Need ideas to keep the kids engaged? We’ve got educational outings, creative camps, and some old-fashioned summer fun…

Family Movie Night
Gulf Cove United Methodist Church, 1100 S. McCall Road, Gulf Cove/Port Charlotte, is hosting an indoor Family Movie Night, Friday, July 18, at 6pm. They will be showing “Paddington Bear in Peru.” There will be free popcorn and you are welcome to bring your own drinks and snacks. Parents, please accompany children. To learn more email GulfCoveUMC@gmail.com or call 941•697•1747.

Bubble Show at Selby Gardens
Delight in the wonder of bubbles with Blaise Ryndes’ Spheres Bubble Show, Saturdays, July 26, and August 2, from 10am to noon at Selby Gardens’ Downtown Sarasota campus, 1534 Mound Street, Sarasota. Performed under the banyans, this whimsical blend of art, science, and comedy is perfect for all ages. Ryndes, seen on America’s Got Talent and stages nationwide, brings interactive magic to the garden grounds. Included with general admission tickets: $28 for adults, $12 for children. To learn more visit Selby.org or call 941•366•5731.

Delight in the whimsical world of “A Year with Frog and Toad”, a musical for all ages, playing through August 3 at the Cook Theatre, 5555 North Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. Based on Arnold Lobel’s children’s books, this Tony-nominated musical follows best friends Frog and Toad as they journey through the seasons, sharing laughs, songs, and timeless life lessons about friendship and perseverance. Directed by Scott Keys, choreographed by Cat Brindisi, and featuring musical direction by Carl Haan, this production offers showtimes Tuesdays through Sundays at 1pm, 4pm, or 7pm. For tickets and information, call 941•351•8000 or visit AsoloRep.org.

Join the Summer Skunk Ape Hunt in Charlotte County
Are you ready to go “Squatch Watching”? Charlotte County Parks and Natural Resources invites adventurers of all ages to take part in this year’s “Summer Skunk Ape Hunt”. Whether you’re a die-hard believer or simply curious, now’s your chance to explore Charlotte County’s Environmental Parks and Preserves while keeping an eye out for the elusive Skunk Ape, a tall, shaggy creature, known more for its smell than its sightings. According to local folklore, the Skunk Ape is said to roam the swamps and forests, often near roads or waterways, and is infamous for its pungent odor (think wet dog meets rotten cabbage). Enter the photo contest by August 1 for a chance to win. Snap a shot of a possible “Skunk Ape” sighting in a Charlotte County environmental park or preserve or capture a photo of yourself enjoying the search outdoors. Submit by email to PRSocial@CharlotteCountyFL.gov or tag Charlotte County Parks & Recreation on Facebook. For more details, visit CharlotteCountyFL.gov.

Kids’ Summer Beach Runs
Get active with Sarasota County’s free Kids’ Summer Beach Runs on Wednesdays July 23 & 30 at North Brohard Park, 1400 S. Harbor Drive, Venice. These one-mile fun runs, presented by Sarasota County Parks and New Balance of Sarasota, begin with registration at 5:30pm near the Venice Fishing Pier, with races starting at 6:30pm. Open to all ages, the runs encourage healthy habits and summer fun. No pre-registration required. For weather updates or more information, call 941•861•5000.

Get ready for a riotous ride through adolescence, ambition, and the alphabet! “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” takes the stage at Venice Theatre’s Pinkerton Theatre, 140 Tampa Avenue West, Venice, from July 18 through August 3. This award-winning musical, featuring music and lyrics by William Finn and a book by Rachel Sheinkin, follows six quirky kids navigating the pressure of competition and the ups and downs of growing up. With laugh-out-loud humor, catchy songs, and tender moments, this show is a hit with audiences of all ages. Recommended for middle school and up. Tickets are $40 Adult/Senior, $28 College/Educator, and $18 Youth. Buy tickets at VeniceTheatre.org or call 941•488•1115.

Toddler Time
Bring your toddlers on Wednesdays from 10am to noon to play, socialize, and learn! This is a drop-in program located at Ann & Chuck Dever Regional Park Recreation Center, 6961 San Casa Drive. There is a $2 fee per visit. For more information, go to CharlotteCountyFL.gov or call 941•681•3760.

Rootin’ Tootin’ Toddlers
Giddy up and join the fun! Rootin’ Tootin’ Toddlers invites little cowboys and cowgirls to gallop, tumble, and play in a lively and safe environment every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 10am to noon at Tringali Park Recreation Center, 3460 North Access Road. From hobby horses and mats to blocks and more, this $2-per-child program helps toddlers develop social and motor skills while making new friends. For more information, call 941•681•3742 or visit CharlotteCountyFL.gov.

Summer Reading Story Time
Bring your little ones for a burst of color and creativity at this year’s Summer Reading Story Time! Children ages 0–12 and their caregivers are invited to join the Englewood Charlotte Library, 3450 North Access Road, for an engaging half-hour of stories, songs, and fun, all inspired by the 2025 summer reading theme, Color Our World. This free interactive program is held every Thursday morning, 11 to 11:30am, offering families a weekly dose of imagination, literacy, and learning. To learn more visit CharlotteCountyFl.libcal.com or call 941•681•3736. No registration required.

