ACOE In Touch Newsletter
Special Edition: FREE Countywide Summer Activities and Events
Summer brings along great oppportunities for families and children to explore their community and nearby neighborhoods. It is a great time to engage in cultural activities, enjoy family, do something good for the environment, and enjoy physical exercise by playing outdoors. In this Special Summer Edition of In Touch we have compiled a list of FREE activites and events within Alameda County and by region (North-County, Mid-County, South-County and Tri-Valley) for all to enjoy.
We encourage you to take a moment to review what's available to you, organize a group of friends, and venture out to learn and play.
Please feel to forward this information to colleagues, friends, and family-- there is fun for everyone!
As always, we are here to continue our leadership in providing opportunities for educators, administrators, families and children.
Have a safe and healthy summer vacation.
Stay In Touch!
Sheila.
Alameda County Library
Families can take advantage of free family passes to the Asian Art Museum, Bay Area Discovery Museum, and the Contemporary Jewish Museum from the following branch libraries: Albany, Castro Valley, Dublin, Fremont, Newark, San Lorenzo, and Union City. You may check out the passes from the Library Information Desk. Click here for specific details.
East Bay Parks
EB Park and Recreation launches The Kids Challenge program based on the California Children's Outdoor Bill of Rights, which recommends a fundamental list of experiences to benefit from before entering high school. Register to receive the guide booklet and a special prize to help you get started (1 per child, while supplies last). A commemorative patch will be sent after completing the challenge. Course Code: 23496.
To enroll in the free program and receive your Kids Challenge booklet:
Call 1-(888) EBPARKS or Register Online
Free Summer Lunch Programs
Any family who struggles with the burden of feeding children and teens when regular school meal programs aren't available can take advantage of the Summer Lunch Program. Alameda County will provide free midday meals on weekdays to children and teenagers (18 and under), regardless of their family income. No registration or paperwork is required for the Summer Lunch Program - children who show up will be served a nutritious and delicious lunch. The 2010 Summer Lunch program begins on Monday, June 21, 2010 Click here for more information.
Alameda County Nutrition Food Assistance Programs
There are several assistance programs (English / Spanish) that provide supplemental food for you and your family. These programs increase food availability and reduce hunger by providing children and low-income individuals and families access to healthy food.
Click here for English or Spanish language information.
Free Museum Admission for Active Duty Military Personnel
This summer, more than 600 museums in all 50 states are offering free admission to active duty military personnel and their families from Memorial Day, May 31, 2010, through Labor Day, September 6, 2010 to show their appreciation for those who are serving this nation.
Click here for more information.
This summer, more than 600 museums in all 50 states are offering free admission to active duty military personnel and their families from Memorial Day, May 31, 2010, through Labor Day, September 6, 2010 to show their appreciation for those who are serving this nation.Click here for more information.
Everyday is Earth Day!
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) encourages children to make small and significant contributions to the environment. Click here for a downloadable activity booklet for children to gain energy savings awareness and take action in their homes and schools. Click here for downloadable booklet.
It's Reading Time!
Children 12 years or under can take advantage of the following free-book opportunities:The "Double-Dog Dare" by Borders: If you read 10 books by August 26, 2010 you can go to any Borders or Waldenbooks, list the books you read, and chose one book for free! Click here to learn more.
Barnes and Noble's Summer Reading Challenge: Earn a free book when you read 8 books by September 7, 2010. Click here to download forms and get started!
Got Good Grades?
Getting good grades in school is always a priority. Now there's an extra reward for studying hard. The Topps of the Class program has been created to give you a great trading card gift when you put your mind to work. Every time you bring in a report card to this store, the manager will award youngsters with a gift. Work hard in school, receive cards. It's that simple. Click here to find a store near your home.
North County
Albany, Berkeley/Emeryville, Oakland, and Piedmont
Albany
The City of Albany's Recreation and Community Services hosts its Annual 4th of July Celebration at Memorial Park. Enjoy a fun and educational afternoon for the children and family. Click here for more details.
The Library presents "Laughing for the Health of it!" with Bev Bender, a free program for older adults to enjoy. Laughter is believed to still be the best medicine with proven physiological and psychological benefits. "Come and enjoy because your health is a laughing matter!" Click here to learn more.
