With summer on the horizon, children are itching to get out of school and have some free time, and parents are looking to fill their children’s summer with fun and constructive things to do. In Beaufort County, there is a lineup of activities and attractions available to fill one’s summer break with adventure and education.

Local organizations have put together many programs and opportunities for children’s recreational and educational activities. Summer skills camps stretch across multiple sports and organizations, including East Carolina University “rec junior camps,” Tumble B Gym and others.

Kids’ summer fun programs are available for registration and range from film and theatrical camps to library programs, Beaufort County College for Kids —educational and fun programming — and the Boys & Girls Club of Beaufort County, as well as Little Washington Sailing School, Inner Banks Music Academy, the North Carolina Estuarium, Beaufort County Police Activities League and Purpose of God Annex Outreach Center, to name a few.

Opportunities are available to more than just children. There are things to do in the area for the whole family. Inner Banks Outfitters provides a one-stop shop for biking and kayak rentals, and owner Liane Harsh is happy to get those interested started on a bike or kayak trail. Boat charters and marinas offer a means for those with or without boats to take a cruise out on the Pamlico River and its tributaries. The Hildred T. Moore Aquatics and Fitness Center has programs available for swimming enthusiasts. There are also around a dozen places to camp in Beaufort County, including Goose Creek State Park, a site of the N.C. State Park System that has its own lineup of programming, featuring education about the longtime history and heritage of the area.

Goose Creek also offers miles of hiking opportunities, and BCCC’s 1-mile IM FITT trail provides an opportunity for a full-body workout, with outdoor exercise equipment geared to enhance mobility and flexibility.

This is just the tip of the iceberg regarding the opportunities available to engage in throughout the summer. The activities are a good way to bring families together to make lasting memories, as well as making sure children are being constructive with their summer and staying out of trouble.

The Washington Daily News will release its annual Summer Fun Guide as an insert in its May 28-29 edition, giving a complete rundown of every activity and program available in Beaufort County.

Make the most of the summer by participating in the many events and programming made possible by area organizations.