Seven weeks of summer fun on the cheap

o Free or inexpensive activities and venues for summer fun

o Public swimming pools and more (lessons available)

o Supplies to have on hand

o Events around the county, listed by community

Their beach-towel capes flying behind them, superheroes Michala DuPree, 5, and Aurora Portnoy, 4, danced Wednesday on the grass at Esther Short Park at the summer’s first free Noon Concert. Across the park and under a Water Resources Education Center canopy, kids swarmed around tables painting leaves and transferring leaf images onto pieces of muslin.

“Do you want to make a leaf print?” asked Elizabeth Barnhart, an intern at the water center.

Caoimhe Sheehan, 7, brushed green paint onto a cottonwood leaf alongside her brother Kevin, 8.

“We were trying to find some fun things to do,” said their mother, Sonja Sheehan-Gundlach.

The Water Resources Education Center brings free hands-on crafts and experiments to Esther Short Park before and during Noon Concerts, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesdays through Aug. 13. That’s a free, fun activity for two hours every week.

Clark County families face more than seven lazy weeks stretching into the horizon before school begins in the fall. Many families fill their children’s summer schedules with programmed camps and classes. But many don’t have the money or the desire to do so.

A June 20 article in The Atlantic spoke to the benefits of kids’ free play — creative time to play and daydream — during the summer.

“Unscheduled, unsupervised playtime is one of the most valuable educational opportunities we give our children,” wrote Jessica Lahey. “It is fertile ground: the place where children strengthen social bonds, build emotional maturity, develop cognitive skills, and shore up their physical health.”

How do Clark County families with children play together during the summer?

“We do lots and lots of parks,” said Erin Iwata of Ridgefield. She is mom to Hiro, 6, Judah, 4, and Kai, 2. “Felida Park is one of our favorites. It’s almost completely fenced and has paved trails so Hiro can ride his bike around the park and I can watch him while I play with the younger ones.”

Iwata said she and her husband, Nat Iwata, recently biked with their sons from Vancouver Lake Park to Frenchman’s Bar Regional Park and back on paved bike paths that cross only two roads.

“I pulled Kai in a lightweight bike trailer, but the other boys rode their own bikes and kept up,” she said. “We took a little break and looked at the water.”

The Berggren family from the Fisher’s Landing neighborhood drives north to Lewisville Park in Battle Ground to play Frisbee and play in the water. Katie Berggren, mom to Nicolas, 10, and Jackson, 8, also drives east for the Camas Farmers Market. The boys are fond of chances to explore the area around Lacamas Lake: hikes along the Heritage Trail, family picnics and rowing on the lake with their grandpa. The family also visits the library and goes to book swaps and garage sales. But much of their summer playtime is closer to home.

“We play wall ball at the school playground,” said Berggren. “We also do crafts and science kits. We have ice cream cones and read books on the front porch or on a blanket in the backyard. We like playing in the sprinkler, doing art together,” said Berggren, an artist.

Sarah Coomber of Woodland and her son Daniel Coomala, 9, formed a hiking club with two other families to explore Clark County trails. One of Coomber’s favorite trails meanders through the 314-acre La Center Bottoms Stewardship Site. The 8-foot-wide trail on the east bank of the East Fork of the Lewis River offers bird blinds to view animals in their natural habitat. Coomber and Daniel also hike the trails at the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge, mostly the Oaks to Wetlands trail that passes the Cathlapotle Plankhouse.

“It’s fun to play among the trees, and if you time it right, you get to stand on the pedestrian bridge and watch a train pass right underneath you,” Coomber said.

Another favorite is the trail on the Washington State University Vancouver campus. Although visitors must pay to park on campus, Coomber finds free parking on 50th Avenue.

“It’s fun to let the kids choose their trails through the woods, splash in the streams, look for rocks and wildflowers,” she said.

Wess and Emily Daniels of Camas take Lily, 6, Mae, 4, and Clement, 2, to Spanish story time at the Camas Public Library and to the kids’ floor at the Vancouver Community Library. They like the Camas Farmers Market and outdoor movies too. They also explore parks, trails and water with their kids.

“We play at Cottonwood Beach along the Columbia River and along the Washougal River,” said Wess Daniels. “There’s a sandy swimming hole at Hathaway Park in Washougal. We like to play in the water feature at Esther Short Park.”

Eileen Peterson and her 10-year-old grandson Dayton Peterson, both of Vancouver, checked out a stack of books, graphic novels and movies Tuesday afternoon at the Vancouver Community Library. Peterson said they go to the library about every three weeks during the summer. Dayton’s other summer adventures include riding his bike along the Burnt Bridge Creek trail with his grandpa, Tom Peterson; camping with his family; and playing with friends.

