Jun 19, 2009 7:46 pm US/Eastern
CBS 2 Has Free Alternatives For Kids' Summer Fun
Due To The Poor Economy, Day And Sleep-Away Camps Are Out Of The Question, But There's Still Plenty Of Stuff To Do
NEW YORK (CBS) ―
This year paying for summer camp is out of the question for a number of families. In fact, national enrollment is down as much as 15 percent.
So what are you going to do with the kids for the summer? CBS 2 HD has some
free alternatives.
At $300 a week for day camp and up to $1,500 a week for sleep-away, many parents say kids will be sticking a lot closer to home this summer.
"Go to the beach, go to the park," said Maria Vilthe of Hell's Kitchen.
"The New York public swimming pool," added Jocelyn Cordero of Midtown.
But if you're looking to add a little more structure to the long, dog days Raven Snook with the Web site Time Out New York Kids says there are a variety of free events for children and workshops available all across the tri-state area.
"There is a really great series that the Urban Park Rangers are running, it's free outdoor camping every Friday and Saturday in July and August," Snook said.
Run by the New York City Parks Department, kids get to hike, cook out and even sleep under the stars at parks all around the five boroughs.
"Clearview Cinemas is doing this incredible program showing kids movies in the summer every single Thursday beginning July 2 at 10:30 a.m.," Snook said.
Movies like "Madagascar" and the "Tale of Despereaux" will be shown for free across the tri-state.
And that's not all.
"There's tons of different concerts going on during the summer," Snook said.
Beginning this Sunday -- Father's Day -- the group "Make Music New York" is offering a series of free music festivals -- from country to classical -- throughout the City.
"It's a great way to get out and expose your kids to eclectic music," Snook said.
And there's more:
* Apple is offering free summer workshops for kids 8-12 to learn videography, photography and even how to record a record.
* The New York Public Library has free summer reading, arts and crafts and even video game seminars.
* And for artistic teens, the non-profit group Creative Arts Workshop needs your child's help on community projects like painting murals on city buildings.
Links to many more free ideas, are listed below:
TimeOut N.Y. Kids
Creative Arts Workshop For Kids
NYC Parks Dept.
Make Music N.Y.
Clearview Cinemas
Apple Camp
The New York Public Library
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
2009 Celebrity Deaths, July-Dec.
Click to enlarge
Stumble It!
Reporting
