Saturday, June 1, 2013

Things to Do With Kids in Cecil County This Summer

Wow! After that long, chilly spring, the summer is shaping up to be a real scorcher, isn't it? I have been looking for fun things to do with kids in Cecil County over the break and thought I'd share them with you all.

First, it may not be free, but it is a really great deal and all of our guys absolutely adore it. Yup. The Boys and Girls Club of Cecil County has a fun and entertaining program that is really budget friendly - only $50 a week! I love that parents who are worried about school age children being home alone during the summer have an affordable solution. We've done the Rising Sun chapter for several summers and have always been happy with the way the program was run. The North East and Elkton units also offer the Summer Fun Club. There are a few field trips, but from what the kids say, it is mostly like we grownups remember summer - sweaty, silly outside fun and board games and movies when it is too hot out.

If you aren't in need of a whole day, week long program, then you'll want to check out the free programs at the Cecil County Public Library. This year's theme is Dig Into Reading and there are a number of great science related programs perfect for families that homeschool year round. Some of the ones we are looking forward to are MD ZOOmobile: Fear: Friend or Foe, Mike Rose's Magic You Will Dig and Who's Your Mummy. For younger children, We Kids Rock with Bill Currier, Movers and Groovers and On My Own are some programs that look like fun. Oh, and don't forget to sign up for summer reading. There are some chances to win great prizes!

Want to cool off? Kilby Creamery has some of the best ice cream around. If you are new to the area, you'll want to check out this kid friendly business. There are animals to pet, a really nice little playground and some occasional pottery classes. (And if you are thinking of throwing a birthday party, we really loved our party there a few years ago.)

Regal Cinema has the Summer Movie Express program again this year. They aren't in Cecil County, but People's Plaza and Bel Air are both pretty easy to get to. Admission is only $1. The movies aren't super new and you might even own them on DVD, but it is nice to sit somewhere air conditioned on a super hot day and see a family friendly movie on the big screen.

Plumpton Park Zoo is a special place that has really been through some amazing changes the past few years. The new owners are always doing something new and wonderful for the animals. Kids love that the zoo is smaller and cozier than the big state zoos. They feel like the animals are their friends and will go back to visit them over and over. Especially the donkeys and lions. And Jimmy the Giraffe!

 Many of the area churches have wonderful Vacation Bible School programs that are free to the community. I don't know if everyone realizes that they don't have to attend most churches to do Bible School. I know there are great programs at Pleasant View Baptist Church and West Nottingham Presbyterian Church. I noticed a lot of other churches holding VBS last summer, too. If you don't have a home church or your home church doesn't offer programs, just give one of the ones near you a call. The kids got to do crafts, play fun games and learn songs for a recital at the end of the week.

Also, keep an eye out for family friendly church events. Restore Church has a lot going on, as do many of the other area churches.

Love music? Then you'll want to check out the free concerts through the Cecil County Arts Council in North East and Chesapeake City.

Don't forget our local museums! You can visit the Paw Paw Museum, the Upper Bay Museum and the Bainbridge Naval Museum. Admission to museums is free and you can learn so much about local history.


The Charlestown wharf s a great place to take children who want to learn to fish. It is a permit free location, so your only expense is a pole, hook and bait if you don't already have fishing gear.

Did I miss an idea for summer activities for kids in Cecil County? Please let me know. I love being able to let parents who are new to the area know about our great resources!

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