Don’t let your kids stay cooped up all summer. Here are a few ways to get out and soak up all the season has to offer.—Stephanie DeVaux
Block Party: LEGO Gatherings. Here’s a block party for the ages (5 and up, that is). One part Legos, one part creativity. Plus, GAL provides the Legos, so no need to B.Y.O. blocks. Registration is not required. Stop by whenever you’re in the building mood. May 21, 4pm; Gordon Avenue Library (1500 Gordon Ave.); 296-5544; Free
Tots & Dots. Calling all aspiring art aficionados (ages six months to 4 years) to gather for this two-part visual literacy program. After a brief tour, children will engage in multisensory and social play. Most participants emerge as the next Picasso, but results may vary. First Tuesday of each month, 10:30 to 11:15am; Kluge-Ruhe Aboriginal Art Collection (400 Worrell Dr.); 244-0234; Free
4th Annual 4 the Wounded 5K Kids Fun Run. Run for a cause in the 4 the Wounded 5K Kids Fun Run. Kids run free, but all donations and proceeds from adult registration fees go toward the Wounded Warrior Project. To participate, register online (4thewounded5k.com). June 7, 8am-noon; UVA Research Park (Lewis & Clark Drive); 982-4850; Free
Family Art JAM: Color and Shape. Get out of the classroom and into an environment where the whole family can participate. Come to The Fralin for interactive tours and hands-on art activities. Age-appropriate tours are geared toward children 5-7 years old from 1-3pm, and children 8 to 12 years old from 3-5pm. Reservations are required, so call before spaces fill up. June 28, 1-5pm; The Fralin Museum of Art (155 Rugby Rd.); 906-1022; $5-20, depending on membership
Poetry Club Tuesdays. Kids say the darndest things, so why not let them write it down? Writers ages 5 and up will learn about establishing their own poetic voice. Plus, they’ll get a chance to have their masterpieces featured in the museum as the poem of the week. Registration is not necessary, but make sure to stop by early before spaces fill up. Tuesdays, 4pm; Virginia Discovery Museum (524 E. Main St., Downtown Mall); 977-1025; Free
Kids Night Out Let’s go, KNO! Hit the pool for a night to remember for ACAC’s Kids Night Out. Kids ages 5 and older (who are comfortable swimming without a flotation device) will meet, mingle, and play in the indoor pool. Bring your own bathing suit and towel. E-mail cvkids nightout@acac.com
to register. June 7, 5:30-9pm; ACAC Albemarle Square & Downtown; Free
Bounce in. What defies gravity, is tons of fun, but doesn’t exist in Charlottesville? Jumpology, which we’re crossing our fingers makes its way to Charlottesville soon. The fun spot, which (so far) is in Richmond (10087 Brook Rd., Glen Allen), is essentially a giant indoor trampoline. When you step (or more likely, bounce) into its “open jump field,” you’ll be on a floor made of over 35 connected trampolines. There’s more than just jumping to this funhouse, though. Try trampoline dodge ball, a specialized jump workout class, or a high-flying dive into the foam pit. Plus, throw the safety fears associated with outdoor trampolines out the window. Studies conducted by the experts at Jumpology show that injuries are more likely to occur during an intense game of bowling.