured me that she'd care for my daughter, who hadn't socialized in months, like she was her own. We needed someone to drive our daughter to Volleyball practice during covid while both of us were working from home and caring for our other 3 children. For a month and a half, she sanitized her vehicle, wore a mask, and worked with us to navigate this unprecedented time with unpredictable schedule changes. She was gracious, an effective communicator, prompt with pick ups and always had a smile! We are grateful to have found Rozki Rides! Thank you for everything!Shanda Lazare

Rozki Rides is AWESOME!!! I am extremely happy with her services. She is great with my daughter. Very responsible, friendly, caring, helpful, etc… My daughter loves her. She provides her with a snack and she makes sure that my daughter enters the program safely before driving away. She also communicates with me and lets me know that she was dropped off safely. At first I was nervous but now I know that my daughter is in good hands. I have never experienced anything like it and we are very grateful to have her. Thank you so much for all that you do!!!Tammy Rosario

I very happy with the service I received. My daughter was picked up on time. I got text messages to let me know she got their safe. My daughter was very sad her last day. She said I'm going to miss getting picked up. She was the only one getting picked up but she enjoyed her rides as well as conversation with the driver. Don't think to much about rather to do it just do it you will be happy you did. Very good service and very friendly people. I would do it all over again in a heartbeat.Rachel Harris

Hello my name is Kathy. I want to say I have been working here for almost a year in April! This company has gone up and beyond for me and my children! They go up and beyond for our students as well!! I love working here! I enjoy coming to work EVERYDAY. Literally. They are so understanding and want what’s best! We want your children to have fun and be safe! We make the time to get to know our students! They saw potential in me and do not fail to show me that! It’s a new program in Springfield and I HIGHLY SUGGEST JOINING!Kickrock Nails

This place is awesome! My son will be going on a year of attending and I couldn’t thank them enough just with how much my son enjoys being here! The staff is AMAZING. Very interactive, very helping, very welcoming, and extremely family-orientated. A special thank you to Kathy for being beyond awesome to my son. She really represents her position, her love for the children, and her passion for working here and with them. I totally recommend if thinking of putting your child in this program. You won’t regret it ❤️elaisha pagan

Hey, I’m Alexandra. I currently work here and I can honestly say this place is amazing. Everyone here is amazing with the kids and so fun and caring. We love having fun but we also focus a lot on respect for others to keep the fun and safe environment that we have. Let your kids experience this with us for themselves. Join Nam’s Taekwondo and come be part of our family. ❤️Alexandra Alejandro

Omg I remember the gray house back in the days use to be my neighborhood since my teenage years use to live the building next door and me my brother,and little childrens volunteer to renovate this beautiful house it use to be abandoned and the sisters and community helped get it so beautiful that is now and we have learned alot and improved my English and they are well communicator they did a very good job bringing the community together of learning and teaching the kids and adults I dont know if they still have the oldest brochure when they opened the gray house we are in those brochure they are very friendly and sweet they open the doors to whoever need the help from the sisters God bless them all love the gray house 😍😍Gloria Santiago

Just spoke to Aisha and I she was curt. According to her, the only clothing provided is winter coats. I asked about services for a family of eight and she just said Gray House does not provide clothes, there is a market instead of food pantry, and even though I thought she told me she was the Educational director, she did not share any educational resources for the six children of the family. Be careful who you donate to.Letisha Harris

This place really helps people I really appreciate the staff they are very friendly. And helpful. If you need food or even learn English or how to read and write they will teach you all that. The program cost you $20 which is very cheap but after that you paying nothing else. They are very resourceful as well.Eugene Thurston

I've attended as a mentor/member…definitely can help a small business with "free" consulting. It is important, however, for the business owner to consider that this group (we , us) are largely optimistic and successful folks and you are unlikely to ever hear "that's the worst idea ever". This could be looked at as a fault since "Business is War" as a famous CEO once said. So – take what you learn at VVM and combine it with your gut, common sense, numbers and other forms of reality…in the end, it is your money and time on the table.Craig Issod

I'm so glad I attended this event. It was so inspiring to hear the success stories from people that worked hard to achieve their dreams. I met some very interesting people, as well. I got what I wanted out of it and I'm going to continue to attend these types of events to learn more and meet more like-minded people.David Nieves Jr.

Amazing program! I recieved so much support and coaching while growing my business. My business made great progress and continues to grow and thrive because of skills I learned at VVM. The connections and people I met and worked with are all people I enjoy staying in contact with. So many inspiring people!colleen campbell