Keeping the fun in summer for the young ones

There are many different activities in the region to keep children entertained. Whether it's camp, whale-watching, or bowling, there's a variety of amusements to choose from.

Whale-watching is something for the whole family to enjoy. Newburyport Whale Watch, Inc., takes two trips daily at 8:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. The trips last 4 to 4 1/2 hours. A naturalist is on board to explain everything, so it's a learning experience, too.

Local libraries always have a wide selection of activities planned for young children, including story times and crafts. Details on their summer programs are available at each library.

A Library Day in the Park, a joint effort of several local libraries, is planned for June 30 at Maudslay State Park in Newburyport. It will feature a picnic and a performance by singer-songwriter Les Julian.

Maudslay Arts Center in Newburyport has summer concerts on Sunday afternoons. Families are invited to attend, and even bring a picnic and relax on the lawn. For more information, call 499-0050.

For more outdoor fun, Newburyport and the surrounding communities all have a multitude of parks with slides, swings and other play activity.

Kids can have a wonderful time at museums, both local and in Boston. For fun and learning, the Museum of Science, Children's Museum, and the New England Aquarium, all in Boston, are good choices for parents willing to take a trip.

Historic Newburyport as well as Amesbury, Newbury and other towns have museums that allow residents to take advantage of the local history. Most museums offer specials for children during the summer.

Up for some rollerskating? Try out Skateland in Haverhill. Young ones can also take a roll around at Happy Wheels Skate Center in Newington, N.H., right near the mall, and Roller Palace in Beverly. Rollerskating is a great activity for groups of children.

How about a string or two of bowling? Leo's Super Bowl on Route 110 offers bowling times and activities geared just for the younger set, such as bumper bowling, as well as teenagers with flashing lights and smoke.

For a round of miniature golf, head to Salisbury and Country Side Adventure Golf on Route 286 and Rangeway Golf on Route 110, which also offers bumper boats.

Cedarland Fun Center/Amazement in Haverhill offers two miniature golf courses as well as a whole range of activities. The Amazement Center, an indoor play action center, is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and on Sunday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. The cost is $5.99 for ages 2 to 12 and $3.99 for 1-year-olds. Take a swing at the batting cages, too.

Another classic form of fun for children is a day at the arcades. A wide array of arcades and amusements may be found at Salisbury and Hampton Beach. Joker's Family Fun `n Games in Portsmouth, N.H., offers a three-story-tall playhouse with an indoor trampoline, indoor rock climbing, a ferris wheel, train, go-carts, Jolly Jump, laser tag, and 125 video arcade games. All events are priced separately. Call (603) 431-7770 for details.

If all else fails, and you're willing to try anything, at any cost, to amuse your children, Bruce Smirk Amusements may have just the answer.

For the parent who wants to spring for an unbelievable party experience, the company rents interactive novelty amusements for all ages. Some of the most popular are six-horse carousels, inflatable slides, and velcro-walls. The equipment costs between $350 to $1500 depending on the piece. Call 1-800-332-2377 to set up for a party.

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