SummerStock & Teen Improv Cabaret at Venice Theatre
Get ready for a high-energy showcase of music, laughter, and youthful talent as Venice Theatre presents its SummerStock & Teen Improv Cabaret, running July 20 & 21 at the Pinkerton Theatre, 140 Tampa Avenue West, Venice. This cabaret features the rising stars of the theatre’s SummerStock and Teen Improv programs, blending show-stopping musical numbers with quick-witted comedy that’s sure to leave you smiling. Don’t miss the chance to support these incredibly talented teens as they take the stage. All seats are $20. To learn more or purchase tickets call 941•488•1115 or visit VeniceTheatre.org.

Cool Today Park Summer Movies
Summer Movie Nights at CoolToday Park, 18800 South West Villages Parkway, offer a fun and affordable way to enjoy the summer with friends and family. Movie nights are on Sundays at 5pm and feature stadium seating. Tickets range from $3 to $7 and are available at CoolTodayPark.com or in person at the box office. Sunday, July 20 is “A Minecraft Movie”; and Sunday, July 27 is “Cars”.

Color Your World Camp: DRAMA!
On Tuesday, July 22 from 1 to 4pm, join the fun at Elsie Quirk Library, 100 W. Dearborn Street, for an afternoon of storytelling, improvisation, and green screen magic. Tweens and teens (ages 9 to 18) will write and perform a short skit, then film it using green screen technology. Improv instructor ‘Ce Shafler will guide participants in learning the basics of improv and dramatic performance. Registration is required. To learn more or register visit scgovlibrary.librarymarket.com or call 941•861•1110.

Let’s Pretend Day
Children ages 2 to 8 and their caregivers are invited to “Let’s Pretend Day” at Elsie Quirk Library, 100 W. Dearborn Street. Drop in for free-play time with toys and props designed to spark young imaginations on Wednesday, July 23 and Wednesday, July 30 from 10:30 to 11:30am in the Program Room. No registration needed. For more information, visit scgovlibrary.librarymarket.com or call 941•861•1200.

Color Your World Camp: MUSIC!
On Thursday, July 24 from 2:30 to 5:30pm, tweens and teens (ages 9 to 18) are invited to tap into their creative rhythm at Elsie Quirk Library, 100 W. Dearborn Street. Craft a personalized decoupage project inspired by your favorite song or band, then join local musician Joe Licinski for a high-energy Drums of Unity session. This program is part of Color Your World Camp, offered in partnership with Englewood Creative Arts. Registration is required and limited to 20 participants. To register, visit scgovlibrary.librarymarket.com or call 941•861•1110.

Thursday Night Magic: Library Edition
Calling all Magic: The Gathering fans! On Thursdays, July 24 & 31 join fellow players for Thursday Night Magic: Library Edition, a casual weekly meet-up held every Thursday from 5 to 7pm at the Englewood Charlotte Library, 3450 North Access Road. Whether you’re a seasoned planeswalker or brand new to the game, all skill levels are welcome. Bring your own deck or borrow one from the library to dive into epic battles, trade strategy tips, and meet fellow adventurers in a laid-back, supportive environment. Open to teens and adults. For details, call 941•681•3736.

Summer Reading Craft
Children of all ages are invited to the Englewood Charlotte Library, 3450 N. Access Road, for a fun craft with summer reading on Friday, July 25, 11am to noon. Registration is required. Register at CharlotteCountyFL.libcal.com or call 941•681•3736. Please register each child separately.

Color Your World Camp: ART!
Get ready to wrap up summer with creativity! On Tuesday, July 29 from 1 to 4pm, join art instructor Janessa Tamsett at Elsie Quirk Library, 100 W. Dearborn Street, for a colorful afternoon of artistic expression. Participants will design accessories and vibrant works of art to celebrate their creativity. This session is part of the Color Your World Camp, presented in partnership with Englewood Creative Arts. Open to tweens and teens ages 9 to 18. Registration is required and limited to 20 participants. One name per registration. To sign up, visit scgovlibrary.librarymarket.com or call 941•861•1110.

Summer Send-Off Bash!
Celebrate the end of summer at the Summer Send-Off Bash on Thursday, July 31 from 11:30am to 1pm at Elsie Quirk Library, 100 W. Dearborn Street. Enjoy a fun-filled afternoon featuring a circus booth, face painting, sand art, pizza, and more. This special event wraps up the Color Our World Summer 2025 program and is open to all ages. For more information, call 941•861•1110 or visit scgovlibrary.librarymarket.com.

Back to School Bash
Englewood area students are invited to the “Back to School Bash” on Saturday, August 2, 10am to noon, at Sky Academy, 871 South River Road. Books, school bags, clothes, and more will be distributed. All children from Pre-K to 12th grade living in Englewood are welcome to attend. Hosted by Englewood Area YMCA and Living Hope Church. To learn more call 941•475•1234.

