Staycation or Vacation

Summer break is just around the corner, and for many families, this means it’s time to bust out the swimsuits and suitcases and pack for a vacation. At the top of the packing list, behind the sunblock and sunglasses, is a stockpile of reading and listening material to enjoy along the journey. Mid-Continent Public Library, offering both hard copies and digital—freeing up more room in that beach bag—is the perfect one-stop-shop for these essentials.

This year, some families aren’t quite ready to strike out for the shore. If you are staying close to home this summer, MCPL has the perfect staycation resources to help you “seas” the day!

Families can begin by exploring National Geographic Kids, either by visiting the Library’s website or downloading the app from the Google Play or Apple App Store, where they’ll find videos about coral reefs and various sea creatures in its “Amazing Animals” series. Users can also access current and past issues of the magazine, plus hundreds of downloadable books.

For fun activities for almost any age, check out Teachables, another online resource available through the Library’s website that provides caregivers access to everything from mini books and ocean animal cut-and-pastes that can be printed at home for students in kindergarten through first grade, to seashore science skills sheets for older elementary school students, and maps and information about ocean ecosystems for middle schoolers.

If your child is more interested in the scientific side of sea study, checkout ScienceFlix, another online resource that will allow them to “watch, read, and dive deeper” into the study of the ocean to learn about currents, waves, tides, and even information about careers related to oceanography.

Finally, make sure to sign up for Mid-Continent Public Library’s SummerLibrary Program for kids and adults, which kicks off May 31 through August 23! This year’s theme is Oceans of Possibilities, and kids and teens can earn up to three books and qualify for prizes, such as a Kindle e-reader or tickets to a local attraction, including the Kansas City Zoo, Kansas CityRoyals, SEA LIFE Kansas City, and Science City.

Learn more about MCPL’s Summer Library program at mymcpl.org/Splash

Join MCPL for dozens of programs at its branches including:

• Summer Library ProgramOceans of Possibilities Kick-off Events (all ages)
• Five Oceans of Fun with Storyteller JoHo (all ages)
• Mad Science Presents Life in the Sea (ages 6+)
• Ocean and Reef Restoration and Conservation with the Kansas City Zoo (ages 10+)
• Teen Escape Room: SeaMonster Reveal and SharkEscape (teens)

Registration is required for all programs at mymcpl.org/Events and will be available later this spring.