It’s that time of year again the kids will be out of school in less than a month, leaving us parents frantically trying to find what is available to keep our kids entertained all summer long, and keep our sanity. All the search and comparing can be exhausting and a full time job, I know because I do it every year. So I’ve compiled a list of my findings so far for the summer. Here you will find a collection of programs found to date.
Free Summer Bowling (2 free games per day + cost of shoe rental)
Strike City (Formerly Mariner Lanes)
7days a week April 15- October 1
Monday-Thursday 9am-10pm
Friday- Saturday 9am-5pm
Sunday 9am-10pm
You can register at www.kidsbowlfree.com
.75 summer movies every Tuesday @ 10 am Starting June 9, Springhill 8
June 9: Annie
June 16: Paddington
June 23: Night at the Museum Secret of the Tomb
June 30: Lego Movie
July 7: Rio 2
July 21: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
July 28: Book of Life
August 4: SpongeBob Movie: Sponge Out of Water
Popcorn $2.50 48oz. Drinks $2.50 16 oz.
www.touchstarcinemas.com
Beacon Theatre also offers weekly summer movies for $1 their list isn’t out yet and will be posted on their website www.georgiatheatrecompany.com/beacon12 sometime in May when available.
Hernando County Public Library
Each branch offers a variety of activities ranging in ages from infants to 18 years of age. Some of the programs offered are the Lego Club, Anime Club, tea parties, crafts, Super Hero Academy, Yoga, writing workshops, and weekly movies. To see the activities offered and to get the times for each location visit www.hcpl.lib.fl.us select the events calendar on the left and narrow your search to the age. These are great programs and are usually free. In the past my kids have learned a little bit of sign language, Origami making, and even did some volunteering. They offer an alternative to the regular summer programs, and while you are at the library they can check out a book or find a nice quiet corner and do a little reading there.
Daily Summer Camps
- First United Methodist Church is offering summer camp from June 4- August21. Ages 4 years to 5th grade 6:30am – 6pm, $75.00 weekly or $25.00 daily
- The Hernando County Sheriff’s Office is offering the R.O.A.R. Summer Day Camp, with 4 sessions at different location throughout the county. The cost is free and child can only attend 1 of the 4 session. Lunch and snacks are provided, and child must be 6 years old age prior to start of camp. www.hernandosheriff.org/Program/Roar/ to complete application.
- The YMCA offers many different camps for school aged kids, ranging from half day specialty camps ranging from $45- $115 per week, to full day camps, $95.00. Location vary stop by the local YMCA for a complete packet or check out their website www.ymcasuncoast.org.
- Hernando County Parks and Recreation provides a variety of day camps, ranging in price, hours vary. Please contact 352-754-4027 for more information. Or visit www.hernandocounty.us and click on the classes & camps tab.
- Weeki Wachee Springs is offering Junior Lifeguard, Junior Ranger, and Mermaid camps. Visit their website weekiwachee.com and click on the camps tab for more information.
- Wider Horizons School is offering a variety of summer camps for kids ages 3 through high school.
Vacation Bible School
Churches throughout the county offer weekly free or low cost half day programs. Each VBS is themed with activities and games consistent with the theme and allowing kids to learn about the Bible. Here is a list of some that I found:
Volunteer
Lastly for the kids that are just past the day camp age but not old enough for that summer job, volunteering is a great way to fill their time. If they are in high school they may be able to use those volunteer hours as part of the requirement for the Bright Futures Scholarship. Not to mention it looks really good on the college applications they will be completing in a couple of years. Here is a list of places; you will need to contact them to get the exact guidelines involved.
- Public Library
- SPCA
- Humane Society
- Jericho Road
- Local churches running a VBS program
- YMCA( they offer a program just for young counselors called Counselors in Training)