Ideas to Keep Kids Learning and Moving During Summer Break

School is out soon which leaves parents with that age old question: What to do with the kids?

Last year, we published some ideas to get you started. You can revisit them here:

How to Entertain Your Kids for the Summer on a Shoestring Budget

Entertaining Your Kids for the Summer on a Budget (Part 2)

As kids get older, it seems to get harder to keep them engaged. Without a little extra prodding and planning they might turn into couch potatoes or electronics zombies. Luckily, if you live in New England there are plenty of options to get them out of the house! These outings can easily turn into fun day-trips for the entire family.

Arts

Currier Museum, Manchester, NH

Institute of Contemporary Art, Boston (ICA)

Museum of Fine Art (MFA, Boston)

Lowell Summer Music Series, Lowell, MA

Mill No. 5, Lowell, MA

Kimball Jenkins Estate Summer Arts Camp, Concord, NH

Concerts in the Park (check your local listings)

Educational

SEE Science Center, Manchester, NH

Seacoast Science Center, Odiorne Point State Park

Boston Museum of Science, Boston, MA

Aviation Museum of NH, Manchester, NH

McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center, Concord, NH

Summer Reading Programs: Most libraries offer a summer reading challenge complete with games and prizes. Check at your local library to sign up.

Outdoors

HikeSafe

Appalacian Mountain Club

TrailLink

Massabesic Audubon Center, Auburn, NH

Zoar Outdoor Adventure Resort

Greater Merrimack Valley Adventures, Massachusetts

Mel’s Funway Park, Litchfield, NH

Kimball Farm (multiple locations)

Benson’s Park, Hudson, NH

Mill City Grows Gardner Training Program, Lowell, MA

Marginal Way, Ogunquit, ME

National Park Service, New England Parks

Animal Adventures

Stone Zoo, Stoneham, MA

Franklin Park Zoo, Boston, MA

Charmingfare Farm, Candia, NH

New England Aquarium, Boston, MA

York’s Wild Kingdom, York Beach, ME

The Butterfly Place, Westford, MA

Wildlife Encounters, Rochester, NH