{"id":9863,"date":"2018-06-24T20:00:59","date_gmt":"2018-06-25T00:00:59","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.acpsk12.org\/news\/?p=9863"},"modified":"2018-06-26T10:06:11","modified_gmt":"2018-06-26T14:06:11","slug":"free-and-low-cost-summer-fun-in-the-city","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/www.acpsk12.org\/news\/?p=9863","title":{"rendered":"Free and Low-Cost Summer Fun in the City"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Alexandria offers numerous ways to busy the brain this summer and avoid the summer slide. Take advantage of these free or low-cost events and programs.<\/p>\n

Read, Read and Then Read Some More!<\/b><\/h3>\n

Rock Your Library
\n<\/b>Sign up for the SummerQuest<\/span><\/a> reading incentive program designed to keep kids reading over the summer.\u00a0Enjoy\u00a0free daily programs<\/span><\/a>\u00a0at multiple libraries throughout Alexandria.<\/p>\n

Little Free Libraries
\n<\/b>Have you ever noticed what look like birdhouses filled with books in some neighborhoods? These are known as \u201cLittle Free Libraries,\u201d where you can take a book and\/or leave one. Scout your neighborhood for a Little Free Library, or\u00a0start your own<\/span><\/a>.<\/p>\n

ACPS Summer Reading Requirement
\n<\/strong>If you are the parent of a rising or current middle school student in grades six or seven, be sure your child stays on track to complete the required summer reading project<\/a> before they head back to school this fall.<\/p>\n

Attend the City’s Birthday Bash<\/b><\/h3>\n

Alexandria turns 269 years old this July and will celebrate with a huge\u00a0birthday bash<\/span><\/a>\u00a0on Saturday, July 7, along the Potomac waterfront at Oronoco Bay Park in Old Town. Enjoy live music from the Alexandria Symphony Orchestra, food vendors, patriotic birthday cake and dazzling fireworks over the river.<\/p>\n

Fireworks will take place at special events at George Washington\u2019s Mount Vernon<\/a> on June 29 and 30. There will be daytime fireworks on July 4 at\u00a0An American Celebration at Mount Vernon<\/span><\/a> along with military re-enactments, a wreath-laying ceremony and a naturalization ceremony for new citizens with a keynote address.\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n

Celebrate History<\/b><\/h3>\n

Scavenger Hunt
\n<\/b>Embark on a historical scavenger hunt with this free printable\u00a0History Alexandria Scavenger Hunt<\/span><\/a>\u00a0challenge, which includes 20 different sites to see and learn about!<\/p>\n

Alexandria Archaeology Family Dig Days and Workshops
\n<\/b>Various Saturdays through October, 1:30\u20133:00 p.m.
\n$10 fee. Pre-registration required.
\nAssist at a public dig that includes history and archaeology of the Shuter\u2019s Hill site along with a tour. Registered participants\u00a0have the opportunity to sift through excavated soil and assist with artifact processing. Archeology workshops also available. Spaces fill quickly. Register online today<\/span><\/a>.<\/p>\n

Friendship Firehouse Festival
\n<\/b>Saturday, August 4, 9:00 a.m.\u20132:00 p.m. at 107 S. Alfred Street.
\nHave some fun at the annual festival and receive a free fire hat while visiting the historic fire station. The festival includes a community booth, fire-fighting activities, fire vehicles and more.\u00a0Learn more<\/span><\/a>.<\/p>\n

National Inventors Hall of Fame
\n<\/b>Located on the campus of the United States Patent and Trademark Office, the National Inventors Hall of Fame features a gallery of icons illustrating each of the 500+ inductees and their great technological achievements that helped stimulate growth for our nation and beyond.\u00a0<\/span>Get details<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Get Your Art On<\/b><\/h3>\n

Free concerts
\n<\/strong>Enjoy Alexandria\u2019s free concert series at locations throughout the city. Get dates and details<\/span><\/a>.<\/p>\n

Visit the Torpedo Factory
\n<\/b>Looking for a chance to see art, meet new people and explore over 80 artist exhibits? Visit the free Torpedo Factory<\/a>.<\/p>\n

First Thursdays on The Avenue
\n<\/b><\/b><\/span>Enjoy this outdoor street festival that takes place along Mt. Vernon Ave. from \u00a06 to 9 p.m. on the first Thursday of the month through September with a different theme each month. Get details<\/a>.<\/p>\n