SUMMER EVENTS FOR THE
ENTIRE FAMILY! 2012
Put together by MOPS of Dallas and Dallas Indoor Park, please
join and support us in the fall. Make
sure to bring your friends. See you in
September. Make sure to check the
websites. Dallas
indoorplaypark.blogspt.com and dallasmops.blogspot.com for more summer events
and information.
Ongoing Summer Events
Libraries
·
Every Tuesday -AM Infant Story Time at Dallas
Library 11:15am
·
Every Tuesday-Toddler story Time at Monmouth
Library 10:15am
·
Every Tuesday at Saturday- Preschool Storytime
at Salem Public Library-- 10:30 am
·
Every Tuesday Evening- Family Bedtime Storytime-
Salem Public Library- 7pm
·
Every Wednesday-Preschool Story Time at Monmouth
Library 10:15am
·
Every Wednesday and Friday- Laps it Storytime at
Salem Public Library, 10:15 am and 11am W, 10:30 am F
·
Every Thursday-AM Preschool Story Time at Dallas
Library 11:15am
·
Every Friday- Family Story Time in Independence-
10:30am
·
Summer Reading Activities through Dallas Library
(Wed, at 11:30 am) June
13- Reptile Man (Dallas City Park) June
20 -Rhys Thomas- Jugglemania (Dallas City Park) June
27- Crafts- (Dallas Civic Center) July
11- Amazing Science (Dallas City Park) July
25- Jason Ropp- Not a puppet show, an adventure (Dallas City Park)
·
Cultural Passes (Dallas Public Libary) (Free)- Antique Powerland Museum,
Asahel Bush House Museum, The Aviation and Space Museum, A.C. Gilbert's
Village, Hallie Ford Museum of Art, Polk County Museum, Willamette Heritage
Center at The Mill
Farmers Markets
·
Polk County Bounty Market-Thursdays in
Front of Courthouse on Main St. in Dallas- May to Sept, 2pm-6pm
·
Independence Farmers' Market- Saturdays
at 302 Main St, Independence, April through November, 9 am to 1pm.
·
Monmouth Farmers' Market- Wednesdays at
Monmouth City park, across from City Hall, March through Dec, Noon to 6pm
·
Polk County Farmers' Market- Sundays at 280
Hwy 99W Rickreall, May through early November, 9am to 3pm
·
Salem's Saturday Market-Saturday's 9 am
to 3 pm, April through October, State parking lot at the corner of Summer and
Marion Streets NE
·
Corvallis Farmers' Market- Wednesday and Saturday, 9 am to 1pm, First
St. and Jackson Ave.
·
McMinnville Farmers' Market- Thursdays,
1:30pm-6pm, end of May to Oct, Cowls Street between 2nd and Third St.
Music
·
Dallas Sounds of Summer- Thursdays, July
through August, 6:30 to 8:30, Dallas
Rotary Performing Arts Stage at Main St. and Academy. (FREE)
·
Monmouth Music in the Park- Wednesdays
July 6 to Aug 31st, 6:30 to 8:30pm, Main Street Park (Free)
·
Independence Music in the Park- Fridays-7:30pm,
Riverview Park in Independence, July through August (Free)
Movies
·
Regal Cinemas Family Film Festival-
Lancaster Mall Stadium 11, Salem, see the following website for the schedule
and more information. All
movies rated G or PG http://www.regmovies.com/summermovieexpress/default.aspx?state=OR
for list of showings, movies show at 10 am on Tuesdays and Wednesdays for $1.
6/19-6/20
(10am) JOURNEY 2, KIT KITTREDGE: AMER GIRL 6/26-6/27 (10am) DOLPHIN TALE, HAPPY
FEET TWO 7/3-7/4
(10am) LEGEND OF THE GUARDIANS, YOGI BEAR
7/10-7/11
(10am) CATS & DOGS: REVENGE, HUGO
7/17-7/18
(10am) ADVENTURES OF TIN TIN, PUSS IN BOOTS
7/24-7/25
(10am) KUNG FU PANDA 2, RANGO
7/31-8/1
(10am) RIO, SPY KIDS: ALL THE TIME 8/7-8/8
(10am) CHIMPANZEE, HOODWINKED TOO
8/14-8/15
(10am) ARTHUR CHRISTMAS, SMURFS
8/21-8/22
(10am) ALVIN & CHIPMUNKS: SHIP,MR. POPPER'S PENGUINS
·
Summer Movies- Salem Riverfront Park Amphitheater, Select Saturday nights
at Dusk during the Summer, park at the carousel (FREE)
July
7- Ghostbusters
July
21- Mary Poppins
Aug
4- The Rookie
Aug
11- Hugo
Aug
25- Madagascar
·
Independence Riverview Park Amphitheater-
Thursdays 8:30 (FREE), Before the
movie a Comedian is on stage
July
12- Super 8 (PG-13)
July
19- Puss N Boots (PG)
July
26- Footloose (PG-13)
Aug
2- JJ Abrams Star Trek (PG)
Aug
9- Soul Surfer (PG)
Aug
16- Cars 2 (G)
Aug
23- Sherlock Holmes (PG-13)
Aug
30- Transformers (PG-13)
·
Dallas Motor-Vu Drive-In, $18 per vehicle
(up to 3 people), $5 per person (4 or more), 3 and under free, 315 SE Fir Villa
Dallas, OR, double features every night.
