Summer 2019 has officially begun and while you’re kiddo may be thrilled with their summertime freedom and time off from school, you’re just waiting for the inevitable “I’m bored.” mentality to kick in.

With all of these options at area destinations and with Ord Area Chamber members, your children will have no excuse for “being bored” this summer in Valley County.

15 Things for Kids to Do this Summer in Valley County

#1 Soak Up Some Sunshine
Grab a volleyball, basketball or some tennis rackets and head over to Bussell Park in Ord or the parks in North Loup or Arcadia to enjoy the great outdoors and a friendly game of sand volleyball or one-on-one basketball. Frisbee golf, picnics in the park, rollerblading or biking around Aubles Pond are all options too!

#2 Splash Around at the NEW Ord Swimming Pool and Splash Pad
The Alfred & Irma Burson Aquatic Center in Bussell Park in Ord will open for the season on May 24, 2019. Details on entry fees, season passes and hours can be found on their Facebook page. The official Grand Opening Celebration will take place on Saturday, June 15, 2019 with free swimming and a community BBQ.

#3 Heartland Youth Ranch Camp & Riding Sessions 
If your kiddo loves horses and being outdoors, Heartland Youth Ranch is just the place for them! Their annual camp is taking place June 17-21, 2019 and riding sessions can be scheduled throughout their season. Head over to their Facebook page for their summer happenings.

#4 Missoula Children’s Theatre & Other Events at The Golden Husk 
The Missoula Children’s Theatre is coming back to Valley County during the week of August 5, 2019 and all students that will be in 1st – 12th grade are invited to audition. The Golden Husk also offers a variety of concerts and activities throughout the year for all ages. Take a look at the Events tab on their Facebook page for details.

#5 Ord Summer Rec Program
Your kids will get to gather with friends on a regular basis during the Summer Rec Program which meets from June 6, 2019 through the end of July in Bussell Park. Contact the City of Ord at (308) 728-5791 for more information.

#6 Step Back in Time
Get in a little history lesson for the entire family with a visit to Fort Hartsuff State Historical Park near Elyria, Nebraska. It’s a great mash-up of wide open spaces, history and exploration. A state park permit is required.

#7 Camps & Workshops at the Central Community College Ord Learning Center
From babysitting workshops to bug camps, the CCC Ord Learning Center offers several youth camps and workshops as well as community education opportunities for all ages. Find more info on their upcoming events on Facebook and Instagram. Their summer youth camps fill up fast so be sure to register ASAP for anything your child is interested in.

#8 Summer Reading Program & Activities at the Ord Township Library 
Registration for the Summer Reading Program is May 28 through June 1, 2019. The Ord Township Library also hosts Movie Mondays and programs for kids from PreK – 6th grade on weekdays throughout the summer. You can always head over to the library any time to curl up with a good book too. Stay up to date on their summer offerings on their Facebook page.

#9 One-On-One Reading
Make sure your kiddos’ reading skills stay sharp throughout the summer with one-on-one reading with Nook & Cranny Reading.

#10 4H Programs & Progressive Agriculture Safety Day
The Valley County Fairgrounds will be buzzing with activity this summer. If your child is involved in 4-H, there are always workshops, educational programs, contests and of course, the Valley County Fair to take part in. The fairgrounds is also the site for the annual Progressive Agriculture Safety Day in June.

#11 Take a Family Stay-cation
Pack up the tent or load up the camper and bring the whole family out to camp under the stars at Davis Creek Reservoir or Bussell Park or your favorite campsite in the area.

#12 Grab the Tackle Box
Head over to Aubles Pond in Ord, Davis Creek Reservoir near North Loup or any of your other favorite fishing spots in Valley County to catch bass, catfish or walleye and work towards Master Angler status.

#13 North Loup Popcorn Days & Carnival
There’s always something for young ones (and those that are young at heart) to do during North Loup Popcorn Days (besides devour all the free popcorn they can eat). Popcorn Days will also feature a new carnival this year! Join the Facebook event for updates but for now, mark your calendars for August 16-18, 2019.

#14 National Night Out
Plans are still in the works, but mark your family calendar for August 6, 2019 for National Night Out.

#15 Part-Time Jobs, Internships & Job Shadowing
Your high school student can earn some extra cash and gain on-the-job experience with a part-time, summer job or even internship or job shadowing opportunities with local businesses. Take a look at the online Chamber business directory to help match up local options with their career interests.

Details on these and other community events can be found on the Chamber’s online community calendar and additional recreation and stay-cation ideas can be found at VisitValleyCounty.com.

What else do your kids love doing in Valley County during the summer? Add to the list in the comments below!