Many adults remember the euphoria of getting out of school for the summer as a kid. As parents, though, having children home all day for months may be a less than euphoric experience.
Even in neighborhoods where children know each other and can do the traditional “go outside and play” routine, parents still might need a break.
“I know some of the (Shoreline) neighborhoods are pretty close-knit and the kids play, but there’s still that need to have some organized things going on during the summer months,” said Lynn Cheeney, recreation superintendent for the city of Shoreline.
Cheeney has been getting a lot of calls from parents asking about activities, and requests for before and after-care for children attending day camps.
“We’ve had one of our highest turnouts this year for the program,” she said. “Parents are looking for something their children can do.”
Luckily, they don’t have to look far. Shoreline offers many activities for children and teens through the summer.
• The Shoreline Pool is at 19030 First Ave. NE and offers swim teams and lessons, as well as swim camps. There’s also family swims and pool party rentals. Call 206-362-1307 or send an e-mail to pks@ci.shoreline.wa.us.
• The city of Shoreline offers classes, camps and other activities for children and teens.
For teens, there’s activities like Climbing Club, Girlz Group, Odyssey Summer Camp and several day trips that explore the Puget Sound area. For children, there are classes like “art and swim”, babysitter training, ballet, gymnastics and more. There’s also Camp Shoreline, which offers morning or afternoon care in addition to the camp.
For toddlers, there’s classes like creative dance, hands-on art, soccer and more.
• Teens age 12 to 19 can play hoops, eat, play pool and see movies for free at the CENTER, open Fridays and Saturdays from 7-11 p.m. at the former site of the Room Nine Community School, 2800 NE. 200th St.
• Also for teens is the REC, open Monday through Saturday 1:30-7 p.m. at the Richmond Highlands Recreation Center. Activities, including drop-in socializing, movies and pool tournaments, are free.
• Mondays and Thursdays, teens can come to the Spartan Recreation Center at 18560 First Ave. NE. to play ping-pong, arcade basketball, make crafts and listen to music. There’s a tournament with prizes every Monday.
• The Shoreline Library and Richmond Beach library offer free children’s and teens’ programming, as well as story times for toddlers. At the Shoreline Library July 19, there’s a “Thinking Outside the Box” program for all ages that lets kids learn to solve puzzles. Richmond Beach will host a Harry Potter event July 20 and 21.
There are also prizes for kids who complete a summer reading program. Teens who read three books get a third book for free and are eligible for gift cards and a free laptop. Younger children count the number of minutes they read and win a free pizza coupon. They also are eligible to win a laptop.
The Shoreline Library is at 345 NE. 175th St. Call 206-362-7550. The Richmond Beach library is at 19601 21st Ave. NW. Call 206-546-3522. See http://www.kcls.org/ for more activities.
• The Shoreline Children’s Center offers a Summer Program for children aged 2 and-a-half to 12 years old with certification of immunization and completion of toilet training. There’s weekly field trips, outdoor playtime, reading options and computer time. Students also can choose fee-based enrichment classes like swimming, gymnastics, Mad Science, and tie-dye T-Shirts. Call 206-361-4256.
• Shoreline Community College offers summer programs for youth, including reading development, volleyball baseball/softball and other sports offerings.
To register for a sports class or camp, call 206-546-4746.
The reading development programs are generally four weeks long, meeting once a week for one to two hours. Call 1-800-978-3532 to register.
For information, see www.shoreline.edu/ce.
• King’s Schools offer SummerBreak Day Camp for ages 5 to 12, weekdays 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., with extended care available. There will be a daily chapel in addition to cruises, beach trips and putt-putt golf. Call 206-546-7595. The school is at 19531 Dayton Ave. N. in Shoreline. The camp, which has been in operation for more than 15 years, is offered by CRISTA, a Christian organization.
• The Shoreline/South County YMCA offers summer camps for children, including Cooking Camp, Martial Arts and Snorkeling and Diving. See http://www.seattleymca.org or stop by the YMCA at 1220 NE. 175th St.
• Free Low-Tide Beach Walks led by beach naturalists take place at Richmond Beach Saltwater Park at 2021 NW. 190th Street. See the city’s recreation guide for details.
• The city offers a lunchtime music series from noon to 1 p.m. Tuesdays through Aug. 14 at various parks. The next concert is July 17 at Hamlin Park: Naby Camara and Lagni Sussu – African Rhythms and Songs.
It also offers a Concerts in the Park Series through Aug. 22. The next performance is at 7 p.m. July 18 at Cromwell Park: Children of the Revolution Quartet. Contact the city for details and other concerts.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
