Before you know it, the school year will be coming to a close and with the longer days, are you prepared with summer activities to fill your child’s time? With activities, camps and classes offered all over Lincoln, which do you choose? With every child’s unique interests it’s a good thing Lincoln provides a variety of options for summer activities.
Make this summer not only memorable but impactful by taking advantage of the many different camps and classes that local businesses are proud to offer to their communities.
Bright Lights
With school out, some children say goodbye to their friends until the start of a new school year. However, summer can actually be a great time to get out and make new friends! Bright Lights Summer Learning Adventures (brightlights.org) offers 5 weeks of fun, week-long half-day and full-day summer camps where K-8th grade students can not only meet new friends but engage with peers and build confidence all while learning!
Every child has different interests and often jumps from one idea to another. Bright Lights offers great opportunities for learning and fun for K-8th graders on a wide variety of topics. Bright Lights camps encourage hands-on learning and discovery, including in the areas of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and mathematics), keeping minds sharp in the summer while having fun! Students learn to interact with peers in a new setting, make new friends and work as part of a team. These social interactions are vital for developing communication skills, empathy and the ability to collaborate with others, which are all essential skills for their future success.
Trying new activities and overcoming challenges can significantly boost a child’s confidence and creativity. Summer activities encourage outside the box thinking and imagination, teaching students that they can achieve their goals through hard work, innovation and perseverance.
Bright Lights summer camps are also a great way to keep children off social media and encourage them to try new things. Camps are a low commitment opportunity for young minds to try a new skill or investigate an unfamiliar topic. If a passion develops, that student now has a new hobby! Bright Lights camps offer a wide variety of camp topics, with something of interest for almost every student. Campers are impacted through the activities and/or design-based learning used in most of the camps. This dynamic approach has students actively explore real-world problems and challenges them to use skills such as communication, collaboration and problem-solving that will help foster deeper learning and understanding of their chosen area of interest. The STEAM-infused, hands-on content engages students on many levels and allows for exploration in a fun and safe environment.
Sun Valley Lanes
No child wants to be cooped up, inside all summer! Kids learn best through play and hands on experiences especially, during the warm months of summer, where the days can be long. Bowling, cornhole, Lucky Putt and laser tag at Sun Valley Lanes & Games (sunvalleylanes.com) boosts coordination, teamwork and confidence, keeping kids active and building important life skills.
Engaging, energetic alternatives work wonders to keep children off of their screens, all while keeping them happy and active. Long lazy days can lead to inactivity, so regular and fun exercise keep kids energized and ready for back-to-school success. They will be having so much fun there won’t be time for scrolling. Try their free cornhole game or their high-tech laser tag that will keep kids moving, laughing and having fun.
Summer schedules are more open and flexible, allowing parents and their kids to enjoy fun activities together. Sun Valley Lanes & Games is a perfect summer outing for the whole family, keeping kids moving even indoors when the summer sun is a little too hot. Their indoor attractions, such as bowling, Lucky Putt, Laser Tag and the arcade offer safe air-conditioned fun! Kids will make new friends as they enjoy all the fun that Sun Valley Lanes & Games has to offer. When you need a break for all the fun Sun Valley Lanes & Games offers great food and refreshing drinks to keep you fueled and ready to explore all of their attractions.
Shop Sustainable with Play It Again Sports
Has your child outgrown their old baseball mitt? Has your child switched interests from volleyball to basketball? What do you do with all the gear that is left behind, especially when it’s still in good condition? Fear not, Play It Again Sports (playitagainsports.com) is here to be your sustainable source for purchasing and selling used sport equipment.
As the sports industry continues to grow so does the need for sustainability in sports. That is where Play It Again Sports comes in. For over 40 years, Play It Again Sports has worked to limit the impact that sports equipment has on the environment. They have worked with local communities to put used sports equipment into the hands of athletes instead of into landfills.
Providing children with opportunities and encouragement to try as many sports as possible helps them find their niche socially, competitively and athletically. Allowing children to pursue these interests gives them the confidence to take their health into their own hands. Investing in their health is the most important investment you’ll make in their lifetime. Play It Again Sports is here to help you set them up for success at a young age, keeping them active for longer.
Used gear can still be good gear and Play It Again Sports is constantly stocking up with quality used sporting goods. No appointment necessary, bring in your used gear and Play It Again Sports will make it fast and easy to sell your used sports equipment. With more money in your pocket to either spend on their wide selection of quality used gear or enjoy a fun summer activity with your family, Play It Again Sports will give your gear a second life instead of putting it in the landfill.
World of Knowledge
Set your child up for success! World of Knowledge (worldofknowledgene.com) has proudly served their Lincoln community for over 15 years with exceptional early education. Trust in a school enrolled in the Nebraska Step Up to Quality program. With a #2 rating you can rest assured that World of Knowledge has a true commitment to quality preschool education, so you know your child will get the best start.
Director, Dawn Robinson has a bachelor’s and master’s degree in education and takes a hands-on role in your child’s success. Teachers receive the expert guidance they need to tailor learning experiences specific to your child. World of Knowledge strives to see your child excel.
Each child has unique strengths, challenges and distinct learning styles. In a supportive learning environment your child will enjoy a learning program tailored to their strengths and interests. The personalized plan is crafted from regular assessments by teachers and parents for lasting results. Not only will this lay a solid academic foundation, but they will also develop the social, emotional and behavioral skills they will need for school.
Run with Lincoln Running Co
Lincoln Running Co. (lincrunningcompany.com) offers a variety of activities for kids, particularly during the summer months, helping them stay active and engaged. The club promotes a community-oriented approach to fitness. Programs such as youth running camps or training groups are ideal for children looking to develop their athletic abilities, improve fitness and enjoy the outdoors.
They foster a welcoming environment encouraging kids to stay fit, have fun and build lasting friendships. Whether they’re new to running or experienced athletes, children can participate in a range of activities that enhance their physical health and mental well-being.
For families looking to get involved, Lincoln Running Company’s gear offers everything from shoes to recovery accessories, making it easier for young runners to have the right equipment for their activities. These summer programs are more than just about running; they teach life skills , discipline and perseverance.
Summer time is for fun and activity. Kids like to keep moving so mixing fun with education is the best way to keep their attention. Local businesses providing summer activities for kids provides not only a fun and educational environment but also a valuable resource for families looking to keep their children engaged during the warm months.
Whether your worry is child care, family activities or sustainable sports, local businesses are here to help. These businesses help foster community connections, support local economies, and offer a wide variety of programs that contribute to the growth and vitality of their local community. The opportunities for memorable summer fun are endless, creating lasting memories and giving kids the chance to explore, learn and grow.