The last day of school was May 23, and I’m pretty sure you’re already hearing that litany from your kids. Our area is rich in activities for kids and teens, so you’re sure to find some answers to that question among the following possibilities.

• Lakeside Park. You can’t beat free. The park is open from 6:30 a.m. to sunset. It has picnic areas, tables, walking trails, a playground and access to swimming. A rental fee applies for Pavilion, and the boat launch fee is $5. Other than that, there is no charge for using our community park.

• Pell City Splash Pad. While you’re at the park, check out the Splash Pad. It is open Tuesday-Saturday from 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. The charge is only $3 for kids age three and over, and it is free for kids two years old and younger. Parents must accompany their kids, but there is no charge for adults.

• “Terrific Kid Tuesdays” at Quintard Mall. Starting at 11:30 a.m., kids can jump for free in the moon bounce, have their face painted and enjoy a free live animal show at noon. Kids also get a coupon book, which includes a 99-cent meal from Chick-fil-A.

• Amstar theaters at Quintard Mall. Amstar has $3 movies all day Tuesday, starting at 10 a.m.

• Pell City Premiere Lux Cine, Bowl and Pizza Pub. Pell City’s new entertainment center has almost anything you’re looking for. The theater has discounted prices on Tuesdays.

• Brunswick Bowling. There is an hourly rental fee for a lane. However, on Tuesdays before 4 p.m., games are only $1.50 each (maximum three per person).

• Ropes Course. For the daredevils, Pell City’s Entertainment Center has a ropes course. The cost is for a 20-minute session is $5 for everyone before 5 p.m. and slightly higher after 5 p.m.

• Pell City Public Library. The library sponsors a “Summer Reading Program” for kids 4 – 12 years old and one for older kids, grades 5-12. They also sponsor one for adults. All three programs include prizes.

• Vacation Bible School. Many of our Pell City churches have a Vacation Bible School that includes singing, crafts, and other fun activities. It’s free, and you don’t have to be a member of the church for your kids to attend.

There are several other activities for kids, which I haven’t included. But these nine are a good place to start. Most of them are either available for free or for a minimal cost. And any one of them is a good answer to the constant “What can I do?” questions that echo in every summer home that includes kids.