Trying to find something to keep the kids occupied this summer? Or maybe looking for a distraction and some fun yourself?
The City of Huntsville Parks & Recreation Department has something going on at its 12 recreation centers and at the more than 60 city parks that are bound to capture your attention, literally from A (arts) to Z (Zumba).
There’s an assortment of camps and clinics, most of them free of charge, to help young athletes improve their games.
There are three “beat-the-heat” splash pads for children, at Bicentennial Park behind EarlyWorks Museum downtown, the EveryBody Can Play splash pad at Brahan Spring Park and the splash pad at Dr. Richard Showers, Sr., Recreation Center on Blue Springs Road.
The Parks and Recreation Department has an extensive list of options on the City website. Residents can check the page for the park and recreation center most convenient for them, or search for a specific activity.
Among the available opportunities:
— Saturdays in the Park, each Saturday in June at Big Spring Park East, from 9-10 a.m. Part of the Healthy Huntsville program, it features outdoor exercise programs.
— Boxing Clinic, Dr. Richard Showers, Sr., Recreation Center, Mondays and Wednesdays, 6 p.m.
— Youth Basketball Clinic, Optimist Recreation Center, each Monday in June, 5:30-6:30.
— Zumba classes, Challenger Gym, Tuesday and Thursdays in June, 5:30-6:30 p.m.
— Youth Pickleball Clinic, Max Luther Community Center, Monday, June 5 and Wednesday, June 7 from noon to 3 p.m.
— Sewing Group, Cavalry Hills Community Center, Tuesday at 10 a.m.
— Bridge, Optimist Recreation Center, Tuesday and Friday mornings at 9 a.m. (See website for specific dates)
— Three-point Shootout Contest, Brahan Spring Recreation Center, each Thursday at 3:30 p.m.
— Family Fun Fest, Saturday, July 8, 9 a.m. -1 p.m. at Jaycee Building and Festival Ground, which includes “field day” type games, food truck and live entertainment
— City Swim Meet, July 6-9 at Huntsville Aquatics Center
— Indoor Soccer Clinic, Optimist Recreation Center, for boys and girls ages four through eight, each Tuesday and Thursday between July 6-27 at 1 p.m.
— Volleyball Coaches Clinic, Max Luther Community Center, Thursday, July 27 from 5-6:30 p.m.
— Youth Volleyball Clinic, Lakewood Recreation Center, Saturday, July 29, 9-11 a.m.