FREE OR INEXPENSIVE VENUES FOR SUMMER FUN

Exploring parks, playgrounds and libraries is just the beginning of summer-fun opportunities for Clark County families. Here’s a listing of free or inexpensive activities and venues to enhance a family’s summer with memory-building family fun — and to offer children opportunities for the joy of playing.

Parks

Families can get outdoors at city, county, regional and state parks offering an abundance of activities including playground equipment, picnic tables, barbecue grills, trails and more.

One of the largest parks, Vancouver Lake Regional Park, is 190 acres and also offers sand volleyball courts. There is a swimming area. Check the parks website for updates.

If you want to take the kids fishing, you might try Lewisville Regional Park on the East Fork of the Lewis River or Battle Ground Lake State Park. County parks information: www.clark.wa.gov/publicworks/parks/parks.html.

Clark County Fair

Aug. 1-10 at Clark County Event Center, 17402 N.E. Delfel Road, Ridgefield.

Discounts: Chevron Family Day is Aug. 4. Admission for kids 7 to 12 is only $5 with coupon available at participating Chevron locations; Kids Day, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Aug. 7. Admission for kids 7 to 12 is only $5.

Information: www.clarkcofair.com.

Libraries

Reading and science programs, story times, crafts, gaming, reading to therapy dogs and more are offered at Fort Vancouver Regional Library branches. For calendars of events, visit www.fvrl.org; for locations and hours visit http://mylibrary2.fvrl.org/Locations.html. Camas Public Library also offers kids’ programs; visit http://bit.ly/1zsA01V.

PUBLIC SWIMMING POOLS AND MORE (Visit individual sites to learn about swim lessons.)

Camas Municipal Pool

Outdoors at Crown Park, 15th Avenue and Everett Street, Camas.

Daily public swim: 11:15 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 3:15 p.m. to 5 p.m. until Sept. 1. Swim lessons are available.

Cost: $4.50 or $129 for a season pass; $3.50 or $99 for a season pass for ages 11 and under and ages 65 and older.

Information: 360-816-1556 or http://bit.ly/1mEk471.

Firstenburg Community Center Pool

700 N.E. 136th Ave., Vancouver.

Cost: Free for 3 and younger; $4 for ages 4 to 18; $7 for adults; $5 for ages 60 and older.

Information: 360-487-7009 or www.cityofvancouver.us/parksrec/page/firstenburg-aquatics.

Marshall Community Center Pool

1009 E. McLoughlin Blvd., Vancouver.

Free family swim: 4:45 to 6:30 p.m. every Saturday.

Cost: For the discounted public swims, 7 to 8:30 p.m. Fridays, admission is $3 for adults, $2.50 for seniors, $2 for youth and $8 for a family.

Information: 360-487-7070 or www.cityofvancouver.us/parksrec/page/marshall-center-aquatics.

Jim Parsley Community Center

4100 Plomondon St., Vancouver.

Public swim: 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., 1 to 3:30 p.m., 4 to 5:30 p.m. and 6 to 7:30 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday. 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 1 to 3:30 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday. 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., 12:45 to 2:30 p.m. and 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Saturday. Noon to 1:30 p.m., 1:45 to 3:30 p.m. and 4 to 5:30 p.m. Sunday.

Cost: Free for 3 and younger; $3 for 4 to 18; $4 for adults; $12 for a family (maximum five people); and $2.50 for seniors.

Information: 360-313-1060 or www.vansd.org/jpc.

Jim Parsley Community Center Rock Wall

4100 Plomondon St., Vancouver.

Hours: 5:30 to 7:45 p.m. Friday; 12:30 to 3 p.m. and 6 to 7:45 p.m. Saturday; 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday.

Rock wall fee: $3 for ages 6 to 18; $4 for adults; $2.50 for seniors.

Swim and rock wall combo session fee: $5 for children and $6 for adults.

Information: 360-313-1060 or www.vansd.org/jpc.

Propstra Aquatic Center

605 N. Devine Road, Vancouver.

Public swim: 1:30 to 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday and 11 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. Friday.

Cost: Free for 3 and younger, $3 youth 4 to 18, $4 adults, $12 family, $2.50 Vancouver Public Schools employees and seniors. Swimming lessons (30-minute classes for 8 weeks: $56).

Information: 360-313-3625 or http://bit.ly/1zsBglI.

FAMILY SUMMER FUN SUPPLIES

• Sidewalk chalk.
• Bubbles.
• Frisbee.
• Whiffle or Nerf ball and bat.
• Water bottle.
• Healthful picnic.
• Sturdy walking shoes or sandals.
• Sunglasses with ultraviolet protection.
• Sunscreen.
• Bathing suit and beach towel.
• Basic first-aid kit.