·
Cinnabarre-Salem, OR- Center Street, Kids eat free Mondays all day, $5 Ticket
Tuesdays
·
Salem Public Library- Friday Films in
Loucks Auditorium, 4pm, FREE
Pools
·
Dallas Aquatic Center- 1005 SE LaCreole
Dr., Dallas, OR 97338- Discounted Parent and Tot swim time, access to all
pools. Fridays from 10-1, Adults $4, Young Children $2, infants $1. Specifically designed for a quiet and
relaxing swim experience for young children ages 6 and under. Visit their website for admission and free
swim schedule- http://www.ci.dallas.or.us/index.aspx?NID=83
·
Independence YMCA Outdoor Pool- 490 I
Street, Independence, OR, Down 5th street off main road in Independence. Check website for swim schedule http://miymca.net/
·
Kroc Center Pool and Recreation Center- 1865 Bill Frey Dr. NE, Salem, OR 97301, Pool
features a small slide for little ones, a water slide, water features and
fountains, river and more. Check website
for summer swim and activities schedules www.salemkroc.org
·
Osborne Aquatic Center- 1940 NW Highland
Dr, Corvallis, OR 97330, outdoor pools open in June, shallow leisure pool with
soft bottom, fun current and forced air
bubble benches, jet spray feature, water playground, waterslide and more. Also includes picnic area and separate lap
pool. Leisure pool is kept at 86 F. Adults $4.75, Youth (7-17) $3.75 and Child
(0-6) $2.00. Punch cards available. Family rates on Fri-Sun $6 +$2 per
person. Toddler Swim time 12-1 (M-F),
Open Swim (1-6 pm M,T, R, F), 1-7pm (W), and 1-5pm (S, Sun)
·
Clackamas Water Park- 7300 SE Harmony Rd,
Milwaukie, OR 97222 (503) 557-7873- Parent Preschool time is M,W, F 9 am to
10:30am, ages 6 and under. This pool has
several swimming pools, rock climbing wall, wave pool, lap pool, diving well, kiddy
Pool and fountains. see website for
hours and admission rates http://ncprd.com/aquatic-park
·
McMinnville Aquatic Center- 138 NW Park
Drive, McMinnville, OR 97128- see website for hours and admission rates http://www.ci.mcminnville.or.us/city/departments/aquatic-center/
Parks
·
Dallas City Park- Take Ellendale west and
turn south onto Levens St, park entrance will be on the right in Dallas, has Frisbee
golf, picnic areas, fire pits, fishing, wading and swimming in the creek,
basketball courts, horseshoe and two playground areas, plus a Japanese garden.
·
Mill Creek Park- West on Highway 22, left
on Mill Creek Road, Picnic Tables, Fire Pits, Fishing. West on Highway 22, Left on Mill Creek Road
·
Buell Park- Great place for a picnic and
wading and swimming in the creek. Also
has trails and a playground. West on
Highway 22, Right on Mill Creek Road.
·
Champoeg State Park- All Summer Long-
Living History Events from 1:30 to 3:30pm, 1-3rd Saturday of the month,
July-August. This park also has a great
bike path and a part of Oregon's History.
8239 Champoeg Road NE, St. Paul, OR 97137 ($5 state park visitor fee)
·
Willamette Mission State Park- Just outside of Salem, lots of wonderful
trails, the Wheatland ferry is fun to watch, also lots of horse trails and bike
trails. A great place for a walk and
picnic. Wheatland Rd, 8 mi N. of Salem,
or take 1-5 exit 263 and follow the signs.
($5 dollar day use fee)
·
Discovery Meadows (McMinnville, OR). ,
1300 NW Cypress St., Large Park with rock climbing, water feature, picnicking,
large playground with rubber ground, etc.
Great overall park.
·
Riverview Park- Main St, Independence,
OR, Boat Ramp, amphitheatre, play ground, water fountain, and currently working
on adding hiking trails along the waterfront.
·
Riverfront Park- 200 Water St NE,
Downtown, Salem, OR- 23 acre park with play equipment, water feature, eco earth
globe, boat dock, walking and biking trails, river access, carousel, amphitheater
and picnic tables.
·
Bush Pasture Park-890 Mission St SE,
Salem, OR. - 90.5 acres public park and botanical garden, lots of open fields,
4 areas with play equipment (one includes a crooked house), and many trails for
jogging, walking/biking.
·
Minto-Brown Island Park- 2200 Minto
Island Road SE, Salem, OR- 898.9 acre natural park, with open and wooded areas
with many trails for walking. biking, rollerblading, etc. Also includes a great dog park so you can
even bring along the 4 legged family members.
·
Avery Park- (Corvallis, OR), from 99W
South, turn west onto Avery Ave, dead ends at park, 75.3 acres, playground
equipment, rose garden, compost demo, horse shoes, train engine, dinosaur bones
sculpture play area, fields, exercise park, bike/jogging path that leads into
bike path from downtown Corvallis to Philomath.
·
Rigatta Grounds Park- (Lincoln City,
OR)- Large Wood Castle playground
structure, picnic tables and view of Devil's Lake. Turn east off Highway 101 on 14th. Go 1/2 miles east, look for the park on the
south side of 14th. The park sneaks up
on you, so keep your eyes open.
·
Baskett Slough Wildlife Refuge- Many nice
walking trails and close by and wildlife viewing. Located just outside of Dallas on Hwy
22. visit for more information http://www.fws.gov/WillametteValley/baskett/recreation.html
·
Yamhill County Parks Tangle Boxes-http://www.tanglebox.org/index.php?pr=What_is_Tangleboxing.. -
Enjoy exploring Yamhill County Parks through a fun outdoor treasure hunt.
Local
Museums
·
Heritage Museum, Independence, OR- Always free admission
·
Hallie Ford Art Museum, Salem, OR- Free Admission on Tuesdays, Children
12 and under are free every day
·
OMSI, Portland, OR- $2.00 admission, 1st Sunday of every month
·
Portland Children's Museum, Portland, OR-Free Admission 4-8 pm, 1st Friday of every
month
·
Mission Mill Museum, Salem, OR- Admission Free at Willamette Heritage
Center On Tuesdays, access to grounds always free
·
Jenson Artic Museum, Monmouth, OR- Donation only- W-S 10am to 4
·
Oregon Historical Society, Portland, OR- Every third Saturday, 2 children free with
paying adult
·
Portland Museum of Art, Portland, OR-Free Admission every day for ages 17 and
under, Free admission on 4th Friday of every month 4 to 8pm
·
Washington County Museum, Portland, OR-Free Admission every Monday, Free family
day every second Saturday of the month
·
Evergreen Aviation and Space Museum with
Water Park- 500 Northeast Captain
Michael King Smith Way on Highway 18, McMinnville, OR 97128 (503)-434-4006,
home of the famous Spruce Goose
·
Tillamook Air Museum-6030 Hangar Road
Tillamook, OR 97141, (503)-842-1130, lots of historical military planes to see.
