Summer is full of activities and events, and this area offers an incredible array this year. Slip into summer with fun events, activities, volunteer opportunities and more for all ages in the Tri-Cities.
Kids Camps and Classes
The Academy of Children’s Theater offers an exciting selection of camps, classes, and programs. Camps run Monday through Friday, for different lengths of time depending on age. Every week, camp themes change, providing an experience tailored to many interests. View available classes and register here.
Two local gyms include a summer kids camp among their many other services. Columbia Basin Racquet Club’s Kid Camp runs from June 16 to August 27 for kids ages 5 to 13. Every Monday through Friday, from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., kids can enjoy arts & crafts, swimming, rock wall climbing, kids’ fitness activities, racquetball, gym games, and more.
Pacific Clinic, previously The Tri-Cities Court Club, holds an adventure camp that runs from June 21 to August 27 for kids ages six to ten. Campers can attend weekly, on a Monday to Friday basis, or on selected days. Each day, from 7:15 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., campers enjoy activities similar to CBRC’s, but Pacific Clinic also includes cooking classes in their activities. Both gyms offer camps for members and nonmembers, but rates apply accordingly.
Registration for the YMCA Summer Day Camp and the Boys and Girls Club’s Summer Camp is open. The YMCA offers a program from June 16 to August 27 for kids ages 5 to 12. The Boys and Girls Club likewise runs from June 16 to August 27 but has many different age and camp duration options. Both programs are designed to give kids an engaging summer experience.
Corbie Arts, run by local artist Kristina Massey, offers a five-week art class for kids. Each hour-long class explores different materials, techniques, and subject matters. Classes for many different ages are available.
Free Kids Activities
Atomic Bowl in Richland is participating in the Kids Bowl Free program. Kids ages 2 through 18 can bowl two free games every day of the week through September. Register here. Shoe rental rates apply.
Mid Columbia Libraries currently has a book bag program available that makes library trips easy and fast. Submit a request for a library grab bag and pick up an array of books personally selected by the librarians for your children.
In addition to the library grab bag, Mid Columbia Libraries also has their Reading Program, Reading Colors Your World. Between June 1 and August 13, kids can read and engage in activities to win badges and prizes. Any kid between 0 to 12 years old will receive a free book.
The Richland Public Library hosts a socially distanced storytime at the Fingernail at Richland’s Howard Amon Park. Every Saturday and Wednesday at 10 a.m., kids are welcome to come and enjoy the fun. Currently, these storytimes are scheduled through the middle of July and will be reevaluated as the restrictions for COVID-19 change.
Splash pads are a great activity to help keep cool in the summer heat. Richland splash pads plan to open on July 1. Pasco splash pads are scheduled to open after June 30. Kennewick’s splash pads are not currently scheduled to open yet. Check their site to see if and when their services will begin. These dates are subject to change as the area progresses into the next stage of the COVID-19 safety regulation plan.
Even with all the programs and activities available, staying busy at home is an essential part of summer. The following resources are great for keeping kids happy at home.
- The Richland Public Library offers a virtual storytime with Miss Kelly. Many books are prerecorded and ready to be listened to at any time on their Facebook page.
- The Boys and Girls Club has a Virtual Club that is available for kids to explore. There are many categories to enjoy, including DIY projects, food recipes, educational STEM projects, and other fun things.
- The Richland Rec Center created a Virtual Recreation Center during the pandemic with tons of online activities. Richland’s site tours bring travel to you, have many live webcams from zoos and much more to explore.
Volunteer Opportunities
Habitat for Humanity builds homes for families in the area. Teenagers 16 years and older can join construction teams on-site and be a part of the construction. Kids under 16 still can get involved in other ways. This article has some fun examples of how other kids have gotten involved. Email Alexandria Munoz, the Volunteer Coordinator at volunteer@habitat-tcp.org, for more information.
