What are we going to do all summer?

For me, its just easier with the boys when we have a plan and somewhere to go. Too long in the house with each other and they are just picking at each other, fussing, and acting crazy. And since you can't leave them in time out all day (just kidding), it just works better if we get out. Seriously, I know my boys can get bored very easily at home and I know what kind of situation boredom creates so to give them every opportunity to succeed where good behavior is concerned, I try to plan out some fun stuff.
I've been searching online, in magazines, talking with other moms and I'm excited about some of the things I've found. I thought I'd post them here to share. We're having a discussion in my Mothers of Preschoolers group on Wednesday about summer activities and I can't wait to see what the other ladies have to share.
For now, here are some things I've come across:
Lane Motor Museum
www.lanemotormuseum.org
This is on Murfreesboro Rd (on the closer end to Nashville). My boys loved it last summer and I'm certain will want to go back this year. Its filled with older cars and unusual cars, and motorbikes. Its $5 for adults and children under 18 are free. Open Thus-Mon 10-5pm
Dinosaur World
www.dinoworld.net
You will have to click on the one for Kentucky. It is a drive but the boys loved it. You can take a picnic lunch and eat under their pavilion. They also have a playground. $9.75 for adults $7.75 for children 3 and above. They also have a "fossil" dig where the kids can dig for artifacts.
Tip-A-Canoe
www.tip-a-canoe.com
Take a canoe trip on the Harpeth. They provide the canoe and the lifejackets as long as your child is 25 pounds and above. The canoe trip is about an hour long.
Y Day Camps
www.ymca.org
If your child is a rising 1st grader or above, the Y offers a variety of day camps- a week long with different themes. Wet N Wild- focuses on water games and water play, etc
Blue Heron Nature Cruises
www.blueheroncruises.com
Kids Adventure Cruise on most Saturdays leaving at 10am. Ages 5 and up
Barnes and Noble
www.bn.com
The Barnes and Noble here in Hendersonville has a fun story hour but they also have some other great activities. One day a month (reoccurring) they have an American Girl hour. I have boys so I didn't write that info down but you can go to their website and then to the Hendersonville store and check it out. On May 24th and June 28th, they have a Magic Treehouse Book Club at noon.
Cheekwood
www.cheekwood.org
Every Saturday from 10-12 they have crafts for children. Check out their website for the specified craft. June 5th through the 31st, Thursday nights at 6:30 they have a storyteller, puppeteers and live music.
Discovery Center at Murfee Springs
www.discoverycenteronline.org
$5 admission. 2 and under free
Adventure Science Museum on a much smaller scale.
Dyer Observatory
www.dyer.vanderbilt.edu
They have various activities during the month so please check out their website. Kids Exploration Night every month- next one is May 23rd 6-9pm $5 per person with a $10 family cap. Will be able to look through the telescopes in the observatory and have a craft- I think they will make a comet. Ages 6 and up.
Cedars of Lebanon Horseback Riding
www.horserentals.com/cedarsoflebanon.html
Memorial Day thru Labor Day 9-5pm. Rides leave every hour. Its is a 45 minute ride. Ages 7 and up can ride alone. Ages 3-6 must ride with an adult.
Delmas Long Community Center
http://activenet5.active.com/cityofgoodlettsville/
Summer Escape Day Camps each week with different themes. 9-1pm cost is $35. Ages 5-11