The summer is upon us! For most of us, this means juggling our own work, volunteer, and education schedules with family vacation getaways. This summer, the idea of a “staycation” has been very appealing after a busy spring.

Then the kids start: “I’m boooooorrreeeeddd!”

Whose idea was the staycation anyway?

Let’s take a look at all the activities your local community has to offer to keep everyone engaged, or relaxed, this summer.

Parks and Recreation – Take a look at the local parks and recreation guide for your closest community. Ask for a calendar of events and reservation information for the public or city parks nearby. Some of these activities will be pay-to-play and some will be open to the public with or without registration.

Theaters/Play Houses – Movie theaters often have children’s showings during the summer months. These will be popular films, old and new, at a discounted price while still enjoying the theater experience. Some communities host outdoor cinemas for families as well.  Your local playhouse may have some family shows this summer.  Missoula’s own Missoula Children’s Theatre tours the States (and world) teaching acting and producing plays starring your local children.

Museums – Start with the community museums (art, children’s, science, history) and ask for a listing of events they are hosting or sponsoring in the summer. You might even find a museum at a local outdoor market promoting their events or displays.

Online Advertised Events – When all else fails, look for events that are advertised online. Facebook Events is a great place to start. Western Montana communities have several websites run through GatherBoard. Communities in Arizona, California, Montana, Nevada, Texas, Washington, Canada, and Mexico use the same platform to calendar their events. Check out the premier site in Missoula to get an idea of what the platform could do for your community!

Music/Concert Venues – Think of the places likely to attract the music scene crowd such as amphitheaters, large city parks, well established concert venues, or music halls. Give them a ring and see what they have in store for the summer!

Public Centers/Community Centers/Fairgrounds/Libraries – This category can be a goldmine for summer activities. Summer fairs, summer reading programs and activities, the launchpad for summer outdoor markets, fundraisers, and well attended family outdoor events are likely held in or sponsored by these organizations.

Gyms – Your local YMCA, private fitness club, and membership-based gyms offer summer pay-to-play options. In addition, they may sponsor free public events in the community.

Outdoor Resorts/National Parks or Historic Sites – While National Parks or Historic Sites and summer amusement and water parks may be a no brainer for this list, don’t forget to check out the resorts that are operating during their off season. Ski resorts are often open for ziplining, mountain biking, tours and hikes.

Outdoor Recreation – Talk to your local recreation center or outdoors storefront and see what there is to do outdoors.  Buy a local hiking book and see a new high meadow or lake.  Alltrails.com makes it easy to find a trail near you. Book a rafting trip or buy a tube and float the river, or rent a canoe. Bike a local trail, heck bike to a local ice cream shop!

Look for the Markets – Peoples Markets, Farmers’ Markets, Craft and Trade Shows, Car Shows all spring up during the warmer months. Enjoy the opportunity to support local businesses and families, grab some tasty foods, and see all the unique offerings!

Schools – From elementary schools to universities, schools are a great site to host community events and fundraisers. Look at the school websites for event information since administration staff will be shorter during the summer months.

Stores – Barnes and Noble, Home Depot, REI, and Cabela’s are three great stores that host activities year round for children and adults. Look for promotions at your favorite restaurants and local foodies for other events that may be happening in the community.

Annual Festivals – Each community has at least one annual event that creates a spirit of camaraderie and fellowship. It may be participating in a 50 Mile Garage Sale, Huckleberry Festival, River City Roots Music Festival or Sweet Pea Festival, these events bring out more than just the locals.

It’s a great time to enjoy more than just summer weather. Rally your friends and family and engage in the community events near you. Your summer staycation may bring more than just the silencing of boredom complaints – adventure is always nearby!