Summer Vacation Ideas for Kids

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amanda-lawrence
by Amanda Lawrence

Summer is here Moms and Dads! And if you’re like me that means flip-flops, sunscreen and the age-old question: how am I going to pry that xbox controller away from my kid for the next two months?! While most children spend their last few weeks of school anxiously awaiting summer vacation, the novelty of free time quickly wears off, leaving them bored and you clueless. But don’t fret, folks, I’ve scoured the city of New Bedford looking for fun and exciting ways for kids to alleviate those mind-numbing days. By utilizing all of the city’s fantastic resources, you and your children can find plenty of ways to keep busy AND happy during summer vacation.

And since my son and I absolutely love the library, it was our first stop in an attempt to curb the adverse effects of summer boredom. 

Summer reading programs

Every library has them, and they’re usually accompanied by special events, craft projects, and exciting presentations. You’ll need a library card to participate, so if you and/or your child haven’t signed up for one already, now is the time! Remember parents, today a reader, tomorrow a leader. Get to it!

Recreation programs 

The City of New Bedford has really outdone themselves this year as far as summer programs go. They’ve completely revamped their Play in the Park and Summer Food Program, which kicks off tomorrow at 11am on June 28th at Riverside Park. And there is so much going on all over the city it’s almost outrageous! Some events are free, others require a fee to participate; pre-registration is required either way. Your youngsters can try their hand at everything from community rowing to piano lessons! There’s also crafting and sports clinics and yoga… oh, my! Seriously, I am so impressed by the vast array of activities available that I could go on and on, but I won’t. I will, however, urge you to take a second and download their brochure for yourself. You won’t be sorry!

If that isn’t enough for you, New Bedford’s Boys & Girls Club is hosting its summer fun program for children ages 7-13 beginning on July 2nd and running until August 31st. For more information and a list of specific activities available, check out their site, or contact them at 508-992.8011.

In early July, Greater New Bedford Regional Vocational Technical High School will be hosting an art camp for area students entering 3rd through 7th grade, as well as a computer camp for students entering 4th through 8th grade. Pricing and additional information can be found right here!

Starting July 9th, Bluebird Studios, located inside the Hendricks Insurance Building at 375 Rockdale Ave is hosting a Creative Craft-tacular Summer Extravaganza for children ages 4-10. For children ages 0-4, Bluebird studios is offering Art in Motion. For more information contact Benares Angeley at decemberbluebird@gmail.com  or by phone at 508-951-5737.

Kids Rule is the theme July 12’s AHA! Night, and it just so happens to be my favorite AHA of them all. So grab the family and join me downtown for a magical night filled with art, music, and laughter!

And don’t forget about The Toe Jam Puppet Band! Those wacky guys can be found hanging out at the Buttonwood Park Zoo every Monday at 10:30 and 12:30! $5 per family plus the price of zoo admission!

Day Camps

The YMCA offers week-long day camps at various locations in New Bedford, Dartmouth, Mattapoisett, Fall River, and Wareham. Each camp location offers different activities, so to find out more about the camp that interests your family, I suggest heading right on over to their website!

Camp Cathedral in East Freetown also offers a day camp filled with awesome activities such as swimming instruction, boating, archery, field sports, athletics, arts and crafts, and so much more!

In addition to all of the wonderful activities offered within the city of New Bedford, its surrounding areas are also packed with fulfilled ways to spend the day. My son and I just love gallivanting around New England looking for adventures! So, check back with us soon for more fun and exciting summer fun ideas!

About Michael Silvia

Served 20 years in the United States Air Force. Owner of New Bedford Guide.

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