Battling Summer "Boredom"

The Fourth of July has come and gone, and the kids are saying “I’m bored, aren’t we going to DO something? Summer's half over!” 

Being a parent of teenagers on summer vacation is a little trickier than when they were younger. When our kids were little, we signed them up for the Ledyard Parks and Rec summer playground, maybe a week-long sports camp and the library programs—all were very affordable (the library was-and still is-free!) and we kept them busy during the day.  We spent a little money on swimming lessons, or went to Esker Beach in Groton (no fee).  We filled up the backyard inflatable pool and turned on the sprinkler, and life was easy. 

Now?  I have a daughter who is too young to work a “real” job, but too old for the camp programs.  She also can’t drive, so anytime she wants to go to the mall or see a movie with friends, guess who’s on chauffeur duty!  My son, on the other hand, wants to live in his pajamas, and spend the day playing video games online.  So…since I am still not “made of money” (as my dad loved to tell us as kids), and can't afford to travel or get a beach house, I have been on the hunt for low or no cost things to do in the area that keep my kids busy and create summer memories. 

Here are a few things to try this week:

Tues, July 17

9:00-12:00         Pick Your Own Blueberries at Holmberg Orchard, Gales Ferry

9:30 a.m.             Dreamtime Kids Storytime at Gales Ferry Library-FREE

Wed., July 18

12:00-2:00            Lunch and a Movie @ Bill Library-FREE

                             Arthur and The Invisibles

4:00-5:00            Kid’s Cook-Dream Desserts -FREE

                          Geared for grades 4-6 at Ledyard Senior Center—sign up at Bill Library

4:00-7:00            Ledyard Farmer’s Market

                           Great local, fresh produce and folk music

Thur., July 19

9:00-12:00        Pick Your Own Blueberries at Holmberg Orchard, Gales Ferry

6:00-8:00p.m.   Soundwaves Summer Concert Series @ Esker Point Beach, Groton-FREE

                          Band: Sugar

Fri., July 20

2:00 p.m.            “Twilight” Movie Marathon @ Bill Library –FREE Teen Program

5-11:00p.m.         Diva Fridays at Mohegan Sun

                           Book signing to benefit the Women’s Center of SE Connecticut               

6:30 p.m.             Concerts in the Park, Washington Park, Groton-FREE

                           Band: 9 Teen

Sat, July 21

9:00-12:00           Pick Your Own Blueberries at Holmberg Orchard, Gales Ferry

11:00-4:00            Fish Tales, Tugs and Sails-FREE

                            New London Waterfront Park, New London                       

                            http://­www.­fishta­lestugsandsails.­com

Check Ledyard Patch, Montville Patch and The Day events calendars for these and other fun things to do—directions are there along with more details about each activity.

So...No more "I'm bored", time to have some affordable mid-summer fun!