Each week the Mentor Patch Moms Council answers a question on parenthood posed to them by readers or another member of council.

This week's question: What summer programs and events would you recommend for kids who are lazing through the summer?

Renee Ochaya:

My daughter’s favorite activity of the summer is the Wildwood Theater Camp.

It is three weeks of non-stop fun, acting, putting on a performance and great games of fireball and capture the flag.

The entire family enjoys lazy afternoons at the Civic Center pool.

In addition to swimming and enjoying friends, there are sand volleyball courts and a personal favorite, tether ball.

Another summer favorite is a neighborhood trip to Waldamere amusement Park in PA with about 10 other families. It is about 90 minutes from Mentor.

It is much smaller, less crowded and much less expensive than some of the larger parks. They have amusement park rides and a water park.

The last event we try to find time for at the end of every summer is a trip to the Mayfield drive inn. It is always a great way to end the summer.

Melanie Majikas:

We are so fortunate in Mentor to live close to many great summer places and activities.

My kids go to the beach a lot in the summer, as well as the city pools.

The open skate at the ice arena is a great way to cool off on Friday afternoons.

My daughters have done the theater camp at Wildwood and some of the day camps at the Civic Center and enjoyed them.

The metroparks in Mentor and in Lake County are all wonderful.

A picnic at Squire's Castle in Willoughby is always a fun way to spend a day.

The Mentor Library summer reading program is great.

There is also a program called "Kids Bowl Free" that gives coupons for 2 free games of bowling every day at Freeway Lanes. Lots of opportunities for kids to keep busy!

Gloria Kilfoyle:

The library has awesome programs and they are free.

Also, there are many good Bible school programs. Sometimes it is most enjoyable for the child just to relax in the hammock and read a good book.