Looking for fun summer activities? VKAP’s got you covered!
Kids are always excited for summer to arrive – but that excitement can quickly turn to boredom if they don’t have activities to stay busy and engaged. For parents and caregivers, bored children can make the long hot days of summer seem even longer. So, as we prepare for summer’s official arrival, here are some fun and educational activities to keep your children smiling.
Best of all, through our partnerships, Vermont Kin as Parents can offer kinship families a limited number of free passes to the following destinations and activities. Email jeana@vermontkinasparents.org for more information and to request what you need.
Circus Smirkus
Kinship families can get $2 off tickets for the July 10th matinee by emailing jeana@vermontkinasparents.org by Sunday, June 5.
Celebrating its 35th year, Circus Smirkus is the only traveling ‘tented’ youth circus in the United States—its shows are among the most beloved arts events of the New England summer. This year’s tour continues the tradition of Smirkus’ annual theme-based shows with The 2022 Big Top Tour: On the Road Again.
The show will feature a vast array of circus arts — including aerials, acrobatics, wire-walking, juggling, clowning — a dazzling display of brilliant costumes, and many other surprises. The 2022 Big Top Tour takes to the road July 2 and travels through mid-August with a touring caravan that requires some 23-support vehicles and 80 people— including performers, coaches, cooks, tech and tent crew, and a live circus band playing an original score written specifically for this show. The award-winning circus company performs across New England to approximately 40,000 patrons each summer.
Visit smirkus.org for a complete tour schedule. Tickets for each performance on the tour are available by calling 1-877-SMIRKUS toll-free.
Vermont State Parks
Kinship families interested in obtaining passes to a Vermont State Park can email jeana@vermontkinasparents.org with their requests.
Spending time outdoors together as a family is a great bonding experience that builds closer relationships between parents and kids. And studies show that kids who play outside are better students, more social, and healthier. Vermont State Parks make it easy to introduce children to the outdoors – there’s a state park within a half-hour’s drive of every Vermont town!
Vermont State Parks feature modern restrooms with flush toilets, and hot and cold running water and showers. The campsites are easily accessible by car and can accommodate strollers, toys, and those extra big coolers. Whether you’re looking for a kid-friendly day hike or an extended camping trip, Vermont State Parks are an ideal spot for outdoor family fun.
Also, if your child is a budding explorer, they might love to join the 2022 Venture Vermont Outdoor Challenge! Download the scorecard found here. Then, have your little explorer perform the outdoor activities listed on the score sheet between April 15 - October 15. Make sure they (or you) snap a photo of them completing each task. When they reach 250 points, submit their score sheet and the photos describing which activities are shown. Participants who complete the Challenge receive a VIP coin, good for free state park entry for the rest of this year and all of next year!
For more information on the 2022 Venture Vermont Outdoor Challenge, visit here.
ECHO, Leahy Center for Lake Champlain
For ticket discount availability for kinship families, email jeana@vermontkinasparents.org.
ECHO is the premier science and nature museum on Lake Champlain. ECHO engages families in the joy of scientific discovery and the wonder of nature through more than 100 interactive exhibits.
This summer, the exhibit Giants, Dragons & Unicorns – The World of Mythical Creatures explores the history and significance of legendary creatures such as sea monsters, mermaids, unicorns, and dragons. The exhibit combines dramatic models, cast fossils, cultural objects, and absorbing multimedia and interactive technology to tell the stories behind the alluring mythic creatures that continue to fascinate visitors of all ages. Check out their summer schedule here: Events Archive - ECHO, Leahy Center for Lake Champlain (echovermont.org)
The Farm to Ballet Project
For more information on ticket availability for kinship families, email jeana@vermontkinasparents.org.
The Farm to Ballet Project is an original ballet about a farm through the seasons. Dancing vegetables, familiar animals, and even the seasons themselves come to life through dance in a joyful and entertaining show. The ballet explores the relationship between farmers and land, natural food cycles, and the human role in ecosystems.
The Farm to Ballet Project is performed outside at different farms throughout Vermont. View their summer schedule by visiting The Farm to Ballet Project (Summer) - Ballet Vermont
Bristol 4th of July Celebration
Bristol’s famous two-day outdoor celebration is FREE!
Bristol, Vermont hosts an incredible 2-day celebration of our country’s Independence Day. Festivities kick off in late June with a hosted BBQ chicken dinner on Bristol's park green. Then on the evening of July 3rd the entertainment and annual fireworks display are held on the rec field. On July 4th, the famous outhouse races begin at 9:00 am and the parade at 10:30 a.m. Following the parade will be vendors and entertainment on the green. This amazing celebration is free! For more information visit Bristol, VT Fourth of July - Home (bristol4th.com)
