By: Kylie Cooper Photo by: Rachel Benavides
It’s official: School is out for summer! However, after months of keeping the kids home from school and finding ways to keep everyone entertained, you might be at a loss when it comes to creating summer fun. No need to scratch your head; we’ve got a few ideas for you. From summer camps and water slides to sand sculpting lessons and gardening 101, there is no shortage of ways for kids of all ages to stay active and engaged this summer.
Summer Camps & Education
Let your kids explore, create, learn, and get active this summer through one of our area’s fantastic museums and city programs! Places like the Corpus Christi Museum of Science and History, Art Museum of South Texas, USS Lexington, Texas State Aquarium, Bay Education Center, and the City of Corpus Christi Parks and Rec Department are all open this season. Visit each of their websites for more information and reserve your child’s spot for available camps and programs.
Water Park Fun
When it comes to the Coastal Bend’s scorching hot summers, there’s no better way to keep the kids entertained than a day at the pool. Our suggestion would be cooling off at Hurricane Alley Waterpark or Aransas Pass Aquatic Center. Hurricane Alley is the Coastal Bend’s only full-blown waterpark, and there are fun water activities for all ages. The Aquatic Center is a smaller option but has multiple pools, slides, and a splash pad.
Learn a New Skill
Just because school is no longer in session doesn’t mean the kids can’t learn something new. How about taking up a new skill? Particularly something on the beach … it is summer, after all. Take a sand sculpting class from the sandman himself, Chip Cooper, who began creating sand masterpieces 30 years ago and is here to share his craft with others. If you’re looking for a skill that’s a little more active, try surfing lessons – Texas Surf Camps and Padre Island Surf Camp are both great options and offer lessons for kids across varying ages and skill levels.
Lean Into Creativity With Performing Arts
Places, everyone! If the kids are looking to lean into their creative side this summer, getting involved with the local performing arts scene is the way to go. Community theatre options like Harbor Playhouse, Rialto Theater, and Aurora Arts Theatre are all offering summer camps or workshops this month. Dance classes are also a great way to tap into the artistic side of things and get active at the same time; try Corpus Christi Dance Collective or Munro Ballet Studios as two great options for summer classes.
Get Outdoors
Spending time in the great outdoors immersed in nature is never a bad idea … especially when it involves fun activities! The South Texas Botanical Gardens offer summer classes featuring exciting animal interactions and nature activities. Getting into gardening is another fun way to spend time outdoors this summer, and Keepers of the Garden hosts educational, hands-on seasonal workshops to help kids get in the dirt and develop sustainable skills.