·
Antique Powerland Museum-Brooks, OR 1/4
mile west off of Exit 263 on I-5, just north of Salem. Go west 2 blocks on Brooklake Rd and you will
see them on the north side of the road- a power equipment heritage site,
dedicated to preservation, restoration and demonstration of steam powered
equipment, farm machinery and implements.
open 9 am to 5 pm, Wed-Sunday. $5
dollar fee to enter the grounds, children 12 and under free. On Sundays from 11am04pm, the railroad is
open. There is also a truck museum and
vintage motorcycle museum on the grounds, open Sat and Sun.
·
Willamina Museum of Local History-188 NE
D. St, Willamina, OR, Hours Sat and Sunday 1-4 (FREE)
·
Polk County Museum, Rickreall, OR just
off Hwy 99. Hrs: 1-5 M,W,F, S.
Admission Adult$3, Sr. $2, Student $1.
Enjoy exhibits about the Kalapuya tribe, agriculture, logging and 28
townsites. Lots of hands on things for
the kids to interact with. Also visit
the Brunk House (FREE), On Hwy 22
near Junct. w/ Hwy 51 Eola, Open T, 9 to Noon.
Attractions
·
Starlite Lanes, Dallas, OR- Sign up at https://freebowling.amf.com or
kidsbowlfree.com for free bowling for kids all summer long
·
Keizer Volcanoes, check website for listing of family discounts and events,
http://salemkeizer.volcanoes.milb.com
·
Oregon Zoo, Portland, OR- $4.00 admission, 2 and under free, every
2nd Tuesday of the month
·
Scotty's Playhouse, McMinnville OR-Always Free, M-F 10am to 12, S
10-1. http://www.hillchurch.com/ministries/kids-0-5th-grade/scottys-playhouse
·
A.C. Gilbert Discovery Village, Has
free days, so keep your eyes out for them and other events at
www.acgilbert.org
·
Oaks Amusement Park and Roller Rink- 7805 SE Oaks Park Way, Portland, OR 97202-
(503) 233-5777- Fun for the entire family, check
the website for a list of summer discount days www.oakspark.com
·
Salem Riverfront Carousel- 101 Front St NE, Salem, OR- $1.50 per ride,
check their website for events. http://www.wix.com/salemcarousel/salemcarousel#!
·
Albany Carousel- 503 First Avenue West, Albany, OR 97321,
although still in the works It is fun to see all the animals being created and
get a tour. Hours M-S, 10am to 4pm, W
until 9. A fun adventure, and while
there explore Albany's cute downtown.
·
Sky High Sports- 11131 SW Greenburg Rd,
Tigard, OR 97223- All trampoline floors and walls, all ages welcome, $10/hr to
jump.
·
Wings of Wonder- 5978 Willamette Ferry
St, Independence, OR 97351 (503) 838-0976- Hours W-S 11am to 4pm, Sunday 12-4
pm. Admission Adults $8.50, 4 to 12 yrs
old $6.00, Ages 3 and under free. Butterfly
exhibit hose, gift corner, landscaped grounds.
A unique interactive experience.
There is also a reptile room.
Visit www.wingsofwonder.us for more information.
·
Tillamook Cheese Factory-4175 Highway 101
North, Tillamook, OR 97141. Open all
year 8 am to 6pm, with extended hours until 8 pm in the summer. Enjoy a factory tour, cheese tasting, and a
yummy Tillamook ice cream cone. A great
stop on the way to the coast or a scenic drive.
·
Oregon Gardens- 879 West Main St, Silverton, OR 97381- Summer hours- 9 am to 6 pm. Admission $10 for
adults, $8 for ages 8-17 and 7 and under free.
Enjoy the beautiful gardens, walking trails, fountains and the
children's play area with its own hobbit hole.
There is also a gift store and cafe on site.
Events/Festivals
June
·
June 2- Salem Carousel Birthday Celebration- Noon
to 4pm, free admission, $1 rides
·
June 9-10 - Strawberry Festival- Berries, Brews
and BBQ's- U-pick strawberries, hayrides, obstacle course, hay slide, toddler
play area, animal barn and more, 9am to 6pm (Sat), 10 to 5pm (Sun), 17673
French Prairie Road, St. Paul, (503)
633-8445
·
June 17- Silverton Hills Strawberry Festival,
Strawberry shortcake and all you can eat berries served from 11 am to 5pm,
French Toast and Sausage breakfast, served 8 am to 11, also music, arts and
crafts, plants and garden items for sale and vintage car cruise-in, Coolidge
McClaine Park, Silverton
·
June 23-24, Kite Festival, Lincoln City, at D-River Wayside, 10am to 4pm, Theme Stars
and Stripes, kite making, kite parade and mass ascension. Very kid friendly
event.
·
June 30-July 1- World Beat Festival, Salem OR,
Riverfront Park, 10 am to 11pm with Fire dances and light at Dusk (Sat), 10am
to 6pm, with Dragon Boat Races at 9am, (Sun)- Great cultural event with lots of
games, performances, demonstrations, activities and food for the entire family,
(FREE, but a donation is highly
suggested)
July
·
July 3-6, St. Paul Rodeo, 20025 4th St NE, St
Paul, Marion, Oregon 97137 (800) 237-5920, Tickets sales start June 1.
·
July 4 -7 - 4th of July Independence Days
celebration-Western Days (Riverview Park), July 4th-Parade starts in Monmouth
and ends at Riverview Park in Independence- Childrens' Parade 11am, Fun
Run-11:30am, Main Parade-Noon, Fireworks on Evening of the 4th and 7th, cost
$1, ages 5 and under free
·
July 12-15 Marion County Fair, Oregon State
Fairgrounds, 2330 17th St. NE Salem, OR
·
July 20-22, Salem Art Fair and Festival, Bush
Pasture Park, Salem OR, ($5/day, Ages 12 and under Free)
·
July 20-22- Da Vinci Days, Corvallis, OR- Main
Gate at 11th and Madison, Tickets available at main gate and online or other
Corvallis locations. Some events free,
like the Kinetics Bike Races.
