As the count-down to the end of the school year begins, it’s time to start looking for fun activities to fill up those long summer days. You can cool down in the pool with some synchronized swimming lessons or heat things up in the kitchen in culinary arts camp. Detailed below is a list of programs for children and adults alike.

Sports and Recreation

Children’s Swim Lessons

Swimming lessons for children taught by American Red Cross certified instructors. Must register online.

Dates: Courses taugt in two week sessions beginning June 2. Lessons end July 13.
Cost: $15 per session
Location: All City of Tucson pools

Synchronized Swimming

Competitive program that teaches children 6 to 17 years old basic to intermediate synchronized swimming skills. At the end of the season, swimmers will perform a routine at a city-wide competition.

Dates: Registration: May 25-June 8, Season: June 6-July 12
Cost: $41 for city residents, $51 for non-residents
Locations: Amphi, Archer, Clements, El Pueblo, Ft. Lowell, Purple Heart, Quincie Douglas, and Udall[box] For more detailed information about the programs Tucson Parks and Recreation is offering this summer, you can view their program catalog online. [/box]

Swim Team

Introductory competative swimming program for children 4 to 17 years old that includes daily swim practice in preparation for a series of evening swim meets held throughout the summer.

Dates: Registration: May 25-June 8, Season: June 6- July 12
Cost: $30 for city residents, $38 for non-residents
Locations: Amphitheater, Archer, Catalina, El Pueblo, Escalante, Freedom, Fort Lowell, Himmel, Palo Verde, Purple Heart, Quincie Douglas, Sunnyside, Udall

Aquathon Series

Ongoing biathlon series composed of a 800 yard swim and 3 mile run for adults or a 200 yard swim and 1 mile run for children 14 and under. Suitable for all experience levels, but must be at least 12 years of age.

Dates: Races held at 7 p.m. every Monday and Wednesday starting May 28. Series will end with a championship race for both children and adults on July 22.
Cost: Adults: $8 per race, Children: $3 per race
Location: Quincie Douglas Pool, 1563 E. 36th St.

Late Night Hoops

Basketball program for adults and children at least 9 years of old. Male, female, and co-ed teams available.

Dates: Registration: April 21, Season: May 16-June 2, games are held at 6 p.m. Monday-Thursday
Cost: $150 for an adult team, $50 for a youth team
Location: El Rio Neighborhood Center, 1390 W. Speedway Blvd.

Youth and Teen Programs

Nutrition Camp

A program for teens ages 11 to 15 to learn about healthy eating choices and basic cooking skills.

Dates: Dates will be announced in mid May.
Cost:Free
Location: House of Neighborly Service, 243 W. 33rd St.
For more Info: www.colorthemural.com

Academic Programs

KIDCO summer recreation program

Day program for children 5-11 years old that includes activities like making crafts, going on field trips, playing games and watching movies.

Dates: Monday- Friday 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., Session one: June 3-June 28, Session two: July 1-July 26
Cost: $125 for city residents, $150 for non-residents
Locations: Archer Center, Bloom Elementary School, Borton Magnet School, Cherry Ave. Center, Clements Center, Donna Liggins Center, El Pueblo Center, El Rio Center, Freedom Center, Grijalva Elementary School, Marty Birdman Center, Oury Recreation Center, Santa Rosa Center, Udall Center

Yo Si Puedo!

A family-based augmentative communication therapy and recreation program for young people 3-22 years of age from Spanish-speaking familes.

Dates: June 10 – July 10, classes offered Monday – Thursday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Cost: Free
Location: Ocatio Early Learning
For more info: Call Lourdes Garino-Martnez at 406-9816

Volcano Party – it’s Lava Time

Here, kids will learn about volcanic gasses while experimenting with dry ice. There will be snacks such as volcano cake and dry ice root beer float. This event is part of the Pima County public library summer reading program.

Dates: May 28, 2 – 3:p.m.
Cost: Free
Location: Santa Rosa Branch Library at 1075 S. 10th Ave.
For more info: Call 790-4010.

