Indoor activities to brighten, celebrate summer on rainy days
Rain cannot stop summer.
“We have lots of activities planned indoors when we have these days that are rather gloomy,” said Lori Hinderliter, Butler Public Library executive director. “People can come and escape the doom and gloom.”
Friday marked the official first day of summer this year. With the recent rain, indoor activities are one way to celebrate the season.
Summer is a great time for library patrons to explore because children are not required to read specific book lists and can explore materials on their own, Hinderliter said.
For the library staff, summer takes months to plan because it is one of the busiest seasons, she said.
People can stop at the library for fun for all ages. Programs are offered four days a week.
Wednesday's programs alone draw about 50 to 100 children, Hinderliter said.
Summer reading programs at the library, 218 N. McKean St., are open for all ages.
This year's summer reading theme is space, she said.
One family-friendly event is the July 20 celebration planned for the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing, she said. The event will include a story time, trivia about the space program, DIY galaxy shirts and other items and other space-related activities.
On a rainy day, dig into genealogy and investigate your family's history at the library's genealogy department, Hinderliter said.
Computers are also available for the public, she said, adding Princh is a new application at the library that can print pictures from a phone instead of a computer.
The library's distinction as a Family Place Library means it has an emphasis on birth-through-kindergarten and early learning, Hinderliter said. A play area is also open to children that includes toys and games.Family Bowlaway Fun Center, 540 Fairground Hill Road, has offered a free bowling program for kids for 30 years, said Hannah Boozel, administrative assistant.For about two years, the bowling center has participated in the Kids Bowl Free program where children ages 2 to 15 can bowl free every day, Boozel said.The program is designed by bowling centers to give back to the community and provide a safe, secure, and fun way for kids to spend time this summer, according to kidsbowlfree.com.Sign up at kidsbowlfree.com/center.php?alley_id=6711. Registered children receive two free games of bowling.Catch an indoor movie, said Emily Snow, family engagement and enrollment director at the Butler County Children's Center, 139 Rieger Road.Although summer is a time when most people look forward to going outside, the weather can dampen those plans, she said.Snow's office uses the summer to plan for the next school year at the nonprofit corporation and school, she said, adding enrollment is open.She also provides families a list of events for summer fun.Several low-cost activities to families who have access to transportation are Pittsburgh's Carnegie Science Center and the Natural Museum of History which offer discounted prices during the summer to Access card members.Once the weather breaks, people can return to bike, hike and watch movies and concerts at community parks and state parks, she said.
Rain or shine, there is always something to do. Check out these places to keep entertained:- Appalachian Rock Shop and Jewelry- BounceU- Family Bowlaway Fun Center & 11th Frame Bar and Grille- Fun Fore All- Get Air- Mars Lanes- Pirates Cove Waterpark at Conley Resort & Golf Club- UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex- Urban Air Adventure Park- The Lightning Bug - Fresh Food and FunSOURCE: Butler County Tourism and Convention Bureau