·
July 26-29- Summerfest-Dallas, OR-Theme
"Wild Wild West", Parade is July 29 at 11am, and Art in the park is
on July 29. Come help support our MOPS
groups. If you would like to walk in the
parade contact Odessa at odessarau@hotmail.com for MOPS.
·
July 27-29- Mint Festival and Frog Jump-
Jefferson, Parade 10am on the July 28, Church St. and Hwy 99E. Take the Talbot Road Exit off I-5, Held
between Jefferson Middle School and High School.
·
July 28-29- The Great Oregon Steam-UP, at
Antique Powerland Museum, 7 am to 6pm ($10.00, Ages 12 and under free),
Machinery demos, models, blacksmithing, country music, early electricity
exhibit, children's activities, music food and more.
·
July 29-31- The Bit and Brew of Salem, Located
at Riverfront Park in Salem, good food and music.
August
·
Aug 4-5- The Great Oregon Steam-UP, at Antique
Powerland Museum, 7 am to 6pm ($10.00, Ages 12 and under free), Machinery
demos, models, blacksmithing, country music, early electricity exhibit,
children's activities, music food and more.
·
Aug 9-12- Polk County Fair 12 am to 12 am,
Rickreall, on Hwy 99
·
Aug 17-19- Loose Goose Balloon Festival, Hwy 18,
Evergreen Aviation Museum, McMinnville, OR 6 am to 6pm
·
Aug 26- Car Show at the Oregon Gardens, Silverton,
OR, 10am to 4pm
Other ideas:
·
Take your kids to U-pick farms. Visit
www.pickyourown.org/OR.htm to find a farm near you.
·
Frisbee Golf- visit www.oregondiscgolf.com for
locations
·
Visit parks with water features, there are some
really great ones in Wilsonville if you are willing to make the drive. It is well worth it though.
·
Cultural Passes at your local library-Check and
see if your library has cultural passes to local attractions. a great way to experience things in your
community for free or at a discount.
·
Camping, even if it is in your own backyard.
·
Visit the coast for the day
·
Websites to visit for activities
couponsforfun.com -
has coupons for several places in 19 states
regmovies.com -
Regal’s summer movie express.
stores.leg.com – at
Lego stores, make and keep a small project
Gutenberg.org –
download classic books to computer or laptop
Bookshouldbefree.com
– download audiobooks to computer or MP3
101 Things To Do This Summer
(some activities geared towards older children)
1. Make YOUR OWN list--what do you want to do this
summer? Go camping? Swim weekly? Learn to
ride a horse? Now share your list with your parents. Our list is great--but
your list might be even better!
2. Buy several pairs of inexpensive sunglasses (think Dollar Store) and decorate them. http://www.bhg.com/crafts/kids/outdoor-projects/kids-summer-sunglasses/
3. Carve a watermelon! Parental assistance may be necessary. There are certainly some cute ideas here--your watermelon will be the topic of conversation at any picnic!
4. Build a fort. This can be in your living room--made out of blankets, or in a tree with wood and braces. If actual construction is involved, you will need an adult's supervision--and depending on where you live, you might even need a building permit or approval from a Homeowner's Association. But think how much fun it will be!
5. Learn to play an instrument. Many music teachers are reaching out to homeschoolers on our Local Homeschooling pages, http://www.homeschool.com/supportgroups/. Piano, violin, guitar, voice and more! And yes--your voice is a beautiful instrument!
6. Have a Silly String fight, a water balloon fight or a pillow fight. Have some raucous fun! Get permission first.
7. Lie outside at night and watch the sky for shooting stars. Find out why shooting stars aren't really stars at all. http://starchild.gsfc.nasa.gov/docs/StarChild/questions/question12.html
8. Read The Little Prince. This is a phenomenal piece of literature with multiple layers, and it's a short read. Discover why it has been translated into more than 180 languages and why it has sold more than 80 million copies making it one of the best-selling books ever.
9. Decorate your bike... spruce it up... and ride with friends. http://www.artistshelpingchildren.org/howtodecoratebikebicyclescraftskids.html
10. Learn about musicals. Watch Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, West Side Story and Fiddler on the Roof. Note how modern music has incorporated musical lyrics from these productions. Discuss how these musicals would be different if made today.
11. With your parent's permission, redecorate and rearrange your bedroom. You can purchase Oops paint for as little as a dollar a gallon at your local paint/hardware store.
12. In conjunction with #11, make summer themed bandana pillows. http://www.makingfriends.com/gifts/bandana_tie_pillow.htm
13. Spend one afternoon of quality time with each individual in your family. Have a tea party with your little sister, play cards with you brother, and hang out with your Dad. Enjoy spending time with those that love you.
14. Go camping--even if it's in your backyard! If you happen to have a trampoline--trampolines make great sleeping surfaces.
15. Turn into an expert. Pick a topic you're interested in and research it online. Better yet, pick one subject per week. You'll be impressed with all you've learned by the end of the summer.
16. Make homemade ice cream.
17. Learn a new talent. What do you really wish you could do? Talk to your parents about it--they can help you achieve your goals.
18. Get up at dawn and appreciate the coolness and peaceful feeling of the early morning. Compare it to the sweltering afternoon.
19. With your family, float down a slow river on an inner tube. Or maybe, a not so slow river--tubing is a blast!
20. Play badminton. It's a fun game. Compare it to ping pong and tennis. Just because you're good at one doesn't mean you're good at the others. Why is that? http://www.badminton.org/badminton-rules.html
21. Learn about bats, why they are important and why they are beneficial. Did you know that a bat can eat as many as 1,200 mosquitoes in an hour? Try building a bat house. http://www.bats4kids.org/ http://www.batcon.org/
22. Have a piñata party. But first, make your own piñata, http://www.makepinatas.com/. Or for a wet twist, make a water piñata!
23. Interview your grandparents. They're interesting people! Find out what games they played when they were young, what their parents were like (your great-grandparents), what kind of clothes they wore, etc. If you can, record the interview. You'll be glad you did. http://genealogy.about.com/cs/oralhistory/a/interview.htm
24. Attend your sibling's game and REALLY root for him/her.
25. Bake a cake and then decorate it. There are a number of cake decorating shows on television--watch a few and then see what you can do. Have fun with it. http://www.wilton.com/decorating/decorating-basics
26. Learn about compound interest and start a savings acct. Check out What Happens When You Double a Penny Everyday for 30 Days.
