All About Kids Summer 2023

All About Kids Summer Guide 2023

INSIDE:

Help kids become more physically active; rainy day activities and check out these events at the local library

SUMMER HOURS

May 1 - SEpt 30

Monday- Friday 8:00AM - 4:00PM

WINtER HOURS

OCt 1 - apRIl 30

Monday - Friday 8:00AM - 5:00PM

How to get kids to engage in healthy activities

Devices can be hard to ignore.

Seemingly always within arm’s length, devices such as tablets and smartphones are as popular as ever.

One study found that excessive smartphone use is associated with various health problems in adolescents including psychiatric, cognitive, emotional, medical, and brain changes. Parents know that gettings kid to put down their devices is no small task.

There are various ways kids can have fun that have nothing to do with screens and encourage them to be more physically active. Here are a few of them:

LESSONS

Whether it’s surfing, boating or music lessons, various courses do not require devices or even allow them to be used during sessions. Parents and loved ones of children can look for lessons that inspire youngsters to pursue a new passion that promotes physical activity and encourages kids to get up and go.

TRAMPOLINE

No kid, including tweens and newly minted teenagers, can resist a good trampoline. Modern trampolines are safer than yesterday’s models, especially when shoppers choose ones with enclosures that prevent kids from falling off the trampoline and onto the hard ground below.

SPORTS EQUIPMENT

Organized sports instill lessons about sportsmanship, hard work, overcoming adversity, and the value of working as a team, all the while promoting physical activity. Young children who haven’t yet participated in organized sports may be compelled to do so if a new baseball mitt or basketball hoop is waiting under the tree this holiday season.

KITES

Kites can be perfect for kids who don’t take to sports or those who simply need a break from competition. Kites can help young children develop their gross motor skills and instill in them a love of the great outdoors that lasts a lifetime.

Forsyth County Public Library

Twilight Tales

Thursday, April 20: 6:30-7:15 p.m.

Cumming Library

Family story time with books and music in the library. For toddler, preschool, family, elementary, babies.

Preschoolers At PostCenters Based Learning

Friday, April 21: 11 a.m. to noon

Post Road Library

Visit on Fridays for a variety of hands-on preschool activities each week; STEM & STEAM, education, early literacy

Ready, Set, Preschool

Friday, April 21: 11 a.m. to noon

Hampton Park Library

Storytime, STEM and STEM, early literacy; a school readiness program for children ages 3-5, with a caregiver.

Preschool PlaylabHands-On Learning Fun

Friday, April 21: 11-11:45 a.m.

Sharon Forks Library

Storytime, STEAM and STEAM, science and math, early literacy

Masterminds Lego® LoungeGet Your Build On

Friday, April 21: 4-4:45 p.m.

Post Road Library

Create With Lego® at the library.

Lego® Club

Friday, April 21: 4-5 p.m.

Hampton Park Library

Join us and have fun building with blocks and Lego.

Celebrating Earth Day - Learn with The Georgia Master Naturalists

Saturday, April 22: noon to 3 p.m.

Post Road Library

Celebrate Earth Day with interactive booths and short talks on nature topics.

Family PJ Storytime

Monday, April 24: 6:30-7 p.m.

Sharon Forks Library

Join us each Monday evening for books, songs, and activities for the whole family. All ages welcome.

Books & Babies

Monday, April 24: 10-11 a.m.

Hampton Park Library

Storytime for babies ages birth to 24 months, with a caregiver.

Story Stroll in The Secret GardenFairies In The Garden

Monday, April 24: All day

Cumming Library

Read the book ‘Twinkle Makes a Wish’ by Katharine Holabird and view fairy garden displays. For toddler, preschool, elementary.

Toddler Tales Storytime

Tuesday, April 25: 10-10:35 a.m.

Cumming Library

Books, stories, action rhymes, songs, and movement to help support toddlers’ developing literacy. For toddlers ages 18 to 36 months.

Preschool Pals Storytime

Tuesday, April 25: 11-11:45 a.m.

Cumming Library

Stories, singing, and movement activities to help support preschoolers’ literacy development. For children 3-5 years old. Check the library’s website for more Preschool Pals Storytime dates.

Circuit Fun for Kids

Tuesday, April 25: 4-5 p.m.

Cumming Library

STEM and STEAM, science and math, crafts and making.

Smart Art - A Teen Craft Program

Tuesday, April 25: 6-7 p.m.

