May 25, 2015 4 min read

School’s out for summer, and while vacation may last only a few months, for parents it can feel like forever.

There are about 80 days between the end of this school year and the beginning of the next. That’s 1,120 daylight hours of child care to fill.

For working parents, and even those who just need a little respite from the constant barrage of entertaining little ones, the task can be overwhelming.

But a look around the area reveals several low-cost, child-friendly options.

Tracy Holsopple, director of Childcare Information Services of Washington County, said there are a variety of private summer day care options in the region.

She encouraged parents to tour facilities and inquire about hidden costs for extras like field trips before enrolling in any program.

“It’s most important to visit child-care programs,” she said. “Make sure it’s a good fit for your child.”

To keep their minds sharp and enhance school-time learning, kids can attend the many summer library reading programs offered throughout the region.

There are 14 libraries in the Washington County Library System, plus two in Greene, most of which offer programs for all ages at little or no cost.

Melinda Tanner, district consultant of the libraries, advised parents to contact their local library to find out dates and times for this year’s program, themed, “Every hero has a story.”

For older children and teens, Tanner suggested joining a book club.

“I encourage people to ask, and if there isn’t one, start one,” she said.

The Mon Valley YMCA summer day care, which runs June through August, is an option for parents who need consistent child care. Intended for kindergartners through age 10, the center is open from 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and offers many activities, including daily swimming, games, crafts and stories. All instructors are college graduates with educational degrees, said director Tracy Newman. Special programs include Friday field trips, guest speakers and an end-of-summer luau.

Burgettstown Kid’s Center offers a variety of free activities every month, as well. Ranging from craft classes to dances to kid bingo and movie nights, the center and nearby Burgettstown Park have become a hub for school-aged children, though director Jim Reedy invites kids of all ages.

The center’s summer schedule remains consistent with school-year activities, plus a few extras.

On June 26, about 150 kids and family members will journey to Idlewild amusement park, Ligonier, for a day trip, completely paid for by the self-funded center.

“To see the kids’ happy faces – it’s all worth it,” said Reedy, who receives help from a dedicated band of volunteers.

Organized games and outdoor activities will take place in July and August, utilizing the park’s two pavilions, gazebo, basketball courts and playground equipment.

“The center is a very vital part of the community,” said Reedy. “We’re all about promoting parent and child activities.”

Children need not be residents of Burgettstown to participate.

“Everyone is welcome,” Reedy said.

Canonsburg Borough will host the 10th year of the well-attended Camp Splash, which offers three hours of swimming daily. The day camp, running from the end of June to the beginning of August, promotes physical activity and interactive programs where kids from 5 to 15 participate in sports, games, crafts and scavenger hunts.

“We do a lot of fun things,” said Susan Hazlett, camp director. “We make it educational and fun.”

Campers also receive visits from local police and fire department members and do hands-on activities with Penn State Cooperative Extension educators.

For those looking for a relaxing way to spend a day outdoors with the kids, the area is home to many county parks, including Cross Creek, Ten Mile Creek and Mingo Creek, offering boating, fishing, trails, pavilions and playground equipment. Panhandle Trail includes 17 miles of walking, running and biking space. Many municipalities also have community parks, like Hanover Township Park, North Strabane Township Park, Washington Park and Billy Bell Park in South Strabane Township.