27. Do something especially nice for Father's Day (June 17th). Show your Dad how much he means to you. Write him a letter expressing your love. It’s a gift he’ll keep forever.
28. Improve your vocabulary. Take the Word Dynamo Challenge. Then, every day, look up and learn 2 new words from the dictionary. At the end of the summer, take the Challenge again--and see how you’ve improved!
29. Learn how to do the butterfly stroke. It’s the most difficult stroke--you’ll certainly get a work out!
30. Roast marshmallows and make S'mores. If you can't roast the marshmallows over a fire, a broiler will do! http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Broiler-Smores/Detail.aspx
31. Decorate your flip flops. http://familyfun.go.com/crafts/fluffy-flip-flops-670303/
32. Watch live animal cams from your local zoo--or from any zoo! Here are some cam links from the National Zoo.
33. Spoil your pet for a day. Give your dog a bath, play ball with him, and take him for a walk. Likewise, cuddle your cat, pet your hamster, talk to your bird, etc. Spoil your pet several times over the summer. Turn it into a habit.
34. Lounge on a hammock. Better yet, make one first! http://www.ehow.com/how_2180458_improvise-a-hammock.html
35. Have a neighborhood outdoor game day. Revisit 4-square; Red Rover, Red Rover; Duck, Duck, Goose; and Mother May I.
36. Start a blog. For free templates, tutorials, and more, check out http://www.leeloublogs.blogspot.com/
37. Tour a college campus. There are pros and cons to touring during the summer months and you can read some of these at the following link,
http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/parents-forum/62655-college-tours-summer.html
38. Choose a day--or two--and perform random acts of kindness. See how others respond. It's very rewarding. Browse Kindness Ideas, and share your story as well.
http://www.randomactsofkindness.org/
39. Talk to your parents about what you'd like to learn next year in your homeschool program. Chances are your parents are looking at curriculum now--so now is the time to speak up!
40. Make FUN snacks with your siblings.
http://www.snackpicks.com/en_US/recipes/details/waffle-butterflies.html http://www.snackpicks.com/en_US/for-kids/healthy-kid-moose-snack.html http://www.snackpicks.com/en_US/for-kids/puppy-snack-slideshow.html
41. On a really hot day, go to the dollar movies and enjoy the air conditioning!
42. Learn about cotton candy. There's not nearly as much sugar in cotton candy as you might think. http://www.cottoncandy.net/
43. Make a work of art in your driveway using multi-color chalk. Get permission first. Did you know you can draw with wet chalk? http://www.wikihow.com/Create-Wet-Chalk-Drawings Or did you know that professional artists have done some amazing chalk art? http://www.rense.com/general67/street.htm
44. Learn how to take a good photograph. There’s more to it than pointing and clicking. http://www.betterphoto.com/photography-for-kids.aspp
45. Have an old fashioned weenie roast- and make your own mustard. There are over 100 recipes for mustard on the following link. http://www.melborponsti.com/inxmtd.html
46. Make a birdbath!
47. Learn jump rope tricks. Find jump rope videos on the internet to give you inspiration. It's AMAZING what people can do with a jump rope! http://www.buzzle.com/articles/jump-rope-tricks.html
48. Do some crazy fun science experiments (explosions, etc.), with your parent's permission of course. http://www.sciencekids.co.nz/experiments.html
49. Learn how to skip rocks. http://www.ehow.com/how_2622_skip-rocks.html
50. Blow bubbles with bubble gum--gigantic, wonderful, pink bubbles. Have blowing contests with your siblings. You can even learn how to blow one bubble within another!
http://www.ehow.com/how_2105861_blow-bubble-gum-bubble.html
http://www.ehow.com/how_2222361_blow-one-bubble-gum-bubble.html
51. Swing on a tire swing or a rope swing. Don't have one? That's an easy fix!
http://www.ehow.com/how_2085185_tire-swing.html
http://www.ehow.com/how_2105748_make-rope-swing.html
52. Make friendship bracelets for all of your friends--and your siblings too!
53. Jump on a trampoline. It can be a backyard trampoline or you can jump at a trampoline fun center. Trampoline fun centers seem to be a new craze and are popping up all over the country. Some can even be found on our site.
54. Run through the sprinklerss--this never gets old! Or participate in the fun celebration of Slip-n-Slide!
55. Make "custom" Kool-Aid by mixing flavors.
56. Make your own--or family beachbag/outing bag. Then fill with summer necessities--lip balm, bottled water, sun screen, a small first aid kit, etc. Parental assistance may be necessary.
57. Check out your local paper to discover any free-admission activities. Lots will be going on in your community and you don't want to miss a thing.
58. Slide down a hill on a piece of cardboard--but first, check out this link! http://wings.avkids.com/Curriculums/Forces_Motion/sliding_howto.html. Or, you can go ice blocking. With both, let your parents know what you’re doing.
59. Make a new friend. Reach out to someone who has just moved into your neighborhood or to someone that maybe doesn't have a lot of friends. They might end up being your best buddy.
60. Give your grandparents a big hug for no reason!
61. Make and fly a kite. There are 19 kite possibilities at
http://www.howtomakeandflykites.com
62. Learn the physics of skateboarding. http://www.exploratorium.edu/skateboarding
63. Go somewhere fun with the family. A family reunion perhaps?
64. Think about what you want to be when you grow up and find out what type of education is required. Go online and determine the demand for the field and the starting salary. Some adults do what they love regardless of the compensation, others go into a field because of the pay. http://www.careeronestop.org/
65. Learn all about physical fitness http://www.peertrainer.com/how_to/physical_fitness_resources_for_kids.aspx. So much information, just scroll down the page.
65. Have a Cannon Ball competition with your friends. Read this link and you just might win! http://www.popularmechanics.com/outdoors/sports/physics/physics-of-cannonball-splash
67. Engage in an old fashioned sack or wheel barrow race.
68. Volunteer!
69. Surprise your Mom (and Dad)--clean your room without being told to do so!
70. Learn the history of where you live. The library will be a good place to start.
71. Play hide and go seek--in the DARK! Turn off all the lights in the house... and play for hours. Warning--this can get a bit raucous. Parental permission required.
