Low-cost summer fun for kids

Kids have about nine weeks of summer vacation ahead — and keeping them engaged and active can get pricey.

Many summer camps and programs for Clark County children cost $100 a week and more, but here are five inexpensive or free summer activities, from archaeology digs to video game contests.

1. Boys & Girls Club summer program

When: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday through Aug. 21. Except at Washington Elementary School, there are optional early-bird hours of 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. available for $5 per child per day. All sites closed July 3.

Where: Clinton and Gloria John Clubhouse and Teen Club next to Hazel Dell Elementary; O.K. Clubhouse and Teen Turf Club next to Jim Parsley Center; Washington Elementary.

Ages: 6 to 18, depending on the site.

Cost: $30 per child; $10 for high school teens for the entire summer.

Details: Kids are divided by age groups: younger elementary, older elementary, middle school and high school. They choose which activities they want to do, from indoor and outdoor sports and activities, art and science projects, games and more.

Registration: Parent/guardian and youth are required to attend an orientation at 6 p.m. Monday or Thursday. Drop-in program does not require families to commit to specific days.

Contact: 360-448-7089.

Learn more: www.mybgc.org/summer-programs

2. Archaeology for kids

What: Fort Vancouver Kids Dig.

When: 10:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. June 27, July 11, 18 and Aug. 8.

Where: Fort Vancouver National Historic Site.

Ages: 8 to 12.

Limit: 20 kids each session.

Cost: Free with admission to Fort Vancouver National Historic Site. Register in advance or day-of at the site.

Details: Kids get hands-on archaeology experience in a mock kids’ dig. Kids excavate a mock site with trowels, screen dirt, measure and map their finds and discover the historical secrets that lie below our feet. Kids work with park staff, volunteers and students from Fort Vancouver’s public archaeology field school.

Contact: National Park Service at 360-816-6230.

Learn more: www.nps.gov/fova/learn/historyculture/archaeologyforkids.htm

3. Science in the park

When: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. before Destination Downtown Noon Concerts from July 8 to Aug. 12.

Where: Esther Short Park, 605 Esther St., Vancouver.

Ages: No age limit.

Cost: Free.

Details: From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., prior to and during every noon concert, children can try hands-on crafts and experiments designed for learning about nature.

Activity topics: July 8, Be a Marine Biologist; July 15, Be an Entomologist; July 22, Be a Geologist; July 29, Be a Wildlife Biologist; Aug. 5, Be a Botanist; Aug. 12, Be a Chemist.

Concerts: July 8, Vancouver Pops Orchestra; July 15, Diana Chittester; July 22, Lincoln’s Beard; July 29, Left Coast Country; Aug. 5, The Gravy; Aug. 12, Water Tower.

Learn more: www.cityofvancouver.us/publicworks/page/science-park

4. Camas Public Library summer movies

When: 2 p.m. Wednesdays through Aug. 12.

Where: Camas Public Library, 625 N.E. Fourth Ave., Camas.

Ages: All ages, but movies are rated from G to PG-13.

Cost: Free.

Details: Family-friendly movies projected upstairs on the big screen. Popcorn served.

Movies: July 1, “The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies,” PG-13; July 8, “Mary Poppins,” G; July 15, “Strange Magic,” PG; July 22, “Ratatouille,” G; July 29, “The Princess Bride,” PG; Aug. 5, “Jupiter Ascending,” PG-13; Aug. 12, “The Land Before Time,” G.

Contact: 360-834-4692.

Learn more: www.cityofcamas.us/library/images/newsletter/SRP/2015/summermovies.jpg

5. Fort Vancouver Regional Library activities

When: Various times and days.

Where: Eight full-service community libraries in Clark County.

Ages: Various.

Cost: Free.

Details: Activities include story times, board games, robotics, Legos, video game tournaments, ice cream socials, comedy acts, language practice, summer reading programs and much more.

Contact: Local branch libraries for specific programs.

Learn more: www.fvrl.org and click “events.”