Sometimes the best part of summer vacation is the ability to stay put and spend some quality time with the family. In the spirit of making the most of your "staycation", we've compiled a few great ideas for local outings that will keep you and your little ones entertained over the next couple of months. See if you can hit them all-- we dare you!

1. Summer Art Adventures Camp

Located right down the road at the St. George's School Germantown campus, this week-long camp will give your tiny tot the chance to get in touch with their inner artist. The camp is for boys and girls ages PK through 3rd grade, and will last from June 11-15, 12pm to 3pm. All that is required is a snack, water bottle and large white t-shirt. It's $145 for the whole week, and is limited to 15 children for extra teaching attention, so sign up quickly! The end of the school year doesn't mean it's time to stop learning and sharpening your itty bitties' little noggins, after all. Activities at the camp include water colors, drawing, collages, oil pastels, dying and texture. Contact Priscilla Thompson for more information (901-261-2323 or pthompson@sgis.org).

2. The Children's Museum of Memphis

 

Speaking of keeping their little mind's moving despite a lack of school lessons, why not take your crew to a place that encourages imagination through hands-on activities and games? Our very own children's museum does just that and more, and is open seven days a week from 9am-5pm. The splash pad is a great place to cool off, and there are many special events and camps available on their website.

3. Memphis Botanic Gardens- CandyplantLand

Always a favorite for becoming one with nature, our very own botanic gardens will be hosting an event made for your kiddos. CandyplantLand is a space designed to make your children feel as if they are in a life size version of their favorite board game, CandyLand. They'll travel along a path learning about plants used to make their favorite sweet treats, and they'll even be able to climb a rock wall on Big Rock Candy Mountain, bounce through Marshmallow Meadow and swing on Licorice Leap. The event will be held on June 1st  from 6pm to 8 pm with a $10 admission charge, but the exhibit will remain open all summer long. For more info call 636-4131.

4. Collierville Splash Park

Designed to give your kids a chance to cool off and enjoy the great outdoors this summer, this area of W.C. Johnson Park provides an ideal and safe space for water entertainment. The park is open Tuesday  through Sunday from 9am to 8pm, and kids 12 and under are welcome with adult supervision. They'll love the idea of running around and playing in an extra large sprinkler!