Start Gearing Up For Summer…
…I don’t want to frighten you, sister, but we’re weeks–nay, days away from the dreaded summer vacation. You know, where the children wake up at 4:30am on the first day, and shriek–”what are we doing today?” Or is that just at my house?
But I digress.
Anyway, here’s some things to plan ahead:
Borders and Barnes & Noble both are offering summer reading programs this year. At Border’s, your little people get a free-bee book after reading 10. At Barnes & Noble, kids get a free-bee tome after going through 8. The twins and I are starting on “Percy Jackson and the Olympians” this summer!
We’ve talked before about the Cinemark Summer Movie Clubhouse, but the AMC chain is also offering discounted summer flicks. Tickets run between 50 cents and $1.00 per show.
Nearly every Saturday sees fun and free-bee craft projects at all kinds of places. My personal favorite for quality and good instruction is the Lowe’s Build and Grow Workshops. This Saturday’s (5.22.10) workshop is the wooden catapult seen above. Workshops start at 10am and you’re asked to register online to make sure materials are ready for you. At The Home Depot, the next project at the Kid’s Workshop is a wooden soccer tabletop game on Saturday, 6.5.10 at 9am. Both home stores have summer schedules set up for the kids already.
Craft stores and education supply shops are always good resoucres for free-bee fun. Lakeshore Learning holds a free-bee workshop every Saturday from 11-3p. This weekend is “Tear Art Tambourines.” The website is an excellent resource for free summer craft activities, too! Over at Michael’s, join The Knack For Kid’s group for free or nearly free activities every month–next Saturday (5.29.10) it’s a Father’s Day card-making workshop. Plus, you’ll pick up a 40% off coupon by joining The Knack.
Every city’s public library system has incredible opportunities for free-bee reading programs, parties, arts and crafts–even homework help to keep kids sharp during the summer break. For locals, take a look at the upcoming schedule at your local branch here.

[...] twins Zachie and MacLean liked my free summer activity guide, but thought there wasn’t enough “physical stuff” included. So, here’s a [...]
[...] twins Zachie and MacLean liked my free summer activity guide, but thought there wasn’t enough “physical stuff” included. So, here’s a great [...]