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Sights set on summer
Listed below are some of the kids summer programs offered at SCLD Valley branches. For a complete list, go to www.scld. org/summerreading.
By Tammy Kimberley
CURRENT STAFF WRITER
School is out, the sun is up and summer is officially in swing! The Valley area offers many ways for kids to beat the heat and enjoy the long days of the season. If you want ideas to avoid becoming a couch potato, read on.
BUILD IT: LEGOS Argonne, July 1, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Otis Orchards, July 3, 2 to 6 p.m.
BE ACTIVE.
BUILD IT: STRAWS, BLOCKS, PLANKS, AND MORE Spokane Valley, July 1, 2 to 8 p.m.
Whether you enjoy swimming or hiking, playing soccer or volleyball, the goal is to get outdoors and get moving! Grab some family members and run, skate or walk along the Centennial Trail. Participate in the YMCA Hoops 3-on-3 basketball tournament at the Spokane Valley Mall (July 19-20), the Spokane Valley Cycle Celebration at Mirabeau Meadows Park (July 27), the YMCA kids triathlon (Aug. 10) or the Millwood Daze 5K race and activities (Aug. 23). Check out the various sports camps and group lessons offered by the city of Spokane Valley, HUB Sports Center and Valley YMCA.
READ A BOOK. Kids are invited to unleash their inner scientist during the “Fizz, Boom, Read!” summer reading program offered by the Spokane County Library District. A wide variety of events — including experiments, shows and hands-on activities — will be on tap at SCLD branches (see sidebar). The libraries will also have books available for checkout that go along with the topics covered.
GO ON AN OUTDOOR ADVENTURE. Explore what the area has to offer, whether it’s the wildflowers at Dishman Hills Natural Area or the springs and meadows at Mirabeau Point Park. Liberty Lake Regional Park also offers miles of hiking trails with the chance to see beavers in action or play in the waterfalls. If you don’t mind doing a little work while you’re outdoors, head out
FIZZ, BOOM, READ MAGIC SHOW Argonne, July 8, 10 a.m. Spokane Valley, July 8, 2 and 7 p.m. Otis Orchards, July 10, 2:30 p.m. MOBIUS SCIENCE SPECTACULAR Argonne, July 15, 10 a.m. Spokane Valley, July 15, 2 and 7 p.m. Otis Orchards, July 17, 2:30 p.m. CURRENT FILE PHOTO
Kids play in the splash pads at Liberty Lake's Pavillion Park. There are a variety of parks throughout the Valley area with water features that can help kids cool down on hot summer days. to Carver Farms in Newman Lake to pick strawberries, sweet corn or a variety of other fruits and vegetables. The reward for your labor will be some tasty treats!
features. For those who prefer a more natural water setting, ask an adult to go play in one of the area lakes or the Spokane River.
PLAY IN THE WATER.
There’s no better end to a summer day than to snuggle under a blanket with family and catch an outdoor flick. The Spokane Valley Parks and Rec Department is putting on two free Friday summer outdoor movies in Mirabeau Meadows Park. A showing of “Despicable Me 2” will be offered at 8:50 p.m. July 25, while “Frozen” will be shown at 8:10 p.m. Aug. 22. The Friends of Pavillion Park also hosts a summer movie series in Liberty Lake parks; go to www.pavillionpark.org for a complete listing.
When the temperature is rising and you need to cool off, Discovery Playground, Greenacres Park and Milwood City Park all provide free water fun with splash pads. The city of Spokane Valley has three outdoor pools — Park Road, Terrace View and Valley Mission — that are open throughout the summer and only charge $1 to get in. SplashDown Family Waterpark is also a local favorite featuring waterslides and play
WATCH A LATE-NIGHT MOVIE.
DISCOVERING DINOSAURS Argonne, July 22, 10 a.m. Spokane Valley, July 22, 2 and 7 p.m. Otis Orchards, July 24, 2:30pm BREAKING THE SOUND BARRIER Argonne, July 29, 10 a.m. Spokane Valley, July 29, 2 and 7 p.m. Otis Orchards, July 31, 2:30 p.m. SPOKANE TAIKO DRUMMERS Argonne, Aug. 5, 10 a.m. Spokane Valley, Aug. 5, 2 and 7 p.m. Otis Orchards, Aug. 7, 2:30 p.m. FRANKENTOYS Argonne, July 21, 3 to 7 p.m. Spokane Valley, July 30, 3 to 7 p.m. Otis Orchards, Aug. 6, 3 to 7 p.m.