School's Out for the Summer! - By Sarah Barnett

Ahhh, Summer time is upon us! Gone are the stresses of making sure the kids get to the bus stop on time, homework completed, hair brushed, and clothes matching. The school year is definitely stressful for the kids, but as a parent, I, also, find it pretty stressful.  Between all the rushing around in the morning to get out the door, and the rushing around in the evening to get homework done, dinner cooked and kids to bed at a decent time, we rarely get a minute to really enjoy each other’s company and have FUN together as a family.  But now that summer is here, so are the backyard BBQ’s, sleepovers, family movie nights and trips to the pool.  In my house, money is always tight. If your family is anything like my family, you are probably looking for fun, INEXPENSIVE things to do as a family. 

We don’t have a lot of extra money sitting around to spend on expensive vacations or trips to amusement parks.  Heck, I don’t even want to spend the gas money to go anywhere very far.  My summer “family vacations” are really “family staycations.”  This doesn’t seem to bum my kids out too much though, they are homebodies and always have a good time as long as we are doing something together that is SPECIAL.  Working for the Department of Parks and Recreation, I always know when the inexpensive, fun, family events are.  Heck, sometimes, I am even the one planning them.  The following is a list of some of these events.  My family and I will definitely be attending most of them, so if you see me with 3 little rambunctious blonde girls running around, say Hello!

Saturday, June 23^rd.  5pm-7:30pm  Luau Family Fun Night at Signal Bay Water Park.  Crafts, games and luau music.  $20 for a family of 5, or $5/person

Friday, June 29^th at 8pm.  Summer Movie Night at Signal Hill Park featuring Happy Feet Two.  FREE!  Bring a blanket and lawn chairs and enjoy a movie under the stars!

Wednesday July 4^th at 5pm.  Fourth of July Celebration at Signal Hill Park.  FREE! Bring your lawn chair and blanket and enjoy an evening celebrating with friends. Evening will be capped off by Fireworks at dark!

Saturday, July 21^st. 5pm-7:30pm: Christmas in July Family Fun Night at Signal Bay Water Park.  Crafts, Christmas Music and Pictures with Santa. $20 for a family of 5, or $5/person.

Saturday, Aug 4^th, 5pm-7:30pm: OLYMPICS Family Fun Night at Signal Bay Water Park.  Crafts, Competitions and lots of Fun! $20 for a family of 5, or $5/person.

Saturday Aug 25, 5pm-7:30pm: Pirate Night Family Fun Night at Signal Bay Water Park.  Pirate themed crafts, games and lots of fun!  $20 for a family of 5, or $5/person.

I hope to see you around and hope you enjoy your Summer!

*Sarah Barnett is the Aquatics Supervisor for the Department of Parks and Recreation. She can be reached at 703.335.8872 x 4672 or via email at s.barnett@manassasparkva.gov