72. Try a food you've never tasted before. Go on... take a bite!
73. Find a mentor. Want to learn a specific skill or knowledge? See if someone in the community can be your mentor. This can be a family member, family friend, or someone you don't even know yet.
74. BE a mentor.
75. Learn how to do a roundoff.
76. Discover other cultures.
77. Turn up the music and DANCE!
78. Understand the science behind fireworks. http://www.howstuffworks.com/fireworks.htm
79. Learn to hula hoop and master some fun tricks! http://www.ehow.com/how_2239194_do-simple-hula-hoop-tricks.html
80. Visit an educational and fun farm. Several educational farms are reaching out to homeschoolers at http://www.homeschool.com/supportgroups/. Can’t make it to a farm? Visit a virtual farm.
81. Recycle bottles and donate the money to a local charity http://www1.networkforgood.org/for-donors/tips-and-tools/kids-guide.
82. Make up bubble solution--because we don’t know anyone who doesn’t enjoy bubbles! Learn the best conditions for optimal bubble making. http://www.bubblemania.com/faq/solution.html
83. Prevent brain drain with Time4Learning's online education program. Summer should be fun. With Time4Learning,it can be!
84. If you’re a girl, bring back the Topsy-Tail! You might have to ask your Mom what one is!
85. Make paper airplanes--there’s quite a variety!
86. Learn how to whistle with two fingers
87. Understand the physics behind roller coasters. They aren't as dangerous as they seem! http://www.learner.org/exhibits/parkphysics
88. Make up with someone. Go ahead, end the feud!
89. Learn the science behind rainbows.
90. Read Summer of My German Soldier, by Bette Greene and watch the video starring Kristi McNichol and Bruce Davidson.
91. Learn about frogs.
92. If you’re old enough and your parents approve, get a job. Real life experience is extremely educational!
93. Find out how hot air balloons work. Depending on where you live, you might be able to go on one or at least watch them take off. Did you know they make a bit of noise? http://www.howstuffworks.com/hot-air-balloon.htm
94. Learn to play Chess. There are a number of free sites on the Internet that will help you learn.
95. Go to the beach or the lake and build a sandcastle. Get your family and friends involved. http://www.ehow.com/how_7470_build-sand-castle.html
96. Plant a Fall vegetable garden--think pumpkins!
97. Make pink lemonade bars. http://www.kitchendaily.com/recipe/pink-lemonade-bars-83236
98. Do something... anything you choose... to make you a better you.
99. Barter your services. Want to ride a horse? Offer to clean out stalls in return for riding time. Want to take guitar lessons? Offer to mow the instructor's lawn in return for lessons. Get your parent's permission and then make sure you follow through on your end.
100. Read the book The Light in the Forest by Conrad Richter. If you can, watch the 1958 feature film adaptation produced by Walt Disney Productions and then compare the two.
101. Last but not least... get ready for school to resume. Summer is GREAT but so is the fall!
2. Buy several pairs of inexpensive sunglasses (think Dollar Store) and decorate them. http://www.bhg.com/crafts/kids/outdoor-projects/kids-summer-sunglasses/
3. Carve a watermelon! Parental assistance may be necessary. There are certainly some cute ideas here--your watermelon will be the topic of conversation at any picnic!
4. Build a fort. This can be in your living room--made out of blankets, or in a tree with wood and braces. If actual construction is involved, you will need an adult's supervision--and depending on where you live, you might even need a building permit or approval from a Homeowner's Association. But think how much fun it will be!
5. Learn to play an instrument. Many music teachers are reaching out to homeschoolers on our Local Homeschooling pages, http://www.homeschool.com/supportgroups/. Piano, violin, guitar, voice and more! And yes--your voice is a beautiful instrument!
6. Have a Silly String fight, a water balloon fight or a pillow fight. Have some raucous fun! Get permission first.
7. Lie outside at night and watch the sky for shooting stars. Find out why shooting stars aren't really stars at all. http://starchild.gsfc.nasa.gov/docs/StarChild/questions/question12.html
8. Read The Little Prince. This is a phenomenal piece of literature with multiple layers, and it's a short read. Discover why it has been translated into more than 180 languages and why it has sold more than 80 million copies making it one of the best-selling books ever.
9. Decorate your bike... spruce it up... and ride with friends. http://www.artistshelpingchildren.org/howtodecoratebikebicyclescraftskids.html
10. Learn about musicals. Watch Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, West Side Story and Fiddler on the Roof. Note how modern music has incorporated musical lyrics from these productions. Discuss how these musicals would be different if made today.
11. With your parent's permission, redecorate and rearrange your bedroom. You can purchase Oops paint for as little as a dollar a gallon at your local paint/hardware store.
12. In conjunction with #11, make summer themed bandana pillows. http://www.makingfriends.com/gifts/bandana_tie_pillow.htm
13. Spend one afternoon of quality time with each individual in your family. Have a tea party with your little sister, play cards with you brother, and hang out with your Dad. Enjoy spending time with those that love you.
14. Go camping--even if it's in your backyard! If you happen to have a trampoline--trampolines make great sleeping surfaces.
15. Turn into an expert. Pick a topic you're interested in and research it online. Better yet, pick one subject per week. You'll be impressed with all you've learned by the end of the summer.
16. Make homemade ice cream.
17. Learn a new talent. What do you really wish you could do? Talk to your parents about it--they can help you achieve your goals.
18. Get up at dawn and appreciate the coolness and peaceful feeling of the early morning. Compare it to the sweltering afternoon.
19. With your family, float down a slow river on an inner tube. Or maybe, a not so slow river--tubing is a blast!
20. Play badminton. It's a fun game. Compare it to ping pong and tennis. Just because you're good at one doesn't mean you're good at the others. Why is that? http://www.badminton.org/badminton-rules.html
21. Learn about bats, why they are important and why they are beneficial. Did you know that a bat can eat as many as 1,200 mosquitoes in an hour? Try building a bat house. http://www.bats4kids.org/ http://www.batcon.org/
22. Have a piñata party. But first, make your own piñata, http://www.makepinatas.com/. Or for a wet twist, make a water piñata!
