School's Out (for summer)

The last day of school was on June 5th and I already have a few of the honulas whining about being bored.  But needless to say this mom is prepared.  I have compiled a list of 10 ideas to do with the kids this summer that will cost almost no dinero.  The trick is to make the "adventure" sound exciting.  Make sure you pack water and snacks.  Please feel free to take my ideas:

1. Olympics:  In the spirit of the 2012 Olympics we will be having our own summer games on July 4th.  We have already planned the events and medals.    The Olympics are something the whole family can participate in watching. As the games unfold on television this is a great opportunity to teach children geography, sportsmanship, and history.

Ronald Reagan forgot all about Mary Lou Retton ... I bet you didn't!

2. Free movies: Most movie theaters offer free summer showings of older movies.  They usually have limited seating and only select times.  My area offers free movies on Tuesdays and Wednesday (one showing each) at the Leitersburg Cinemas

3. Library: Most Libraries have summer reading programs.  Our local library (Alexander Hamilton Library) has a prize at the end of the summer after completing the program.  They also offer preschool story time on Wednesdays or Thursdays.  Check your local library.

4. State parks:  Almost everyone lives within an hour from a state park.  Our favorite park is Trough Creek, because of its natural beauty, including rainbow falls.  For the state of Pennsylvania the website is: www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks

Taste the Rainbow at Rainbow Falls (Trough Creek State Park)

5. Local museum:  Local museums are probably one of the most overlooked resources in a community.  That's too bad because it is a great way to spend a hot summer day. Locally we have a Industrial Museum www.waynesboroindustrialtrust.org.  Many of these small museums are free or ask for a small donation.

I can picture Jayson destroying this place now that I think about it ...

6. Hike: Plan a hike for the kids with a picnic and scavenger hunt.  Kids love scavenger hunts and this can occupy them for the majority of the hike.  It is great exercise too!

7. Vacation bible school:  Almost every church offers some type of vacation bible school.  These are great programs that are structured and let little ones socialize.   I had a girlfriend who found a different church that her children could attend every week of the summer.

Copyright © 2011 The Zondervan Corporation.

8. Build & Grow Program:  Most Lowe's Hardware Stores have a prSogram that you can register your kids to participate in a Saturday morning program.  This program is free and they get to learn to work with tools safely.  They get to bring their "project" home.  For more information you can go to www.lowesbuildandgrow.com

9. Music : Some communities offer free music programs during the summer.  Our local park, Renfrew, offers a jazz concert on the last Sunday of August.  This is an all day event.

10. Minor League Baseball. For a fraction of the price, less travel time and arguably just as much fun, Minor League Baseball is an awesome activity. While we have two major league teams within 1 1/2 hours, and two three hours away, minor league ball just makes a lot more sense for families.