Hampton Park Library

Experience smart art, a teen craft program where patrons create masterpieces.

Toddler Tales Storytime

Wednesday, April 26: 10-10:30 a.m.

Sharon Forks Library

Books, stories, action rhymes, songs, and movement to help support toddlers’ developing literacy. For toddlers 18 to 36 months.

Books & Babies

Wednesday, April 26:10-10:40 a.m.

Cumming Library

Storytime for babies ages birth to 24 months, with a caregiver. Check the library’s website for more Books & Babies dates.

Paws To Read

Wednesday, April 26: 3:30-5 p.m.

Sharon Forks Library

Paws to read gives patrons the opportunity to read with a certified therapy dog. For middle, elementary school kids. Check the library’s website for more Paws To Read dates.

Elementary Explorers

Wednesday, April 26: 4-5 p.m.

Hampton Park Library

Put on your explorer’s hat and learn something new; STEM and STEAM, science, and math.

Toddler Tales Storytime

Thursday, April 27: 10-10:30 a.m.

Post Road Library

Books, stories, action rhymes, songs, and movement to help support toddlers’ developing literacy. For toddlers

18 to 36 months

Check the library’s website for more

Toddler Tales Storytime dates.

Twilight Tales

Thursday, April 27: 6:30-7:15 p.m.

Cumming Library

Family story time with books and music in the library. For toddler, preschool, family, elementary, babies.

Ready, Set, Preschool!

Friday, April 28: 11 a.m. to noon

Hampton Park Library

Storytime, STEM and STEAM, education, early literacy. A school readiness program for children ages 3-5, with a caregiver.

Explorer Tots

Friday, April 28: 11-11:45 a.m.

Cumming Library

Babies and toddlers learning through exploration with story time, STEM and STEAM.

Preschool PlaylabHands-on Learning Fun!

Friday, April 28: 11-11:45 a.m.

Sharon Forks Library

Storytime, STEM and STEAM, science and math, early literacy.

Masterminds Lego® LoungeGet Your Build On!

Friday, April 28: 4-4:45 p.m.

Post Road Library

Create With Lego® at the library.

Saturday Family StorytimeFun for The Whole Family

Saturday, April 29: 11-11:30 a.m.

Post Road Library

Start your weekend off right with a family story time at the Post Road Library.

Forsyth County Public Library

Star Wars Day

Thursday, May 4: 6:30-7:45 p.m.

Cumming Library

Join us this evening for a Star Wars drop-in program in celebration of May the Fourth with games, fandom and crafts. For tweens, toddler, preschool, family, elementary.

Free Comic Book Day

Saturday, May 6: All day

Hampton Park Library

Celebrate free comic book day with fun and comics, fandom, and crafts.

I Want the Wide American EarthAn Exhibit from The Smithsonian

Monday, May 8: All day

Post Road Library

Celebrate Asian American Pacific Islander history across a multitude of diverse cultures and explore how Asian Pacific Americans have shaped and been shaped by the course of our nation’s history. All ages.

Baby Play Day

For infants from birth to 24 months

Monday, May 8: 10 a.m. to noon

Hampton Park Library

Enjoy the library’s collection in this drop-in baby play time.

Twilight Tales

Thursday, May 11: 6:30-7:15 p.m.

Cumming Library

Family story time with books and music in the library. For toddler, preschool, family, elementary, babies.

Chess For Kids

Thursday, May 11: 7-8 p.m.

Sharon Forks Library

Age group: Middle, elementary school

A monthly chess meetup for kids in second through eighth grade.

Explorer Tots

Friday, May 12: 11 a.m. to noon

Cumming Library

Babies and toddlers learning through exploration; Storytime, STEM and STEAM.

A Show of Hands CopyAn ASL Storytime

Saturday, May 13: 3-4 p.m.

Post Road Library

A story time for deaf, hard of hearing children, hearing children interested in sign language, CODAs, and families.

I Want the Wide American EarthAn Exhibit from The Smithsonian

Monday, May 15: All Day

Post Road Library

Celebrate Asian American Pacific Islander History across a multitude of diverse cultures and explore how Asian Pacific Americans have shaped and been shaped by the course of our nation’s history.

Baby Play Day

Monday, May 15: 10 to noon

Hampton Park Library

Enjoy the library’s collection in this drop-in baby play time. For infants from birth to 24 months.