23. Interview your grandparents. They're interesting people! Find out what games they played when they were young, what their parents were like (your great-grandparents), what kind of clothes they wore, etc. If you can, record the interview. You'll be glad you did. http://genealogy.about.com/cs/oralhistory/a/interview.htm
24. Attend your sibling's game and REALLY root for him/her.
25. Bake a cake and then decorate it. There are a number of cake decorating shows on television--watch a few and then see what you can do. Have fun with it. http://www.wilton.com/decorating/decorating-basics
26. Learn about compound interest and start a savings acct. Check out What Happens When You Double a Penny Everyday for 30 Days.
27. Do something especially nice for Father's Day (June 17th). Show your Dad how much he means to you. Write him a letter expressing your love. It’s a gift he’ll keep forever.
28. Improve your vocabulary. Take the Word Dynamo Challenge. Then, every day, look up and learn 2 new words from the dictionary. At the end of the summer, take the Challenge again--and see how you’ve improved!
29. Learn how to do the butterfly stroke. It’s the most difficult stroke--you’ll certainly get a work out!
30. Roast marshmallows and make S'mores. If you can't roast the marshmallows over a fire, a broiler will do! http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Broiler-Smores/Detail.aspx
31. Decorate your flip flops. http://familyfun.go.com/crafts/fluffy-flip-flops-670303/
32. Watch live animal cams from your local zoo--or from any zoo! Here are some cam links from the National Zoo.
33. Spoil your pet for a day. Give your dog a bath, play ball with him, and take him for a walk. Likewise, cuddle your cat, pet your hamster, talk to your bird, etc. Spoil your pet several times over the summer. Turn it into a habit.
34. Lounge on a hammock. Better yet, make one first! http://www.ehow.com/how_2180458_improvise-a-hammock.html
35. Have a neighborhood outdoor game day. Revisit 4-square; Red Rover, Red Rover; Duck, Duck, Goose; and Mother May I.
36. Start a blog. For free templates, tutorials, and more, check out http://www.leeloublogs.blogspot.com/
37. Tour a college campus. There are pros and cons to touring during the summer months and you can read some of these at the following link,
http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/parents-forum/62655-college-tours-summer.html
38. Choose a day--or two--and perform random acts of kindness. See how others respond. It's very rewarding. Browse Kindness Ideas, and share your story as well.
http://www.randomactsofkindness.org/
39. Talk to your parents about what you'd like to learn next year in your homeschool program. Chances are your parents are looking at curriculum now--so now is the time to speak up!
40. Make FUN snacks with your siblings.
http://www.snackpicks.com/en_US/recipes/details/waffle-butterflies.html http://www.snackpicks.com/en_US/for-kids/healthy-kid-moose-snack.html http://www.snackpicks.com/en_US/for-kids/puppy-snack-slideshow.html
41. On a really hot day, go to the dollar movies and enjoy the air conditioning!
42. Learn about cotton candy. There's not nearly as much sugar in cotton candy as you might think. http://www.cottoncandy.net/
43. Make a work of art in your driveway using multi-color chalk. Get permission first. Did you know you can draw with wet chalk? http://www.wikihow.com/Create-Wet-Chalk-Drawings Or did you know that professional artists have done some amazing chalk art? http://www.rense.com/general67/street.htm
44. Learn how to take a good photograph. There’s more to it than pointing and clicking. http://www.betterphoto.com/photography-for-kids.aspp
45. Have an old fashioned weenie roast- and make your own mustard. There are over 100 recipes for mustard on the following link. http://www.melborponsti.com/inxmtd.html
46. Make a birdbath!
47. Learn jump rope tricks. Find jump rope videos on the internet to give you inspiration. It's AMAZING what people can do with a jump rope! http://www.buzzle.com/articles/jump-rope-tricks.html
48. Do some crazy fun science experiments (explosions, etc.), with your parent's permission of course. http://www.sciencekids.co.nz/experiments.html
49. Learn how to skip rocks. http://www.ehow.com/how_2622_skip-rocks.html
50. Blow bubbles with bubble gum--gigantic, wonderful, pink bubbles. Have blowing contests with your siblings. You can even learn how to blow one bubble within another!
http://www.ehow.com/how_2105861_blow-bubble-gum-bubble.html
http://www.ehow.com/how_2222361_blow-one-bubble-gum-bubble.html
51. Swing on a tire swing or a rope swing. Don't have one? That's an easy fix!
http://www.ehow.com/how_2085185_tire-swing.html
http://www.ehow.com/how_2105748_make-rope-swing.html
52. Make friendship bracelets for all of your friends--and your siblings too!
53. Jump on a trampoline. It can be a backyard trampoline or you can jump at a trampoline fun center. Trampoline fun centers seem to be a new craze and are popping up all over the country. Some can even be found on our site.
54. Run through the sprinklerss--this never gets old! Or participate in the fun celebration of Slip-n-Slide!
55. Make "custom" Kool-Aid by mixing flavors.
56. Make your own--or family beachbag/outing bag. Then fill with summer necessities--lip balm, bottled water, sun screen, a small first aid kit, etc. Parental assistance may be necessary.
57. Check out your local paper to discover any free-admission activities. Lots will be going on in your community and you don't want to miss a thing.
58. Slide down a hill on a piece of cardboard--but first, check out this link! http://wings.avkids.com/Curriculums/Forces_Motion/sliding_howto.html. Or, you can go ice blocking. With both, let your parents know what you’re doing.
59. Make a new friend. Reach out to someone who has just moved into your neighborhood or to someone that maybe doesn't have a lot of friends. They might end up being your best buddy.
60. Give your grandparents a big hug for no reason!
61. Make and fly a kite. There are 19 kite possibilities at
http://www.howtomakeandflykites.com
62. Learn the physics of skateboarding. http://www.exploratorium.edu/skateboarding
63. Go somewhere fun with the family. A family reunion perhaps?
64. Think about what you want to be when you grow up and find out what type of education is required. Go online and determine the demand for the field and the starting salary. Some adults do what they love regardless of the compensation, others go into a field because of the pay. http://www.careeronestop.org/
65. Learn all about physical fitness http://www.peertrainer.com/how_to/physical_fitness_resources_for_kids.aspx. So much information, just scroll down the page.
