Keep Your Kids Busy in Marblehead This Summer

School’s been out five hours and already the kids are complaining about being bored: “There’s nothing to do!” With an entire summer of free time – and therefore, life-threatening monotony - stretching out before them, how is a parent to survive?

Patch to the rescue! We’ve collected a list of some local summer activity tips to help your families fight the summer doldrums.

Marblehead Little Theatre has a full slate of performances scheduled this summer, from Spamalot to Shakespeare to live comedy improve (though the latter is for mature audiences only). Tickets range from about $15 to $30. MLT also offers children’s theatre workshops later in the summer.

Marblehead Recreation and Parks’ Summer Playground Program is for children entering kindergarten through seventh grade in the fall. Sign up for one week, starting June 27, for $100, or save on all seven weeks, through Aug. 16, for $600. Kids will play sports, hike nature trails, and enjoy science and nature activities, arts and crafts, field trips and leisure time.

Check out the Marblehead Farmers’ Market, now open every Saturday through Nov. 23, from 9 a.m. to noon, at Marblehead Veterans Middle School. Find locally grown fresh produce, enjoy homemade baked goods, and sample different craft vendors every week.

Plan your own field trip to the Marblehead Historical Commission and Maritime Museum to learn all about our community, and Marblehead’s “unique and illustrious naval history.” Discover famous local patriots and heroes, learn about the naval ships named after the town: The USS Constitution and Marblehead. The Maritime Room and gift shop is open Monday through Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Hit the beach! Surf’s up this summer at Devereux, Preston, Gas House or Riverhead beaches. Lather on some sunscreen, pack a picnic lunch and get out there and enjoy our beautiful local seaside.

Tour the Marblehead Lighthouse and explore the surrounding park. Volunteers offer tours of the keeper’s house museum from noon to 3:45 p.m., Monday through Friday during the summer. There is a $2 charge for ages 6 and up to climb the tower, free for children under 6.

Take part in one of the many events and activities planned during the Marblehead Festival of the Arts, beginning June 30 with event kickoff, through July 7. See the Sand Sculpture Competition, check out the art exhibits and film festivals, engage in workshops, and enjoy the Street Festival on Washington Street, from Lee Mansion to Old Town House.