Berkeley/Emeryville
The City of Berkeley's Adventure Playground offers free admission for children accompanied by an adult to climb on the many unusual kid designed and built forts, boats, and towers. Ride the zip line, or hammer, saw, and paint to your heart's content! Click here for more details.
The City of Berkeley's Adventure Playground offers free admission for children accompanied by an adult to climb on the many unusual kid designed and built forts, boats, and towers. Ride the zip line, or hammer, saw, and paint to your heart's content! Click here for more details.
Piedmont
Piedmont's Recreation Center invites families and friends to join their free 2010 Movies in the Park at dusk. Click here for details.
Oakland
Explore the Night Skies at the Chabot Observatories in Oakland with free telescope viewing on Fridays and Saturdays. Click here for more details.
Mid-County
Alameda, San Leandro, San Lorenzo
Alameda
Come out and celebrate the 44th Annual Sand Castle and Sand Sculpture Contest on Saturday June 19, 2010 at the Robert Crown Memorial State Beach. Click here to learn more about registration or viewing and judging hours.
Alameda offers three Free Family Starlight Movies at the Park. Come out, cozy up and enjoy a series of family films. Click here for more details.
San Leandro
The City of San Leandro offers a summer activities guide for children and families looking for summer time fun. Click here for more information.
San Lorenzo
The Library presents "Laughing for the Health of it!" with Bev Bender, a free program for older adults to enjoy. Laughter is believed to still be the best medicine with proven physiological and psychological benefits. "Come and enjoy because your health is a laughing matter!"
Click here to learn more.
Click here to learn more.
South County
Castro Valley, Fremont, Hayward, Newark, New Haven
Castro Valley/Fremont/Newark/Union City
The Library presents "Laughing for the Health of it!" with Bev Bender, a free program for older adults to enjoy. Laughter is believed to still be the best medicine with proven physiological and psychological benefits. "Come and enjoy because your health is a laughing matter!" Click here to learn more.
Fremont
Fremont offers a Free Summer Concert Series between July 8 and August 12, 2010. Get out and enjoy a wonderful BBQ, musical performances, and the Kids' Corral--which includes a bounce house, arts and crafts, and a kid-friendly environment. Click here to learn more.
Hayward
The Hayward Recreation and Park District and the City of Hayward present Movies on the Plaza and Summer Concerts in the Park. The events are free and open to the public to enjoy. Please click for more details.
Tri-Valley
Dublin, Livermore, Mountain House, Pleasanton, and Sunol Glen
Dublin
Free Family Film Festival tickets are available at the Hacienda Crossings Stadium 21 & IMAX theaters. The Regal Entertainment Group offers a free, fun-filled summer of select movies for kids and parents. Click here for dates and times and scroll down to Dublin for details.
The Library presents "Laughing for the Health of it!" with Bev Bender, a free program for older adults to enjoy. Laughter is believed to still be the best medicine with proven physiological and psychological benefits. Come and enjoy because your health is a laughing matter! Click here to learn more.
Livermore
The Livermore Area Recreation and Park District offers classes, programs and events for children and families. Join their 4th of July Parade, Children's Fair, camps and more. Click here for more details.
The Livermore Area Recreation and Park District offers classes, programs and events for children and families. Join their 4th of July Parade, Children's Fair, camps and more. Click here for more details.
Mountain House (Tracy Region)
The City of Tracy offers a variety of parks and community events for the Tri-City area. Activities including Movies in the Park, the Top Dog Parade and Expo, and more. Click on the catalog to view activities, programs and services.
Pleasanton/Sunol Glen
The City of Pleasanton proudly hosts families under the stars! The free Movies in the Park schedule begins Thursday from July 22 to August 26-bring your picnic, blankets, and low beach chairs. Click here for dates and times, and to download the summer activities and camps brochure for families and children.
The City of Pleasanton proudly hosts families under the stars! The free Movies in the Park schedule begins Thursday from July 22 to August 26-bring your picnic, blankets, and low beach chairs. Click here for dates and times, and to download the summer activities and camps brochure for families and children.
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