South Carolina is notorious for its long, hot summers. Here are some ways to keep your kids active, safe, and having fun before school starts back up!

• Hit up your local parks or playgrounds! Many have free summer programs for kids as well as great trails, open space, and playground equipment. Water parks included.
• Enjoy free concerts, movies in the park, or festivals. South Carolina has plenty! Check your local newspaper to find the details.
• Pack a picnic and, depending on your children’s age, find a hiking or walking trail to enjoy together. Have them act out different woodsy animals or try to find some good climbing trees.
• Head to the lake or the beach! You all can soak up the sun or battle the heat with some water fun.
• Spend a day cooling down in the library. Children of all ages can enjoy sitting in the air conditioning with a good book and picking out ones to take home with them.
• Many museums, zoos, and historic attractions have free or discounted days, especially during the summer. Riverbanks Zoo, for example, offers two admissions for the price of one on Toucan Tuesdays if you bring two cans to donate!