Go Ask Mom

Summer Break Guide: Line up some socially distanced summer activities for your kids

Most pools, museums and other destinations may be closed, but that doesn't mean it's impossible to have fun this summer.

Posted Updated
Boy, summer
By
Sarah Lindenfeld Hall
, Go Ask Mom editor

I usually launch Go Ask Mom's annual Summer Break Guide in early June, just before school gets out. But ... well, you know what happened. A pandemic shut down our schools and canceled life as we knew it way back in March.

We're all trying to navigate what this new normal looks like. And while some spots are reopening — and encouraging people to come out. Others, including many of the region's public pools, museums and destinations, remain closed to curb the transmission of the coronavirus.

But that doesn't mean it's impossible to have fun this summer. It's just a different kind of fun. And as I share opportunities to get out and about, I hope you'll do what I do: Wear a mask. Keep a physical distance of at least six feet from others. And look for opportunities to explore away from crowds.

Public Pools

Most public pools are closed, but some are open for the summer, including Wake Forest's Holding Park Aquatic Center starting July 1; most of Raleigh's pools starting July 6; and the Knightdale Community Pool. More information is in our public pools database.

Summer Reading

Local libraries are closed, but you now can check out physical books from local libraries. Some also are offering virtual summer reading programs with incentives, prizes and activities.

Day Camps

While many summer day camps and overnight camps are closed this year, we have a list of more than 50 camps across the Triangle that are open and accepting children. These are especially critical for essential workers and parents who have no other option but to return to their workplace.

Family Hikes

There are lots of family-friendly trails open across the region. And don't forget the six nature preserves that are part of the Triangle Land Conservancy too. NC State parks sites also are open, including some boat ramps and most camping facilities.

Virtual Activities

It's not the same as actually going somewhere and doing something, but lots of organizations have virtual activities almost daily on their various websites and social media pages.

Wild Destinations

The N.C. Zoo and four other spots are open for limited visitors. We share the details in this post on five places to see animals of all kinds right now.

NC's Best

Pick some blueberries at local blueberry farms (North Carolina's season runs through early July) and head out to local farmers' markets for some fresh produce and other goods.

Drive-In Movie

Most of the state's drive-in theaters are a bit of a road trip from the Triangle. But if you're headed to the mountains — or up for an hour-long drive just north of Raleigh — there are options.

Ropes Courses, Mini Golf and Go-Karts

Raleigh has two ropes courses. TreeRunners Adventure Park opened in the spring. Go Ape will open July 4. And Adventure Landing, with mini golf, go-karts and batting cages, opened on June 26.

Day Trip

Many destinations have remained closed, but the Greensboro Science Center, Battleship North Carolina in Wilmington and Biltmore in Asheville are open.

Helping Out

Activate Good has rounded up several kid-friendly volunteer activities, including making courage cards for hospitalized kids, making a pie tin butterfly feeder and creating cards of encouragement for local seniors.

Kitchen Science

Our kitchen science page has lots of fun and educational activities that will provide kids with a way to pass the day — and the opportunity to learn a little something.

Summer Fun

If there ever was a summer for it, this is the summer for s'mores making, backyard camping, long bike rides, backyard games, puzzles, board games and arts and crafts. Oh ... you've been doing that since March and you never want to see another puzzle piece in your life? Then consider using this summer to teach your kids the things they should know to be an adult some day — from how to help set the table to how to clean the dishes, mop the floor and change the oil in the car. WebMD has a list of age-appropriate chores.

Hugs

This summer is hard. I know. It's hard to see our kids missing out on those camps and experiences they look forward to all year. It's hard to see them missing friends and classmates. And it's worrisome to think about what the future might hold. That's why this summer, at my house, we're doing what we can to stay sane, happy and healthy. We're getting out to enjoy nature. We're staying active by biking, walking, running and playing outside. We're giving our kids chores and expectations, but letting them decide how and when they complete them. As a parent, I'm picking my battles too. I'm no longer so worried about screentime if it means I'm a less frazzled mom later on.

In other words, we're finding ways to work together and be happy as a family — whether it's family movie nights, baking way too many treats and finding time for extra hugs and snuggles. I know that my family is very lucky. We can work from home, my kids are older and can entertain themselves and we have everything that we need and more.

In whatever situation you find yourself in, I wish you the very best summer possible, full of at least a little joy, laughter and hugs.

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