For parents, those months are an exercise in keeping children occupied, especially considering they have all the time in the world, during summer vacation. Many a parent has heard their child or children say, “I’m bored” during a summer hiatus from school. Even today, when kids have access to the Internet, Facebook, video games, and the host of other distractions at their constant disposal, kids seemingly complain of boredom. These are a few ideas that can help parents keep kids occupied in constructive ways.

Hit the water

In Andalusia, city pools are scheduled to open June 7.

Cooper Pool, located on Snowden Drive, is open to the public June, July and August on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Swimming lessons last one hour a day Monday through Friday starting at 8 a.m. and ending at noon.

Coleman Pool is open to the public during June and July on Wednesdays and Fridays.

State parks in Florala and Opp, as well as at Gantt’s Pt. A, offer white shores, cool waters and a relaxing place for every member of the family.

Explore the forest

Discover what wonders our forests hold with a trip to the Conecuh National Forest.

Families can take a story through the many nature trails at Open Pond or the forest itself, or spend the day fishing at one of the many other ponds found inside the Conecuh.

The swimming is always good at Blue Lake, too. Take a picnic lunch and enjoy the great outdoors.

Library offers programs

“Dive into reading” at the Andalusia Public Library’s summer reading program.

At 3 p.m. each Thursday in June, the APL will host fantastical programs, said children’s librarian Caryl Lee Jackson. On June 3, the McWayne Science Center will present their “Wet and Wild” lesson on water; followed by a June 10 performance by Russell Davis, a profession comedic magician; a June 17 performance by Mark Rudd, a local martial arts instructor; and a June 24 storytelling session with Jennifer Dansby.

A children’s story time will follow every Friday morning at 10:30 a.m.

Skate your way through summer

Bring out the “Tony Hawk” in them at the Johnson Skate Park.

This outdoor family facility includes a wide variety of obstacles that will challenge all ability levels of skateboarders and skaters alike. The park opens daily at sunrise and closes at 10 p.m. This is an un-supervisored facility, and users must register at the office.

Waiver is required and must be signed by child and parent (if child is under 19 years old parents signature must be notarized). Photo I.D. is required. Passes are $10 annual and available at the Johnson Park office Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. until noon and from 1 p.m. until 5 p.m.

LAAC plans 2 camps

Encourage a child’s inner artist. Nearly every child has some artistic inclination, be it painting, singing, dancing or whatever.

Encourage the household Picasso to paint summer landscapes, which will get them off the couch and outdoors while cultivating a talent.

Whatever a child’s artistic inclination, the freedom of summer vacation is the perfect opportunity for kids to embrace theirs.

For those looking for a more structured creative setting, the Lower Alabama Arts Coalition will host its annual summer art series.

• Pre-school camp is June 7-11, 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. and will be taught by Jessica Tyler.

• Elementary age camp is June 14-18, 9 a.m.-noon and will be taught by Marilyn Moore.

Each camp is $60 per week.

There is limited space, so parents are encouraged to sign their children up early. Call 222-3205.