ACTIVITIES BY COMMUNITY

Amboy

Amboy Territorial Days

Today, Amboy Territorial Park, 21400 N.E. 399th St., Amboy.

Information: www.tdays.org/amboy-territorial-days-2014

Ariel

Lelooska Museum

165 Merwin Village Road, Ariel. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays through Aug. 30. Free, but donations accepted.

Information: 360-225-9522 or www.lelooska.org

Battle Ground

Battle Ground Harvest Days

July 18 and 19 in Battle Ground.

Information: www.battlegroundchamber.org/pages/HARVESTDAYS.

Movies in the Park

Center Park Pavilion next to the library, 802 S.E. 14th Loop, Battle Ground. Free family-friendly movies from July 18 through Aug. 29 at dusk. Bring blankets, sand chairs, picnics.

Information: 360-723-5545 or www.bgvillage.com/#!movies-in-the-park/c1tlw

Camas

Concerts in the Park

Crown Park, 15th Avenue and Everett Street, Camas. Free concerts 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Picnics welcome; concessions available. No alcohol or animals. Next concert is The Rockeroos (kids music), on July 23.

Information: www.cityofcamas.us/images/DOCS/PARK_REC/REPORTS/2014concertflyer.pdf.

Camas Days

July 25 and 26.

Information: www.cwchamber.com/cwdata/CamasDays/tabid/68/Default.aspx.

Family Fun Fridays

Crown Park, 15th and Everett Street, Camas. Free kid-friendly fun at noon Fridays in August.

Information: www.cityofcamas.us/images/DOCS/PARK_REC/FORMS/specialevents.pdf

Movies in the Park

Crown Park, 15th and Everett Street, Camas. Free family-friendly movies shown on a big screen every Friday night in August. Movies begin at dusk. Pre-movie entertainment an hour before movie. Series begins at 8:45 p.m. Aug. 1 with “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone.” Bring low beach chairs, blankets, snacks.

Information: www.cityofcamas.us/images/DOCS/PARK_REC/FORMS/specialevents.pdf

LIberty Theater

315 N.E. Fourth Ave., Camas. $3 admission on Tuesdays. At least one kid-friendly movie offered.

Information: 360-859-9555 or www.camasliberty.com

La Center

Free Summer Concert Series

Sternwheeler Park Amphitheater, 100 E. Fourth Street, La Center.

6 to 8 p.m. Aug. 2, 9 and 16.

Information: www.ci.lacenter.wa.us/attractions

La Center Our Days Celebration

Aug. 21-24, La Center.

Information: www.lacenterourdays.com

Free Movie at Sternwheeler Park

100 E. Fourth Street, La Center. Disney’s “Frozen” at dusk Aug. 22.

Information: www.lacenterourdays.com/movie-in-the-park

Ridgefield

Summer Playground Program

12:30 to 2:30 p.m. July 22 and 29 at Davis Park, 210 N. Main Ave., Ridgefield. Free drop-in program for children and families.

Information: www.ci.ridgefield.wa.us/community/page/events

Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge

1071 S. Hillhurst Road, Ridgefield. Open daily during daylight hours. Walk 2-mile Oaks to Wetlands loop trail past the Cathlapotle Plankhouse, a reconstructed Chinookan longhouse. $3 parking fee.

Information: 360-887-4106 or www.fws.gov/ridgefieldrefuges/ridgefield

Washougal

Reptile Man

Hathaway Elementary School, 630 24th St., Washougal. Noon July 14. Meet Betty the Burmese python, Lucy the gator and an African desert tortoise at a free hands-on event sponsored by the Washougal School District.

Information: www.visitwashougal.com/events/reptile-man

Washougal Pickleball Mixer

Hathaway Park, 799 25th St., Washougal. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. July 19 and 20. $10 to play.

Information: www.visitwashougal.com/events/washougal-pickleball-mixer-tournament

Woodland

Cedar Creek Grist Mill

43907 N.E. Grist Mill Road, Woodland. Open 1 to 4 p.m. Saturdays and 2 to 4 p.m. Sundays year-round. Tour the circa-1876 grist mill, the only grain-grinding mill in Washington.

• 1 to 4 p.m. July 26: Blueberry Pancake Day, with whole-wheat pancakes filled with fresh Clark County blueberries, topped with homemade blueberry syrup, topped with more fresh blueberries.
• 1 to 4 p.m. Aug. 30: At Cornbread and Bluegrass Day, the cornbread will be dressed up with onions, bacon, chilies, herbs, cheese, apples, raspberries and more. While munching, listen to musicians jamming on fiddles, guitars, mandolins and banjos.

