Game ON: Mario & Friends After-School STEM Program – Grand Rapids, MI
Game ON: Mario & Friends is an interactive LEGO®-based after-school enrichment program offered by Bricks 4 Kidz in the Grand Rapids area. This session runs on Mondays from March 9 through April 20, 2026, and is hosted at Roguewood Elementary. Designed for elementary-aged kids who enjoy building, creativity, and hands-on learning, this program uses familiar video game themes to introduce engineering and STEAM concepts in an engaging, kid-friendly format.
Inspired by classic characters like Mario and his friends, students build moving models and creative LEGO® projects that support problem-solving, design thinking, and basic mechanical engineering concepts. While the program is themed around video games, the focus is on hands-on building and STEM learning, not video game play.
Program Details
Program name: Game ON: Mario & Friends
Ages served: 5-10 (K - 5th grade)
Program type: After-school STEAM / engineering enrichment program
Focus areas: Engineering design, motorized builds, simple machines, creativity, problem-solving
Format: In-person
Pricing: $115
Date and time: Mondays from March 9 - April 20, 2026 | 3:45PM - 5:00PM (75 minutes)
Location:
Roguewood Elementary
3900 Kroes St NE,
Rockford, Michigan, 49341
Program Overview
Game ON: Mario & Friends is a structured after-school program designed to spark creativity and introduce children to real-world STEM concepts through guided LEGO® building challenges. Each class session includes hands-on projects that reflect the theme of classic video game characters while focusing on engineering and design.
Instead of playing video games, students build models that represent Mario and other familiar characters and explore how moving parts work. As campers build, they learn how gears, weight distribution, and mechanical design affect how models move and function. Projects often include a combination of technical builds and creative mosaics, giving students multiple ways to engage based on interest and learning style.
This program supports essential skills such as following step-by-step instructions, solving problems through trial-and-error, and thinking critically about design choices. Because sessions repeat weekly across multiple weeks, students also benefit from structured progression and skill-building over time.
Families looking for a creative after-school option that blends STEM learning with a theme kids recognize will find this program to be an accessible and engaging introduction to engineering concepts.
Learning Focus & Skills Developed
Engineering thinking through guided LEGO® builds
Understanding motion, gears, and mechanical movement
Exploring design choices such as weight and balance
Problem-solving and trial-and-error learning
Creativity through themed builds and mosaics
Following multi-step directions and completing projects
Collaboration and participation in a group learning setting
Who This Program Is Best For
Kids who enjoy Mario-style themes and character-based building
Students who love LEGO® and hands-on engineering challenges
Families seeking after-school STEAM programs in the Grand Rapids area
Learners who thrive in creative, structured enrichment environments
Kids interested in building moving models and mechanical designs
About the Provider
Bricks 4 Kidz is a STEM enrichment organization that offers hands-on learning experiences for children through LEGO®-based building programs. Bricks 4 Kidz classes are designed to introduce engineering and STEAM concepts using structured lessons that support creativity, confidence, and problem-solving.
Programs are led by trained instructors and use age-appropriate builds that can include both technical projects and creative design challenges. Many classes focus on foundational engineering concepts in a format that is accessible and fun for elementary-aged learners.
Program Location & Local Context
Game ON: Mario & Friends program is hosted at Roguewood Elementary in the Grand Rapids area, giving local families a convenient after-school option in a familiar school setting. West Michigan families often seek structured programs that combine learning, creativity, and hands-on engagement after the school day ends.
Because this program runs across several weeks, it’s a strong fit for families who prefer consistent enrichment opportunities rather than one-time events, and it supports students who benefit from repeated practice and structured progression.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are kids playing video games during this program?
No. The program is themed around video games, but participants build LEGO® models and complete hands-on projects rather than playing video games.
Is this a one-day event or a multi-week program?
This is a multi-week after-school program running on Mondays from March 9 through April 20, 2026, with no class on April 6.
What will kids do during class sessions?
Students build themed LEGO® models, including moving/motorized builds, and learn engineering concepts like gears, balance, and motion.
Where does the program take place?
The program is hosted at Roguewood Elementary in the Grand Rapids area.
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