Escape From ExamsA Destress Program for Teens

Tuesday, May 16: 5-7 p.m.

Hampton Park Library

Chill out from the stress of exams at the library with crafts.

Twilight Tales

Thursday, May 18: 6:30-7:15 p.m.

Cumming Library

Family story time with books and music in the library. For toddler, preschool, family, elementary, babies.

Cumming Library, 585 Dahlonega Street, Cumming, GA 30040 | Sharon Forks Library, 2820 Old Atlanta Rd, Cumming, GA 30041 | Post Road Library, 5010 Post Rd, Cumming, GA 30040 | Hampton Park Library, 5345 Settingdown Rd, Cumming, GA 30041

Horse Camp

May 29-June 2

June 5-9, 12-16, 26-30

July 10-14, 17-21, 24-28

There is a horse show at 11:45am every Friday during horse camp

Early bird, sibling, multiple camp discounts offered

Farm Adventure Camp

June 19-23

July 3-7, 10-14

There is a horse show at 11:45am every Friday during horse camp

Early bird, sibling, multiple camp discounts. Ride two days, Learn Gardening, Archery, Small Animal Husbandry, Nature Hikes, Creek Exploration offered

Riding Lessons

5 & Up/Adults to 205 lbs

English & Western Lessons

• Birthday Parties

Forsyth County Public Library

Taekwondo: The Fast-Moving Korean

Martial Art

Saturday, May 20: 2:30-3:30 p.m.

Post Road Library

Learn all about this exciting Korean Martial Art from the students of World Championship Taekwondo.

I Want the Wide American EarthAn Exhibit From The Smithsonian

Monday, May 22: All Day

Post Road Library

Celebrate Asian American Pacific Islander history across a multitude of diverse cultures and explore how Asian Pacific Americans have shaped and been shaped by the course of our nation’s history.

Baby Play Day

Monday, May 22: 10 to noon.

Hampton Park Library

Enjoy the library’s collection in this drop-in baby play time.

Baby Play Day

Tuesday, May 23: 10 to noon.

Post Road Library

Enjoy the library’s collection in this drop-in baby play time.

Baby Play Day

Wednesday, May 24: 10:30 a.m. to noon; Cumming Library

Enjoy the library’s collection in this drop-in baby play time.

Twilight Tales

Thursday, May 25: 6:30-7:15 p.m.

Cumming Library

Family storytime with books and music in the library. For toddler, preschool, family, elementary, babies.

JUNE

Magical Acts of KindnessFeaturing Keith & Vern

Friday, June 30: 11-11:50 a.m.

Cumming Library

Bring the family and enjoy magic and ventriloquism with Keith Karnok and his sidekick Vern.

I Want the Wide American EarthAn Exhibit from The Smithsonian

Sunday, May 28: All Day

Post Road Library

Celebrate Asian American Pacific Islander history across a multitude of diverse cultures and explore how Asian Pacific Americans have shaped and been shaped by the course of our nation’s history.

Baby Play Day

Tuesday, May 30: 10 a.m. to noon

Post Road Library

Enjoy the library’s collection in this drop-in baby play time.

Summer Starts with Magician Arthur Atsma! - Summer Reading Fun

Kickoff Event

Tuesday, May 30: 11-11:45 a.m.

Sharon Forks Library

Start your summer with a magical adventure. Prepare to be amazed by Arthur Atsma’s magic.

Summer Reading Kickoff Fun!

Wednesday, May 31: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Post Road Library

Kick off summer reading fun with crafts, games, and activities. Be sure to stop by the selfie station.

Baby Play Day

Wednesday, May 31: 10:30 a.m. to noon; Cumming Library

Enjoy The library’s collection in this drop-in baby play time.

Magician Arthur Atsma

Wednesday, May 31: 11-11:45 a.m.

Post Road Library

Enjoy a variety comedy show.

Saving Earth TogetherPresented by Talewise

Friday, June 30: 1:30-2:30 p.m.

Hampton Park Library

In this action-packed story, two unlikely heroes work to save their town from a super-polluting mastermind.

CLEAN OUT

AND CASH IN

SOME OF OUR MOST WANTED ITEMS

SHORTS

EARNING CASH FOR KIDS ' STUFF IS EASY

STEP

PREP YOUR KIDS CLOTHES

Earn cash for like-new kids’ clothes and shoes. We also buy toys and baby gear that are current, clean, and safe.

