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How to keep your kids happy and busy this summer

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) – Summer break is underway for many central Indiana kids and that means parents will be looking to find ways to keep those kids busy in the coming weeks.

Indy with Kids, a free website created by local mom Katy Mann, compiled a list of activities for each and every day called 101 Days of Summer.

Mann says start at your local library. The Indianapolis Public Library and most others provide summer reading programs and other activities for free. There’s more than just reading – Indianapolis branches are even offering human beat boxing lessons this summer.

If you’re looking to enjoy the outdoors and are willing to spend some money, local water parks are now open including those in Greenwood, Carmel and Plainfield. Mann says take advantage of family season passes to save some cash if you plan on visiting often.

“Water parks are a really fun activities for a family, especially if you have kids that vary in age. They’ll be able to find something that hits their interests, hits their skill level from rock-climbing walls in the water to surfing to big slides, to little, tiny, nice, calm play areas,” Mann said.

Mann also says don’t forget take advantage of the first-time freebies or discounts at local attractions.

“Then you’re going to find out that your child gets interested in something that they didn’t know about before. Archery, drums, music, anything. Try something new this summer. This is the summer to really try something new and find out what their interests might be rather than something they’re used to and surrounded by the rest of the school year,” Mann said.

The Indianapolis Zoo is also a big draw for families in the region. Check their website to see when they expect lighter crowds and you can save on admission fees.

Also, the first Thursday of every month is free admission at The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m.

Start your summer on target by attending a free grand opening event Saturday, June 6 at Koteewi Park in Hamilton County for their archery range. For more on that, watch Daybreak on Friday. We’ll be giving you a sneak peek into the facility.

And if a bow and arrow isn’t your weapon of choice, maybe a lightsaber is. All new this summer, the Indy Lightsaber Academy is offering classes for children 10 and up, including adults. The first class is $5. Organizers encourage those with younger children to call and express interest. If enough people do so, they may create a class suited toward a younger age group.

For more summer activities, click here.