School days are calling, with students returning to classes locally Aug. 3.
Yet, you need not view the annual summer fade as a bummer. You can live like there’s no tomorrow — or at least like there’s no school tomorrow, because a little time is still on your side.
Toward that end, we’ve rounded up some playful suggestions into early August.
So maybe your kids are done with tree climbing, rock collecting or goodness knows what. Never fear. You and yours still can have a day or two in the sun.
[sc:text-divider text-divider-title=”Story continues below gallery” ]
And if clouds gather like fireflies around the front porch light? Well, Ron Adams of YES Cinema suggests family flicks.
“Rainy days help our attendance,” Adams said.
Free possibilities
FREE FUN DAYS at Donner Center. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Scheduled: Carnival Time, 4 to 7 p.m. Friday. Information: columbusparksandrec.com and 812-376-2680.
KIDS NIGHT OUT, 6 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Petersville United Methodist Church, 2781 N. County Road 500E. For ages 4 to 12. Three-year-olds welcome but must be accompanied by a parent. Registration will begin at 5:50 p.m. Information: Kathy Bush, 812-376-3501, or Chris Kimerling, 812-375-0898.
FAMILY MOVIE NIGHT: “STRANGE MAGIC,” 6 p.m. Wednesday, Bartholomew County Public Library Red Room, 536 Fifth St. A 3D computer-animated musical fantasy comedy film produced by Lucasfilm. Rated PG. Information: 812-379-1266 and mybcpl.org.
FAMILY BINGO AND MAKE-YOUR-OWN-SUNDAE NIGHT, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, Donner Center. Limited to the first 30 families, maximum of five per family. Prizes awarded to bingo winners. Registration required, including number of people attending: columbusparksandrec.com and 812-376-2680.
FOUNDATION FOR YOUTH BOYS & GIRLS CLUB, 405 Hope Ave. Various walk-in activities. The Boys & Girls Club is open to children ages 5 to 18. Information: 812-372-7867.
ARTIST SPOTLIGHT ON THE PLAZA SERIES with the music group Space Traitors, 4 to 6 p.m. July 30, Bartholomew County Public Library Plaza, 536 Fifth St. in Columbus.
HENRY MOORE’S BIRTHDAY PARTY, 4 p.m. July 30, Bartholomew County Public Library, 536 Fifth St. Bring a picnic, listen to music by Born Mountaineer, participate in a drawing activity sponsored by Columbus Area Arts Council and learn about Henry Moore, creator of the library’s Large Arch sculpture. Information: 812-379-1266 and mybcpl.org.
Modest fee
DONNER AQUATIC CENTER, 739 22nd St., Columbus. Open 1 to 6 p.m. weekdays; noon to 6 p.m. weekends. Last day (other than for the annual dog swim): Aug. 13. Admission: Younger than 3, free; age 3 to 5, $2; ages 6 to 17, $3.50; 18 and older, $4; season pass, $40, ages 3 and older. Free sessions: 5 to 6 p.m. daily. Information: 812-376-2683
KIDSCOMMONS, 309 Washington St. Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, 1 to 5 p.m. Sundays. Special activities in July: Messy Mondays, sensory activity learning and fun, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday. Weekly activities free with paid museum admission include Little Explorers at 11 a.m. Tuesdays and 1:30 p.m. Fridays; Art Time, 3:30 p.m. Wednesdays; Wacky Science, 3:30 p.m. Thursdays. Information: 812-378-3046.
ICE SKATING AT HAMILTON COMMUNITY CENTER AND ICE ARENA, public sessions from 7 to 9 p.m. Fridays and 2 to 4 p.m. Saturdays through Aug. 1, 2501 Lincoln Park Drive, Columbus. Admission: Adults $4.50; ages 17 and younger $4; children 4 and younger, free. Skate rental $2, skooter rental $2.
SECOND ANNUAL SMART MONEY FAMILY FUN BIKE RIDE, 8:30 a.m. Aug. 6, Columbus Municipal Airport, 4770 Ray Boll Blvd. Registration opens at 8 a.m. Family friendly bike ride with prizes and activities along 5- and 14-mile routes highlighting the importance of saving and using money wisely. Cost: $25 per adult, $5 per child. Proceeds will support financial literacy programs in the community. Rain date is Aug. 20. Information: centrafoundation.org.
