Your kids are officially on or will soon be on summer break. As you chart out the expensive overnight sleepaway camps, fun day camps, and family vacations; this is a reminder that you don't have to do it all.
In fact, it's okay for your kids to be "bored." My grandfather used to say that "being bored is a state of mind." IE- there's stuff for you to do if you get creative at home, in your backyards, or even have kids help with home projects.
Yes, we have pools, splash pads, and sprinklers too.
I'm lucky that we have so much outdoor stuff to do- riverwalks, beaches (even with parking fees), parks, and nature trails in my area.
Yet.. people still complain about being bored.
If you are starting to go insane from the kids bickering, complaints, and just need out of the house; here are some of my favorites:
Summer Movies
- Summer Movie Camp at AMC Theatres: 6/22- 8/12
- Mondays & Wednesdays at 11 AM & 2 PM
- $3.00 + tax Tickets and $6.99 snack packs. (Tip- buy at the box office to avoid online convenience fees)
- Summer Movie Express at Regal Theatres: 6/01- 8/13
- Mondays- Thursdays at 11 AM
- $1.00 + tax & booking fee, $3.00 off snack packs which includes a junior-sized drink, popcorn, and fruit gummies, and / or a cup of refreshingly cold Dippin’ Dots ice cream.
Educational Programs
Examples:
- Nature's Backpacks that can be checked out for FREE! Here, backpacks contain everything to learn about birds, mammals, insects, nature journaling and ponds.
- Nature After Dark hikes that end with campfire & smores
Check out your local museums! Most will offer specific children's programming throughout the summer; or at least have tangible ways for your child to interact with the exhibits. Our local children's museum offers daily educator led classes for kiddos that's included with regular admission!
Near a state park? Check out the trails and junior ranger programs! Of course, be careful if you are in a hot & humid area.
Planetariums & Museums
Some favorites to check out are:
Our Cape Fear Museum is currently closed as they transition into a new building downtown, but I can't wait until it opens (projected in August) as they will have new exhibits, a planetarium, and even cooler interactive science areas!
Vacation & Ocean Adventures
Turtle Talks: See if your local turtle conservancy program has educational events. While it's not Turtle Talk with Crush (although hilarious, if you haven't seen video clips), turtle talk programs, like the Pleasure Island programs, help educate the general public on turtle conservancy and safety. They are held for FREE weekly in the summer at both Carolina Beach & Kure Beach!
Visit Local Parks
You may think you have visited all your parks and kids are bored with them. Perhaps so; but maybe there's a new one within driving distance that you haven't checked out yet! We have a few new ones here in Wilmy that I even want to adventure too!
If you are headed to Wilmington this summer; be sure to check out Airlie Gardens (minimal cost), the Arboreteum (free) and Hanover Pines Nature Park.
Some Other Ideas
These other ideas are going to have more costs to them, but will certainly get your kiddos out of the house to move & learn!
- KidsYoga- Our local YogaSix studio is offering kids yoga (and I'm sure there are others). I bet there's a studio near you too! The cost here is $18 per drop in or a 8-pass family share pack for $120.
- Cooking & Baking Classes- look for a local cooking club and see what culinary adventures are being offered this summer! Our Cape Fear Food & Wine Club also offers classes throughout the year!
- Scavenger Hunt- this one might be more work on your part, but create a scavenger hunt for your family! We used to do this with our youth group. Each clue led to a specific location in town, we had to complete a task in order to get the next clue for the future location. This would be a fabulous way to do a day trip, or explore around your town! It could be a walking adventure too!
What are your favorite ways to spend your summer days?
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