Animals at the Tri-Cities Animal Shelter are always in need of socialization. Reach out to Julie or Stacy on the TCAS Dog Walkers Facebook page to find out how to become a volunteer dog walker.
Summer Events
June 6: Live Summer Pop Music Concert
The Mid-Columbia Mastersingers are putting on a Summer Pop Concert. They will be performing many pop hits from the 1970s to today. Two performances will be available for attendance: 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. Ticket prices are “pay what you can,” but a fair suggestion is a $10 donation. Purchase tickets here. The concert will occur at the Hapo Stage in John Dam Plaza at 815 George Washington Way.
June 12: Hillview Baptist Church Car Show
Hillview Baptist Church hosts a free car show at 1621 W 27th Ave. Viewing and voting on cars is from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. with prizes awarded at the show’s end. If you are interested in entering your vehicle, contact Pastor Terry at 509.582.4501 or 509.901.9254.
July 11: Mud Factor 5K
Mud Factor is a 5K fun run that features an array of exciting obstacles and lots of mud. Run, crawl, walk, slip, and slide through three miles of messy fun. The event is appropriate for kids ages four and up. Two special family waves are available at registration to ensure an enjoyable, family-friendly experience. Register here. The run will take place in Richland’s Horn Rapids Motorsports Complex at 3323 Twin Bridges Rd.
July 23 – 24: Art in the Park
Art In the Park is on for its 70th year. Local music, food vendors, and artists will come together for two days of community, family fun in Richland’s Howard Amon Park.
August 21: Grand Parade
The Benton Franklin Fair and Rodeo are starting off with a Grand Parade the Saturday before the fair begins. The parade starts at 10 a.m. in downtown Kennewick. Bring some blankets or lawn chairs and get the fair week started.
August 21: Demolition Derby
Also, in kicking off the fair and rodeo, Meyers Auto Tech presents a Demolition Derby at Lithia RAM Arena in the Benton County Fairgrounds. The exciting evening runs from 6:20 p.m. – 10 p.m., but the gates open at 4 p.m.
August 24 – 28: Benton Franklin Fair and Rodeo
At The Benton Franklin Fair and Rodeo find animals, carnival rides, and food. Rodeos run every night from 7:00 to 10:00 p.m. General Admission seating is free with fair admission, and reserved seating is available for purchase. In addition to the nightly rodeos, the fair includes a summer concert series. Each concert begins at 7:45 p.m. and is $25 for admission. This year’s performances include Trace Adkins, Nelly, Foghat, and the Plain White T’s.
Recurring Activities
Are you looking for live music? The Emerald of Siam has a continual lineup of musical events. Check out their site to see what and who is going on.
Every Thursday at Richland’s John Dam Plaza, the Live @ 5 free concert series takes place. Enjoy live music and food with the whole family. View their Facebook page to see the performance schedule.
Don’t miss downtown Kennewick’s 1st Thursday of the month family-friendly afternoon and evening events. The farmers market, art displays, and shopping through the many businesses of downtown Kennewick all create a fun summer evening. Their Facebook page will include specifics about each evening.
Vendors at the Village is a monthly vendor pop-up market at 3 Eyed Fish Kitchen + Bar. Every third Thursday of the month, stop by to shop and support local makers, artisans, and DIYers.
Join Lifted Lotus Yoga Collective for beginner-friendly yoga in the park. All levels are welcome. Just come to Chiawana Park, 2020 Rd 88, in Pasco with your yoga mat and join in. Every other Saturday morning, at 9:30 a.m., an instructor will be ready and waiting for an enjoyable session to begin. View their schedule here.
Every weekend The Reach Museum is putting on an educational program. On Friday and Saturday, at 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., and Sunday at 1:30 p.m., educators from the museum meet to cover different topics. These programs are free with admission to the museum. Check out their Facebook page to find out what topics will be covered each week.
Summer is almost here and with everything that’s going on, try not to get bored. Take the family to enjoy all that the Tri-Cities area has to offer this summer.