Dream Catcher Wall Hangings

An activity for all members of the family to learn about the Native American legend of the dream catcher. There will also be a chance to create your own dream catcher to hang on your wall. This event is part of the Pima County public library summer reading program.

Dates: June 24, 2 – 3:30 p.m.
Cost: Free
Location: Santa Rosa Branch Library, 1075 S. 10th Ave.
For more info: Call 790-4010

Hands on Science – Rocket Demo

Kids will learn about the science behind flight and can participate in launching model rockets!

Dates: July 17, 2 – 3: p.m.
Cost: Free
Location: Santa Rosa Branch Library, 1075 S. 10th Ave.
For more info: Call 790-4010

Vacation Bible School

Children get to read Bible stories, watch videos and learn about the gospels with fun activities involved.

Dates: June 23-27, 9a.m.-12p.m.
Cost: Free
Location: Southside Presbyterian Church, 317 W. 23rd Street
For more info: Call 623-6857

Messy Science

Children are able to do experiments which include making slim, seltzer rockets, erupting volcanoes and much more.

Date: June 3, 2-3p.m.
Cost: Free
Location: Sam Lena Library, 1607 S. 6th Ave
For more info: Call 594-5265

Fizzeology

Kids get to be a scientist for a day! Conduct experiments with liquids and solids that fizz.

Date: June 17, 2-3p.m.
Cost: Free
Location: Sam Lena Library, 1607 S. 6th Ave
For more info: Call 594-5265

Slime!

Kids get to learn about unique molecules that are vital to modern civilization. They get to make their own model molecules out of slime, silly putty and styrofoam.

Date: June 24, 2-3p.m.
Cost: Free
Location: Sam Lena Library, 1607 S. 6th Ave
For more info: Call 594-5265

Fundamental Forces

Kids get to learn about physics and are able to see demonstrations of gravity and inertia through awesome devices.

Date: July 9, 2-3p.m.
Cost: Free
Location: Sam Lena Library, 1607 S. 6th Ave
For more info: Call 594-5265

Bugs

Hands-on acivities where students get to learn about the most abundant animals all over the world.

Date: July 16, 2-3p.m.
Cost: Free
Location: Sam Lena Library, 1607 S. 6th Ave
For more info: Call 594-5265

Fizz Boom Read

A summer reading program for kids of all ages to dedicate time to extra reading while out of school. Each child has a goal to read a certain amount of pages throughout the summer. The reading programs are spread out through Pima County Public Libraries.

Dates: May 22-July 19
Cost: Free
Location: Pima County Public Libraries
For more info: http://www.library.pima.gov/

Arts Programs

Culinary Arts Camp

A five -day cooking camp taught by local chefs and some from the Pima Community College department. Topics will include kitchen safety, as well as nutrition and healthy eating choices.

Dates: Dates will be announced in mid May.
Location: House of Neighborly Service, 243 W. 33rd St.
Cost: Free
For more info: www.colorthemural.com

Music Camp

An activity for children to learn about rhythm and sound from a retried music teacher. On the last day parents will be invited to come listen and watch their children perform.

Dates: Dates will be announced in mid May.
Cost: Free
Location: House of Neighborly Service.
For more info: www.colorthemural.com

Drama Camp

A program for children to learn about different art organzations. There will also be a hands on panting project.

Dates: Dates will be announced in mid May.
Cost: : Free
Location: House of Neighborly Service.
For more info: www.colorthemural.com

A Cook’s Garden

A free cooking class where everyone is able to learn how to plant and use fresh ingredients for their meals.

Date: July 1, 3-4p.m.
Cost: Free
Location: Sam Lena Library, 1607 S. 6th Ave
For more info: Call 594-5265

Colorful Creatures

A craft day for kids who get to use markers, watercolors or make a collage of their favorite sea creatures.

Date: July 15, 2-3p.m.
Cost: Free
Location: Sam Lena Library, 1607 S. 6th Ave
For more info: Call 594-5265

Round-up of 2014 Summer Activities in Tucson