6 Community-Based Summer Activities

After a few weeks of summertime relaxation from their Catholic school in Orlando, many children become less enthusiastic about endless days of nothing to do. The City of Orlando has many activities aimed at engaging school-aged children during the summer months to keep them learning as they play. Below are only a few of opportunities the Diocese of Orlando has found to keep your children engrossed before school resumes.

1. The Cobb Plaza Cinema Café 12 offers a free Kids’ Summer Movie Escape Tuesday-Thursday at 10:00. A different family-friendly movie is aired every week. Take a break from the midday heat and relax while watching a great movie!
2. The Orange County Library System has opportunities galore throughout the summer for children of all ages. Summer reading programs for elementary-aged children, teens, and adults with the theme “Build a Better World” introduce new books and activities weekly through June and July. The libraries will also feature a tech-friendly program for elementary, middle, and high school students. Melrose Camp is a hands-on technology camp for ages six through 17 that explores digital arts, STEM-related ideas, woodworking, media production, and more. WhizKids (ages 6-12) and TechKrew (teens) offer technology classes once a week. Check your local library to see when classes are offered.
3. Vacation Bible School is a fantastic method for children to maintain their spiritual journey with others their own age. If your child is too old for VBS, have them consider volunteering instead. Spending time with others and sharing Jesus’ message will benefit both the volunteers and the participants.
4. The City of Orlando has an abundance of recreation summer camps around the city. Register in your closest Neighborhood Center for any week during the nine-week summer season. Children from ages five through 12 are eligible, and camp is 7:30-5:30 daily. Specific classes for academics, pottery, skateboarding, and other activities are available as well.
5. Afternoons are much cooler with a dip in one of the City of Orlando’s 11 pools. Offering free admission every afternoon, your family can relax in a pool without worrying about cleaning the filter afterward. Pool times vary; check your local community pool for times.
6. Learn about the history of Orlando with a free guided tour. Download the walking tour brochure, and take in a Historic District Walking Tour to visit the city’s cultural centers of yore.

With so many family-friendly activities at either reduced costs or free, your children will be able to fill their days with entertaining, knowledge-filled events. Contact the Diocese of Orlando at 407-246-4903 for times and locations of Vacation Bible School for your Catholic school in Orlando student. Our blog page lists other Orlando functions that your child may appreciate as well.