Here are some of the fun things your keiki can do while they are home from school. From visits to the zoo and swim lessons to $1 movies, these are some of the activities happening on Oʻahu this summer.
1. Learn to swim. Kroc Center Hawaiʻi, YMCA and the City and County of Honolulu are just some of the places offering swim lessons. The Kroc Center Hawaiʻi also runs a Jr. Lifeguard Program and offers lifeguard and babysitting certification.
2. Zoo Camp. Keiki from five to 12 years old can spend time at the Honolulu Zoo as part of four-day or five-day camps. Participants get a chance to participate in hands-on lessons, crafts and games. The programs run from June 2 to Aug. 8. The cost is $352 for four days or $440 for five days. Sign up.
3. Surf, sail and paddle. Keiki between the ages of 8 and 13 years old can learn to surf, sail and paddle through Nā ʻŌpio Kai at Wai Kai in ‘Ewa Beach. One-week sessions start Monday, June 23, or Monday, June 30. Each session is $499. Register.
4. Movies (and air conditioning)! For just $1 per big screen feature, the entire family can enjoy favorites such as “Sonic the Hedgehog 3,” “The Wild Robot” and “Shrek 2” through Consolidated Theatres’ Keiki Film Hui. June 11 through July 23. Buy tickets.
5. Junior lifeguards. Keiki between the ages of 11 and 17 years old can learn life-saving techniques through the Honolulu Ocean Safety Department’s Junior Lifeguard Program. It teaches youth about ocean conditions, rescue techniques and CPR, among other things. Each session is limited to 50 students. Free. Sign up.
6. Eight Harry Potter movies. For $5 a movie, relive the adventures of Harry Potter and his friends as they tackle life at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Watch the movies at Consolidated Theatres across Oʻahu.
7. Sports, games and crafts. The City and County of Honolulu’s Department of Parks and Recreation still has opening for some of its Summer Fun programs, which run from June through July. Activities include sports, games and crafts. The registration fees range from $25 to $125.
8. Art, music, dance and sports. Kroc Center Hawaiʻi offers pickleball, basketball, volleyball and more. There are classes for ballroom, hula, ballet, hip hop and contemporary dance. Keiki interested in being on stage can also explore improv and acting classes. Teens can use the weight room or participate in stand-up paddleboard yoga. Sign up.
9. Explore law enforcement. Young adults between the ages of 13 and 18 years old can explore law enforcement through the Youth Citizens Police Academy from July 17 to 26 where they will learn about laws and firearm safety. Free. Limited to 25 students. Apply by June 13. Register.
10. Summer classes. Kamehameha Schools offers classes to help Native Hawaiian learners “explore their potential and develop as ʻōiwi leaders,” according to its website. ʻIolani School offers a one-week summer workshop that helps sophomores, juniors and seniors explore career pathways and engage with alumni. The cost is $250. The schools offers k-12 programs, including AI boot camp, outrigger canoe paddle crafting, robotics classes, a spy academy and more. Punahou School offers programs for k-12 students, including classes in ceramics, creative writing, drawing, mathematics and Hawaiian history, among other topics. Finally, the Kapolei-based Island Pacific Academy offers a “Welcome to Hogwarts Class” focused entirely on the book “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone.”
Know of a summer program that didn’t make this list? Email us.
Katie Helland can be reached at katie@alohastatedaily.com.
