What to Do with the Kids During the Summer

My toddler twins boys started preschool not too long ago and have quickly become enamored with school. Even with the daily structure and learning to share with someone other than their twin, they are enjoying their time in the classroom. On the weekends or holidays they get up in the morning, find their shoes and are asking to go school! With my middle school teen and preschool toddler getting ready to start summer vacation this week, I am searching for summer activities that will provide fun and educational opportunities.

There are many choices during the summer, including free or low cost, that can help children beat the summer boredom.  The following is a list of some summer programs and options nationwide:

• Libraries across the country have summer programs (reading contests, music, movies) that are the free to the community and are suitable for all ages groups.  More information at http://www.publiclibraries.com/.

• The YMCA has summer camps, exercise and swimming lessons for the entire family. Information about the YMCA and summer camps at http://www.ymca.net/ and http://www.ymca.net/camp/.  The YMCA also provides military outreach initiative and respite child care at http://www.ymca.net/military-outreach/.

• Museums and Children’s Museums have summer hours, exhibits and special interactive programs for children of various ages. Local museums and children’s museums information can be found at http://www.museumsusa.org/ and http://www.childrensmuseums.org/index.htm. Blue Star Museums are offering free admission to active duty military personnel and their families from Memorial Day, May 30, 2011, through Labor Day, September 5, 2011 at http://www.nea.gov/national/bluestarmuseums/index2011.php.

• Little Leagues offer a wonderful opportunity for children to be part of an organized sport, be active and learn sportsmanship. Local leagues can be found at http://www.littleleague.org/Little_League_Online.htm.

• Summer Camps, whether day or extended, offer the opportunity for fun outdoor experience, educational venues, and structured play. A directory of summer camps can be found at http://www.summercamps.com/ and http://www.acacamps.org/.

U.S. State Parks have camping specials for families during the summer.  Information is available at http://www.nps.gov/index.htm, http://www.nps.gov/findapark/index.htm and http://camping.about.com/.

• In select bowling centers across the U.S. and Canada, children can bowl free during the summer. Find participating bowling centers in your community at http://www.kidsbowlfree.com/.

• Regal Theaters will be participating in the Regal Summer Movie Express. Select Regal Cinemas, United Artists and Edwards Theatres will offer selected G or PG rated movies for only $1.00 on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 10:00am. Find participating theaters at http://www.regmovies.com/summermovieexpress/default.aspx.

• Theme parks and water parks have special summer hours and discounts for families to enjoy a day at the park.  Locate local amusement parks at http://www.ultimaterollercoaster.com/themeparks/locator/index.php, http://www.themeparkcity.com/USA_index.htm and http://themeparks.about.com/.

• Vacation Bible Schools (VBS) are often low cost day camps that offer fun activities, crafts, music, and outings centered around a specific theme in a religious environment. Find more information about VBS, including local locations at http://group.com/vbs/, http://www.vbsfinder.com/, http://www2.lifeway.com/vbs2011/yourvbs/, http://www.familychristian.com/shop/search.asp?N=44+4294863892, and http://www.christianbook.com/.

• Petting Zoos and Pick Your Own Farms are a fun family outing that provides access to animals, fruits and vegetables. Find local petting zoos and pick your own farms at http://www.pumpkinpatchesandmore.org/index.php and http://www.pickyourown.org/.

• Zoos and Aquariums offer special hours, discounts and children activities during the summer. Find local zoos and aquariums at http://www.officialusa.com/stateguides/zoos/, http://www.aza.org/, and http://www.americanzoos.info/.

• Macaroni Kid is a free weekly community newsletter that delivers family-friendly events and outings within the local community. Find local information at http://national.macaronikid.com/.

• Disney summer crafts and activities at http://disney.go.com/disneyjunior/ and http://family.go.com/.

• Nick Jr. and Nickelodeon summer fun ideas at http://www.nickjr.com/summer/ and http://www.parentsconnect.com/.

• PBS KIDS summer games and summer reading challenge at http://pbskids.org/ and http://pbskids.org/island/activities/.