By Katie Doolittle
The freedom of summer can be both a joy and a curse. This year, I’m trying out a strategy I saw on Pinterest: imposing a little structure on this lengthy vacation by giving each weekday a theme. In doing so, I hope to avoid that depressing moment in August when I look up from my laundry pile and wonder where the summer went.
Instead, I plan on intentionally enjoying my kids and community… and doing so without spending a ton. Perhaps, if I’m lucky, I’ll go long stretches without hearing those dreaded words: “Mom, I’m bored!”
Here’s a weekly plan for boredom-busting that shouldn’t break your wallet.
Make Something Monday
Summer is a great time to encourage creative exploration. I’m pumped for a particular project: taking my daughter to Painted Plate in downtown Olympia. Budding artists simply pay for the piece of bisque pottery they wish to decorate; then they get to work with as much (or as little) help from staff as they’d like. Five days later, you can pick up your finished product. Pieces can be purchased for as little as $6. Painted Plate’s excellent website contains details on frequent painter discounts and special parent-child deals.
Splash-Tastic Tuesday
Kiddie pools, squirt gun fights, slip ‘n slides, or sprinkler antics: there’s plenty of opportunity for water fun in your own back yard. But should you wish to venture further for wet and wild adventures, consider the following:
- Long Lake Park on Carpenter Road in Lacey is popular with locals of all ages. Lifeguards oversee the designated swimming areas, and the on-site restroom is a definite plus. Admission and parking are both free.
- Lacey Parks and Recreation offers open swim opportunities at both Timberline and River Ridge pools. It costs $4 per child or adult, and children 3 and under swim for free. Check the city website for an up-to-date list of open swim times.
- The Heritage Park Fountain in downtown Olympia is a circular formation of water jets. You’ll hear plenty of giggling and happy shrieking as kids of all ages splash and wade through this free local attraction. Be sure to check fountain operation hours, as it closes regularly to maintain safe bromine levels in the water and is always off on Wednesdays.
Workout Wednesday
Physical activity isn’t just good for our bodily health. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, “It fosters psychological well-being, can increase self-esteem and capacity for learning, and can help children and adolescents handle stress.” Here are some local family-friendly exercise options:
Take a walk, jog, or bike ride down the Chehalis Western Trail, owned and operated by Thurston County. The website lists amenities available at each of the four major trailhead facilities. It also provides a map of the 22-mile trail. Looking for something a little less ambitious? This past ThurstonTalk article recommends hikes friendly to both kids and dogs.- Visit the trails or big toys available at our many local parks in Lacey, Olympia, and Tumwater.
- Need some indoor aerobic activity? Off of South Bay Road, Skateland offers insanely affordable family fun. Depending on the time you go, costs range between $1 and $6.50 per person. Alternatively, Alley Oop Gymnastics Center in Tumwater offers several open gym options. Prices and times differ according to a child’s age.
Thinking Thursday
Combat summer learning loss with a weekly trip to the library. In addition to their usual programming for children and teens, the Timberland Regional Library system sponsors an annual summer reading initiative. As part of that initiative, they give out coupons to local businesses like Orca Books or Bonjour Cupcakes. Of course, free access to books is a reward in and of itself–I can think of few pleasures greater than sitting outside on a gorgeous day, reading a picture book with my daughter.
The library also teams up annually with Lacey Parks and Recreation to present Lacey in Tune, a free program of music, movies, and children’s entertainment. Lacey in Tune events occur on Tuesdays, Wednesday, and Saturdays in Huntamer Park. Check the second page of the 2014 quarterly brochure for a detailed breakdown of this summer’s entertainment options.
Field Trip Friday
As you treat your family to trips around town, make sure to include East Bay Public Plaza on your itinerary. You’ll certainly appreciate the fresh landscaping, public art, and plentiful seating. Parents can relax under canvas umbrellas while kids cool off in the water feature, a man-made stream complete with bronze fish and simulated springs bubbling up from the concrete. Water in the feature comes from the nearby LOTT water treatment facility.
Adjacent to the plaza, the Hands on Children’s Museum offers endless entertainment opportunities for children through age 10. It tends to be less crowded during summer, provided that the weather is sunny. General admission is $10.95 and children must be accompanied by an adult. I’ve discovered that a year-long membership quickly pays for itself. If the cost is too steep, however, take advantage of the free Friday evening admission on the first Friday night of every month. The website contains more information on additional discounts.
Thrifty Thurston highlights inexpensive family fun in Thurston County. The weekly series focuses on family-friendly activities throughout our community. If you have a suggestion for a post, send us a note at submit@thurstontalk.com. For more events and to learn what’s happening in Olympia and the surrounding area, click here.