65. Have a Cannon Ball competition with your friends. Read this link and you just might win! http://www.popularmechanics.com/outdoors/sports/physics/physics-of-cannonball-splash
67. Engage in an old fashioned sack or wheel barrow race.
68. Volunteer!
69. Surprise your Mom (and Dad)--clean your room without being told to do so!
70. Learn the history of where you live. The library will be a good place to start.
71. Play hide and go seek--in the DARK! Turn off all the lights in the house... and play for hours. Warning--this can get a bit raucous. Parental permission required.
72. Try a food you've never tasted before. Go on... take a bite!
73. Find a mentor. Want to learn a specific skill or knowledge? See if someone in the community can be your mentor. This can be a family member, family friend, or someone you don't even know yet.
74. BE a mentor.
75. Learn how to do a roundoff.
76. Discover other cultures.
77. Turn up the music and DANCE!
78. Understand the science behind fireworks. http://www.howstuffworks.com/fireworks.htm
79. Learn to hula hoop and master some fun tricks! http://www.ehow.com/how_2239194_do-simple-hula-hoop-tricks.html
80. Visit an educational and fun farm. Several educational farms are reaching out to homeschoolers at http://www.homeschool.com/supportgroups/. Can’t make it to a farm? Visit a virtual farm.
81. Recycle bottles and donate the money to a local charity http://www1.networkforgood.org/for-donors/tips-and-tools/kids-guide.
82. Make up bubble solution--because we don’t know anyone who doesn’t enjoy bubbles! Learn the best conditions for optimal bubble making. http://www.bubblemania.com/faq/solution.html
83. Prevent brain drain with Time4Learning's online education program. Summer should be fun. With Time4Learning,it can be!
84. If you’re a girl, bring back the Topsy-Tail! You might have to ask your Mom what one is!
85. Make paper airplanes--there’s quite a variety!
86. Learn how to whistle with two fingers
87. Understand the physics behind roller coasters. They aren't as dangerous as they seem! http://www.learner.org/exhibits/parkphysics
88. Make up with someone. Go ahead, end the feud!
89. Learn the science behind rainbows.
90. Read Summer of My German Soldier, by Bette Greene and watch the video starring Kristi McNichol and Bruce Davidson.
91. Learn about frogs.
92. If you’re old enough and your parents approve, get a job. Real life experience is extremely educational!
93. Find out how hot air balloons work. Depending on where you live, you might be able to go on one or at least watch them take off. Did you know they make a bit of noise? http://www.howstuffworks.com/hot-air-balloon.htm
94. Learn to play Chess. There are a number of free sites on the Internet that will help you learn.
95. Go to the beach or the lake and build a sandcastle. Get your family and friends involved. http://www.ehow.com/how_7470_build-sand-castle.html
96. Plant a Fall vegetable garden--think pumpkins!
97. Make pink lemonade bars. http://www.kitchendaily.com/recipe/pink-lemonade-bars-83236
98. Do something... anything you choose... to make you a better you.
99. Barter your services. Want to ride a horse? Offer to clean out stalls in return for riding time. Want to take guitar lessons? Offer to mow the instructor's lawn in return for lessons. Get your parent's permission and then make sure you follow through on your end.
100. Read the book The Light in the Forest by Conrad Richter. If you can, watch the 1958 feature film adaptation produced by Walt Disney Productions and then compare the two.
101. Last but not least... get ready for school to resume. Summer is GREAT but so is the fall!
Sunflower Forts
What You Will Need:
- 4x6 foot garden patch
- Shovel
- Short Stakes
- String
- Tall-Growing Sunflower Seeds (such as Giant Greystripe or Russian Mammoth)
- Cheesecloth (optional)
What You Do:
- Late in spring, when the weather is warm, mark a 4x6 foot rectangle in the garden.
- Loosen the soil by digging into the ground around the edges a foot deep. The soil should be loose and crumbly.
- Push a stake in the ground at each corner. Mark the "doorway" with stakes (it is best to make the doorway on the 4-foot end of the rectangle).
- To help you plant seeds in straight lines, tie a string to the doorway stake and run the string around the stakes surrounding your fort.
- Plant seeds an inch deep and 6 inches apart. (Poke a hole in the dirt with your finger, put a seed in, and cover it up). Plant the seeds all around the edges of your fort — but not the doorway.
- Water the seeds.
- Cover the seeds with a layer of cheesecloth to protect them from animals. Leave the cloth loose so the plants can grow; weigh down the edges with dirt to keep the cloth from blowing away. Water the sunflower plants several times each week — morning is the best time to water.
- When the plants are several inches tall, remove the cheesecloth. Thin out the plants; sunflowers get huge and need the room. Keep the plants watered — sunflowers need plenty of moisture. Be sure to occasionally pick out any weeds between the sunflowers; weeds will steal water and nutrients from the sunflowers.
- When the sunflowers are approximately 6 feet tall, loosely tie the tops of the plants from one side of the fort to the tops of the plants from the other side of the fort (continue doing this down the length of your fort) — this will form a roof over your fort. Don't tie them too tight, or you will damage the sunflower stems!
Now you have a nice shady retreat to play in this Summer!
Additional Ideas and Tips:
- Try making a Sunflower Fort in different shapes! For example, lay out a large circle in your garden, then create a maze-like path into the center of the circle. Children can walk through the Sunflower Maze to reach their play space in the center of the circle. A-maze-ing!
- For added color, plant Morning Glories (or other fast-growing vines) near the Sunflowers. The Morning Glories will use the Sunflowers to climb on, and your Sunflower Fort will have another beautiful color.
- Plant a variety of Sunflowers that grow to different heights — the tallest Sunflowers will create the walls and roof of your playfort, and the shorter Sunflowers will help fill in the walls.
- Line the inside of your playfort with shredded wood chips to provide a comfortable floor and to help prevent weeds from growing.