It’s officially been over a week since most finished school so you may find yourself scrambling for more ideas on how to entertain the kids, so here are a few easy and free (or mostly free) options to do so right here in Almonte:

• • Go biking; pick a different route every time.
  • Paint rocks and display them in the park to brighten someone’s day.
  • Go on a scavenger hunt to see how many little free libraries you can find in town.
  • 🌼 Go to the plant nursery and explore all of the beautiful florals and greenery; bonus if you take some home to plant in the garden (even better if they are veggies!).
  • Go for ice cream or a frozen treat. My favourites are the Almonte Ice Cream Shop, Sweet & Fabulous, and there is also the I Scream Truck, and Scoops in Pakenham.
  • Book a canoe/kayak/board rental and go for an early morning paddle on the calm river.
  • Go bowling.
  • Find a local farm you can visit to see the animals, and bonus if you can pick up supplies for dinner at the market stand.
  • Bring the kids to the driving range or putting green.
  • Book a spa day or morning. Here in Almonte we have the lovely Blush&Black Spa.
  • Book a tour of the local museum. We’ve got the Textile Museum here in Almonte.
  • Visit the splash pad at Gemmill Park or find a new sprinkler park a little outside of your neighbourhood.
  • Plan for a picnic in the park or along the trails.
  • 🐄 Take a walk to the local cow statue (across the street from HFT doughnuts and down the road from Vodkow if the adults want to bring home a treat too)
  • Visit your local Library (we love the MMPL!).
  • Walk around your neighbourhood and local nature spots, and gather materials to make your own fairy garden or dinosaur sanctuary. [with permission, of course, not everywhere lets you take things]
  •  Go to the beach. We’ve got a few right here in Almonte, and so many in the Ottawa area.
  • 🎠 Take a day trip to local attractions. Nearby we’ve got Perth, Smiths Falls, Calabogie, Arnprior, Constance Bay, Almonte of course, Carleton Place, and Ottawa.
  • Check out the Teddy Bear Picnic happening on July 9th at Gemmill Park, and help raise some funds for CHEO. Missed it? Our next event is on September 10th to raise funds for the local library (Mississippi Mills Public Library).
  • Go treasure hunting at your local thrift store. Here in Almonte we have The Hub, Big Vintage, Brenda’s New to You, Rebound Reuse-It, Almonte Antiques & Collectibles, and Nine Lives Antiques. Carleton Place has As Good As New, Apple Cheeks, and Carousel (one location is consignment & the other is new items).
  • Horseback riding.
  • 🧩 Puzzles are a great way to spend some time indoors when the weather is too wet or hot, and you can pick one up at your local library or thrift store.
  • Basketball or other sports at various parks throughout the area, or in your own yard.
  • Create a meal plan for a few meals this week, with recipes and a shopping list, and then let kiddos do the shopping while you enjoy the cool grocery store.

Did I miss anything? What else have YOU done this summer?