Sarasota Youth Opera invites families to explore the magic of opera at the Sarasota Opera House, 61 N. Pineapple Avenue, Sarasota, on Saturday, August 23, from noon to 2pm. This free event offers an introduction to opera for children and adults alike. Visitors can enjoy singing sessions, acting games and workshops, and a behind-the-scenes tour of the historic opera house. Other hands-on activities include costume and makeup demonstrations, crafts, a photo booth, and the chance to win fun prizes. Ice cream and an on-site food truck will also be available to enjoy throughout the afternoon. Attendees will get a taste of the creativity and talent fostered by the Youth Opera and learn about opportunities to get involved in the Youth Opera program and the Youth Opera fall production. Free admission, no registration required. To learn more, visit SarasotaOpera.org/FamilyDay or call 941•328•1300.

Summer Kick-Off Youth Activity Fair
Get ready for the school year at the Summer Kick-Off Youth Activity Fair on Saturday, August 2, starting at 10am at the Venice Community Center, 326 S. Nokomis Avenue, Venice. This free, all-ages event offers families a one-stop shop for back-to-school resources, fun activities, giveaways, and entertainment. Enjoy vendor booths, games, demonstrations, food trucks, and more. For details, contact 941•861•7275 or email parksonline@scgov.net.

Intro to Pickleball Jr.
Tringali Park Recreation Center, 3460 N. Access Road, is offering an Intro to Pickleball class for children ages 11-15 this summer. This class is designed to teach the fundamentals in a friendly, supportive environment. Session date is August 11 to 15. The class runs from 1 to 2pm on Monday through Thursday and 1 to 3pm on Friday. The cost is $10 for the week. Registration is required. To register or learn more call 941•681•3742 or email Joele.Kirkpatrick@CharlotteCountyFL.gov.

In June, The Venice Summer Music Academy wrapped up two weeks of music education. Students from K-11 were able to hone their skills with a new instrument, vocal lessons, and a whole lot of fun at Venice High School and Garden Elementary at this immersive summer camp. The students took the stage of The Venice Performing Arts Center during the final week of Summer Music Camp with The Venice Symphony for a friends and family concert to show off their new skills! Visit thevenicesymphony.org to learn more. Pictured is Instructor Rafael Ramirez, Principal Viola with The Venice Symphony, posing with elementary students in the music classroom. Photo Credit: Deidre Christman for The Venice Symphony

Free Acting Workshop for Kids and Teens at Solis Hall
As part of Wellen Park’s Solis Hall Summer Series, students in grades 3–12 are invited to a free “Test Drive” Acting Class on Monday, August 18 from 6:30 to 8:00pm at Solis Hall, 19745 Wellen Park Boulevard, North Port. Led by instructor Kelly Duyn, this one-day workshop introduces beginners to the excitement of acting. Perfect for children and teens curious about theatre and looking to explore something new. To learn more, call 941•486•8679.

Agents of Discovery’ Outdoor Exploration App
Turn screen time into green time with “Agents of Discovery”, a new interactive app now available at select Sarasota County parks. Developed in partnership with Sarasota County Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources and the UF/IFAS Extension and Sustainability office, this free mobile app invites families to complete nature-based missions that uncover local history, wildlife, and conservation stories. Explore site-specific challenges with Field Agent Forest Parker and earn digital badges along the way. Designed for kids ages 6 to 12, the app turns parks into engaging outdoor classrooms. Three Sarasota County Parks have adventures available now: Venice Area Audubon Rookery, 4006 S. Tamiami Trail Venice; Pinecraft Park, 1420 Gilbert Avenue, Sarasota; and Red Bug Slough Preserve, 5200 Beneva Road, Sarasota. Registration is required at bit.ly/SRQAgents. Download the app at linktr.ee/DownloadAgentsofDiscovery. Please check park hours before visiting. Note that pets are not permitted at some locations. For more details, visit SarasotaCountyParks.com/AOD or call Sarasota County Parks and Rec at 941•861•9930.

Congressional App Challenge
Members of the U.S. House of Representatives host district-wide Congressional App Challenges for middle school and high school students, encouraging them to learn to code and inspiring them to pursue careers in computer science. Each challenge is district-specific. Each winning app may be put on display in the U.S. Capitol Building for one year. The competition deadline is October 30 at noon. Students can register and learn more at https://www.congressionalappchallenge.us/students/student-registration.

Charlotte Technical College Student Wins National Culinary Title
Charlotte Technical College student Aydan Brady took first place at the SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference, held June 23 to 28 in Atlanta. Competing in the Postsecondary Culinary Arts division, Brady earned a full scholarship to The Culinary Institute of America, one of the nation’s top culinary schools. The rigorous five-hour competition tested students on butchery, knife skills, sanitation, and preparation of multiple dishes.This marks the fourth consecutive year Charlotte Technical College has represented Charlotte County at the national event.
Items appearing in this column are as accurate as possible. Please call the listed numbers for confirmation and further information. If you have an event or happening you would like to have considered for ‘Keeping Up with Kids,’ please send information and/or photo to The Englewood REVIEW, 370 W. Dearborn St., Suite B, Englewood, FL 34223, or email: info@englewoodreview.com.