Schools Out! Now Let’s Have Fun

School is Out!

NEWS FEATURE

By Michele E. Buttelman

Signal Staff Writer

It seems like only yesterday that children were at home taking classes on a computer at the kitchen table and the traditional school year was but a memory. However, with the advent of the COVID-19 vaccine and an easing of the pandemic, kids were able to return to in-person classroom instruction and the “traditional” school year was once again the “norm.”

Which is all the more reason to celebrate the end of the school year in the Santa Clarita Valley.

Summer vacation means family trips, backyard barbecues, pool parties, campouts, swimming lessons and youth sports leagues.

Don’t forget to find time for other family fun activities close to home, including:

Every Body Explores

Placerita Canyon Nature Center

19152 Placerita Canyon Road, Newhall 91321 Info www.placerita.org; (661) 259-7721

Every Body Explores is a free program that encourages participants of all ages to explore the natural world around you. It’s a great family activity suitable for all ages. You check out a naturalist field backpack that is used to complete self-guided activities, make observations and explore the park. Tuesdays-Fridays 2:50-5:30 p.m., Saturdays 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Stargazing

The Local Group Astronomy Club

Info www.lgscv.org.

The Local Group Astronomy Club holds monthly stargazing gatherings in Lockwood Valley in Frazier Park. Far away from the light pollution of the Santa Clarita Valley, it’s fun to search for the constellations, the North Star and other celestial marvels.

Bring your own telescope or binoculars or join a group sharing their equipment. The night sky changes with the seasons, so be sure to familiarize yourself with what to expect from a Southern California summer sky. There are several good apps (Star Walk 2, Star Chart or SkyView) and books (“The Backyard Astronomer’s Guide” by Terence Dickinson & Alan Dyerthat) that can help you get up to speed.

You can ask questions from members of the club Senior (55+) $8 includes skate rental. A limited supply of skate aids are available to rent for $5 for kids under 54 inches, first come first served.

The Local Group Astronomy Club arrives early to set up telescopes for night viewing at Chuchupate in Lockwood Valley. PHOTO COURTESY THE LOCAL GROUP.

and others on site as many participants enjoy sharing information and knowledge.

Many of the club members bring their scopes up to this relatively dark location because it is not too far out of town for a full night of observing and astrophotography. Many other southern California clubs typically join in as well.

Always be considerate and arrive before sundown and park with your lights facing away from the telescopes. Red flashlights only, please. Upcoming Events June 25 7:30 p.m. Ends at midnight. July 23 7:30 p.m. Ends at midnight. Lockwood Valley Observing Site (Chuchupate), 34580 Lockwood Valley Road, Frazier Park 93225 Location Travel up the road (NF-8N04) past the ranger station. There is a paved parking lot a short distance up the road on the right.

Family Skating Party at The Cube

The Cube, 27745 Smyth Drive, Valencia 91355 Info www.thecubesantaclarita. com

What better way to start off summer fun than with a “cool” ice skating party for the entire family?

Lace up your rental skates and glide around the ice. After skating stop by The Grille at the Cube for a snack. Public skating hours Monday through Friday 9-11 a.m., 1:30-4:30 p.m., and Friday 7:30-9:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday 1:30-4:30 p.m. and 7:30-9:30 p.m. Admission and skate rental $16. Admission only: $11. Weekday morning admission and skate rental $13 Weekday morning admission $8

Farmer’s Markets

Visit the Farmers Markets in Valencia, Newhall and Canyon Country and teach children how to pick the best produce.

It’s an educational activity as well. Farmers markets are fun to walk around and see all the different beautiful colors of the produce while teaching your children about each type of produce and why it is good to eat.

Because of the many different fruits and vegetables at the farmers markets, it allows children to try and experience different kinds of food.

Let your child choose a new fruit or vegetable to experience. Even picky eaters may find new food options given the freedom and excitement of choosing a fresh fruit or vegetable for themselves.

Farmers markets also can offer everything from fresh local honey, to nuts, bread and artisan cheeses. Santa Clarita Certified Farmers Market 26455 Rockwell Canyon Road at College of the Canyons Valencia 91355 Hours Sundays 8:30 a.m.-noon

Old Town Newhall Farmers Market

24500 Main St., Newhall 91321 Hours Saturdays 8:30 a.m.-1 p.m.

Canyon Country Farmers Market

18410 Sierra Highway, Canyon Country 91351 Hours Wednesdays 4 p.m.- 8 p.m. 