Information: 360-225-5832 or www.cedarcreekgristmill.com

Vancouver

Community centers, parks and trails

Find maps, program schedules and more.

Information: www.cityofvancouver.us/parksrec.

Summer Playgrounds Program

Vancouver Parks offers hands-on outdoor fun for kids.

Information: www.cityofvancouver.us/parksrec/page/summer-playgrounds-program.

Noon Concerts

Take a picnic lunch to Esther Short Park, Columbia and Eighth streets in Vancouver, for free concerts, noon to 1 p.m. Wednesdays through Aug. 13, including One of a Kind Drumline on July 30.

Information: www.cityofvancouver.us/concerts

Science in the Park

The Water Resources Education Center brings free hands-on crafts and experiments to Esther Short Park before and during Noon Concerts, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesdays through Aug. 13. Kids can learn about water, nature and the environment.

Information: www.cityofvancouver.us/watercenter.

Riverview Six to Sunset Concerts

Take a picnic to Esther Short Park from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursdays through Aug. 14. Includes Johnnie Limbo & the Lugnuts on July 31 and the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra on Aug. 14.

Information: www.cityofvancouver.us/concerts

Fort Vancouver National Historic Site

1501 E. Evergreen Blvd., Vancouver. Visitor Center, reconstructed fort, Land Bridge trail to Columbia River. $3 for 16 and older at reconstructed fort, free for 15 and younger.

Information: 360-816-6230 or www.nps.gov/fova

Pearson Air Museum

1115 E. Fifth St., Vancouver. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday. Free.

Information: 360-816-6230 or www.nps.gov/fova/planyourvisit/pearsonairmuseum.htm

Pearson Field Education Center

201 East Reserve St., Vancouver.

1 to 5 p.m. every Saturday with flight simulator lab, building model gliders and open cockpit antique airplane. Free.

Information: 360-992-1818 or www.fortvan.org/AviationEducation

Water Resources Education Center

4600 S.E. Columbia Way, Vancouver. Interactive exhibits, hands-on activities, aquaria with fish, natural gardens, wildlife-friendly wetlands. Free. Hands-on activities on the second Saturday of each month. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, noon to 5 p.m. Saturday.

Information: 360-487-7111 or www.cityofvancouver.us/watercenter

Kids Bowl Free summer program

Offered at three Vancouver bowling alleys. Kids whose parents have registered them at www.kidsbowlfree.com can receive two free games of bowling every day all summer, if lanes are available. Shoe rental charges apply. Parents must accompany children.

• Allen’s Crosley Lanes, 2400 E. Evergreen Blvd., 360-693-4789.
• Big Al’s, 16615 S.E. 18th St., 360-944-6118.
• Husted’s Hazel Dell Lanes, 6300 N.E. Highway 99, 360-694-8364.

Safari Mini Golf

Inside Westfield Vancouver Mall, 8700 N.E. Vancouver Mall Drive, Suite 102, lower level near Macy’s. Now that the Steakburger has been demolished, this is the only miniature golf course in Clark County. The 18-hole black-light course is open seven days a week. No reservations needed. 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday; 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. $7 for 11 and younger, seniors and military; $8 for ages 12 and older. $2 off mini golf Monday through Wednesday; $3 off mini golf 10 a.m. to noon Monday through Friday.

Information: 360-356-1770 or www.safariminigolf.com/hours.html

Movies in the Park

Free family-friendly movies on big screens in Vancouver city parks at dusk Fridays through Aug. 15. Bring low folding chairs, blankets, snacks. Begins July 18 with “Back to the Future” at Fruit Valley Park, 3200 Fruit Valley Road.

Information: www.cityofvancouver.us/movies

Kiggins Theatre

Summer Kids’ Matinees 2 p.m. Friday through Tuesday, through Aug. 19. $5 per person. Doors open 30 minutes before show time. For ages 3 and older, $10 for seven movies, with $3 going toward a school PTO or PTA of your choice.

Information: 360-816-0352 or www.kigginstheatre.net

Regal Cinemas

Select Regal Cinemas screen PG-rated kids’ movies at 10 a.m. Tuesdays and Wednesdays through Aug. 13. Purchase tickets at the cinema. $1 per person.

• Regal Cinema 99, 9010 N.E. Highway 99, 360-571-0984.
• Regal Cascade Stadium 16, 1101 S.E. 160th Ave., 360-882-5458.

Information: www.regmovies.com/Movies/Summer-Movie-Express