Hello.
I have a 11 year daughter & a 14 year old son and I am looking for some inexpensive events for them to do this coming summer. The camps I researched are too expensive for my husband and I. We don't want the kids to stay home with the babysitter all day so we are looking for some free or inexpensive summer clinics or activities for them to do during the day. We are open to anything from sports to academic ideas! Any suggestions? We live in Forest Hills, NY. Thanks you ahead of time for any suggestions.
Thank you ladies for the wonderful suggestions! Keep them coming :)
check the local libraries - I am not familiar with your area, but perhaps you can start at www.nypl.org. from what I see they have loads of fun stuff, and it doesn't hurt to have them read a few books over the summer
I find most of my activities from "NY Time Out Magazine" They also have a issue for children. Many of the libraries carry copies too.
Good luck!
hi
i am assuming you are in queens. i don't know how many of the activities they mention will be accessible to you, but check out time out kids (either the actual magazine of the website) they have a bunch of events going on throughout the summer. it's not going to fill every day, but there are some good ones in there! good luck.
Hi!
Two things off the bat -
first - look up on Clearview Cinema/Theater's website - they offer FREE movies every Thursday morning - you will have to check out which location is closes to you in Forest Hills.
Second - Bowling is also free - 2 games per day per child = I think it is AMF Centers - I know the one in Jackson Heights - 34th Avenue Bowl - participates. This is an INCREDIBLE deal - plus, if you wish to set it up that the rest of the family can go - it is just like $24.00 for the whole summer (from May through September) and that gives you each 2 bowling games each day - 7 days a week. I signed my family up in two locations - one in Long Island and one near my Mom - in Jackson Heights.
The other thing that we do out here is check with the local library - there are tons of FREE or minimal charge offerings for the different age groups. In addition to that,they also offer FREE passes to the local museums.
If you would like, you can contact me and give me your e-mail address and I will keep you posted on anything else that I find out about. I always share this type of information with a bunch of Moms out here (New Hyde Park) and I love planning group outings.
By the way, my girls are 7 and 9.
Have a great summer!
Celia
p.s. - also check with the schools and/or the YMCA - to see what kind of mini-camps (less expensive) they offer.
Hi V.,
These are all free events that take place every year at parks around NYC. Explore the website. You can also sign your kids up for free classes, such as swimming, tennis, golf, etc. The arts for the kids is my favorite. We've seen marionette puppet shows, dance shows, etc. --all for free. Good luck, and have a great summer!
http://www.cityparksfoundation.org/index.aspx?LOBID=730
In fact, many camps take the kids to these very places. Also google free summer movies for kids. Participating movie theatres show kids' movies for free on certain days of the week, usually in the morning. Make sure you get there early, as you'll find many camp kids there as well.