2

COME TO KID TO KID

STEP 3

PICK YOUR PAYOUT

SWIM SUITS & ACCESSORIES

DRESSES GRAPHIC TEES ROMPERS

RIDE-ON TOYS SANDALS SNEAKERS OUTDOOR TOYS SOCCER SHOES & SHINGUARDS

TO HELP YOUR COMMUNITY CLEAN OUT

When you sell to Kid to Kid, you help families in your neighborhood find the kids’ stuff they need at prices they can afford. Thank you for supporting them, and for shopping sustainably. Shopping used is good for your wallet, and good for the planet!

A new mom shopping Kid to Kid SAVES MORE THAN $800 for baby essentials in the first six months.

The money you spend and earn at Kid to Kid stays local, HELPING LOCAL FAMILIES AND YOUR COMMUNITY.

Choosing resale helps the planet. Kid to Kid recycled 25 MILLION PIECES OF CLOTHING just in the last year.

*Valid only at Kid to Kid in Alpharetta, Cumming, or Johns Creek. May not be combined with other offers. Expires on 09/30/2023

Fun rainy day activities for kids

There are numerous reasons for children to spend time outdoors. Soaking up sunlight and fresh air can do everything from reduce stress to improve cardiovascular health. Unfortunately, not every day is tailor-made for spending time outdoors. When inclement weather threatens, some creative thinking may be necessary to keep kids happy and occupied. Here are a few ideas for getting started.

PLAN A SCAVENGER HUNT

Parents or caregivers can hide an item and set children on the course toward finding the treasure by providing clues that incrementally lead to the final hiding place.

VISIT THE LIBRARY

Libraries have a host of activities ideal for rainy days. Apart from various genres of reading materials, there are movies to rent, informational classes, rooms for club meetings, and even arts and crafts events.

ESTABLISH AN INDOOR CAMPSITE

Camping is a popular outdoor activity that can go on rain or shine. Those who are averse to camping in the rain can recreate the magic of camping indoors. Set up a tent or make a lean-to from blankets and sheets. Use a fireplace or stove to roast marshmallows and make indoor smores.

MAKE HOMEMADE PLAYDOUGH

Invite a few of the children’s friends over and mix up a batch of homemade playdough. A handy recipe can be found at www.iheartnaptime.net/play-dough-recipe. Children can spend hours molding the playdough into imaginative creations.

HOST AN OUTDOOR MOVIE VIEWING

Homeowners with covered awnings or outside porches can project a movie onto a screen and have movie-goers watch from their sheltered locations. Serve plenty of healthy snacks and a few sweet treats to munch on during the film.

Kids can set the pace for longterm health

Long-term health is not something that young people routinely consider. After all, it’s easy to feel invincible during one’s childhood and adolescence. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, establishing healthy behaviors during childhood and adolescence is more beneficial to long-term health than trying to change poor behaviors in adulthood.

PRIORITIZE HEALTHY FOODS

According to the childhood recreation group Mountain Kids, habits and actions performed subconsciously are hard to break because repeat habits trigger dopamine in the brain, causing pleasurable feelings that reinforce the behavior. So grabbing a slice of cake after school for a snack becomes habitual. Instead, stocking the refrigerator and pantry with sliced fruits and vegetables, low-fat yogurt, lean protein like hummus and whole wheat dipping crackers can set the course for more responsible eating behaviors.

EAT MEALS AND SHOP TOGETHER

Kids can learn what healthy eating and portion control looks like if it is modeled by their parents. Children should be involved with reading nutrition labels and understanding the ingredients that comprise the foods they commonly eat. When dining out, choose restaurants that use menus that indicate the caloric content of meals. Children will learn to recognize and embrace nutritious foods and that can continue into adulthood.

INCREASE PHYSICAL ACTIVITY

The CDC says 21 percent of adolescents aged 12 to 19 are obese, and two in five students have a chronic health condition. A sedentary lifestyle may be one contributor to these statistics. The Department of Health and Human Service recommends that children and adolescents age 6 and older get at least one hour a day of moderate or vigorous aerobic activity, such as running or biking. Muscle- and bonestrengthening activities also are recommended. Kids who learn early on to appreciate physical activity reap long-term benefits that extend well into adulthood.

Following are some ways young people can set the course for healthy outcomes throughout life.