Summer activities for your kids - KAIT-Jonesboro, AR-News, weather, sports

By Keith Boles - bio | email feedback

JONESBORO, AR (KAIT) --For most kids in Region 8 the final school bell has rung.

Now faced with almost 3 months of no school what are they going to do to keep busy?

The good news is you don't have to grow a crop of couch potatoes this summer.

There are plenty of things to do to keep your kids occupied. 

When my son was younger we sent him to daycamp at the YMCA. This program for 5 - 12 year olds is registering now.

And don't forget swim lessons both at the Y and the Earl Bell Center. Never too young or too old.

Jeff Owens is the Interim Director for the Jonesboro Park and Recreation Department. We stood in the hot sun by the empty pool at the Earl Bell Community Center. Owens said this would probably be one of the last quiet times here for several months.

"We have swim lessons that are being offered several different sessions pretty much throughout the entire summer for all ages and all levels."

The city also offers a Junior Lifeguard program and the City Stars summer basketball program.

Owens, "The games are played on Monday and Thursday evenings and practices take place on Tuesday, Friday and Saturdays. "

You can still sign up but there is a 5 dollar late fee. The program itself is free and will end the first week in August.

Of course if being outside is what you like to do go to a park.

Owens, "We have 20 parks in the city of Jonesboro. Surprisingly many people don't know that. There are plenty of playgrounds and plenty of open spaces for people to just go out and enjoy the summer."

Although the programs are held at Earl Bell, Allen Park and Parker Park recreation centers, some are taught privately.

And offer fee based programs that range from Mommie and Me class to Taekwando to fencing, children's sign language classes. There's a wide variety of things that are offered through the Parks and Rec department.

Of course it's going to get hot here and you can't spend the entire summer outside. And the local libraries have lots of programs for your kids throughout the summer. And what's better than sitting in a really cool building and reading about your favorite subject.

 Kay Taylor is the Youth Services Director for the Jonesboro library she is really excited about this summer. And also lots of storytimes, even for babies.

"0 to 2 year olds. 2 and 3 yr old storytimes, we have 4 and 5 year old storytimes. We have school age storytimes and tween programs for the 4th thru 6th graders."

Reading programs for points and prizes. Programs and book discussions up to senior high and outside programs with a variety of entertainment.

Taylor, "Puppeteers, we have magicians, singers and song writers and we have a very special program the next to the last one in July, 2 scuba divers from California."

They will be talking about stalking the great white shark.

City Youth Ministries has a summer program as does the Paragould Community Center.

Lots of activities to keep your kids off the couch and keep them busy.

The YMCA doesn't have a website but they do have a phone number, 870-932-8482

Have a great and busy summer vacation. 

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