Summer Activities

The summer, although the weather is not demonstrating it, is nearly here!  End of school is clearly in sight.  In Nebraska parents are already planning the summer activities for their children.  So I jumped on that band wagon and started to think about what we would do for the summer.  We are on a tight budget and can't afford to go to every activity but the importance of participation in summer fun does not go un noticed! 

I can't speak of every community but if you are looking for great things to do with your child or children this summer here are some places to start...

• The library ~ reading groups and programs, check out books on themes or topics for home activities.  Most typically these are free! 
• Whole Foods ~ cooking classes for all ages, but especially great ones for half pints!  Great way to get your child to eat different foods or try new stuff!  In our area it is $8 per child per class. 
• Forest preserve ~ outdoor day camps, explore and see different natural habitats
• Sport camps ~ I found a gymnastics studio, the ymca, a dance studio, a martial arts studio and athletic centers all have sport/athletic things for children
• swimming pool ~ swim lessons are so important for kids!  Last year I paid so much for pool visits and for the pool in our back yard that this year I joined a country club social membership for the summer.  It is CLOSE and we can use the pool anytime! 
• ice skating ~ ESPECIALLY when it is really hot!  It makes for a great place to COOL off!
• roller skating~ our local rink has classes & programs all summer long
• zoo & museums ~ both near us have summer programs.  We tried the zoo camps last year and did not like them.  Ask some questions before paying for it!  Memberships help off set multiple trips to these locations! 
• art centers ~ look for community art facilities.  There is typically someone teaching a mixed media type class!
• splash pads or your garden hose!  Great way to cool off for free! 
• garden centers ~ a clever and fun way to be around plants.  Frequently they have some basic classes or demonstrations and children are super interested in what grows.
• project swap ~ trade afternoons with a mom friend and entertain all the children for a couple hours in some project or activity.  Maybe a giant finger paint party, pedicure party, bake up something fun, take a nature walk and find things

Hopefully our summer is equal parts sitting by the pool and swimming in the pool but we may need some other activities so we will see where our desires lie!!  I'd love to hear your ideas for summer fun!!