For most kids, summer is the most exciting time of year: hanging out with friends, no homework and more television than books. Unfortunately, elementary students lose about 25% of what they learned the previous year during summer break, according to a Northwest Evaluation Association study.

The old saying proves true: If you don’t use it, you lose it. Fortunately, Cape Girardeau has plenty of places to keep kids using their brains over the summer. As an added bonus, boredom stays at bay.

Start at a children’s museum all ages are sure to love. Discovery Playhouse has a huge range of hands-on exhibits that cater to different age groups and are designed to keep kids engaged and learning. They can explore a fire truck, visit a farm, shop for groceries and learn about dentistry. Plus, there are more traditional areas, like a tinkering workshop, an art studio and a planetarium.

This month’s special events at Discovery Playhouse include day camps covering a range of subjects like meteorology and other sciences. Or celebrate the 50^th anniversary of the Apollo landing with a party on Saturday, July 20 from 6-9 p.m. Learn more about Discovery Playhouse by visiting their website.

Continue the fun at a more traditional educational setting – the Cape Girardeau Public Library. Unlike the stereotypical library with rows of musty books and a stern, shushing librarian, the Cape Library is warm, inviting and active.

All summer, there’s a huge variety of classes and events for kids and adults. A small sample includes Teen Paint Night, a magic workshop and a show about the moon. View the complete calendar.

Another favorite for interactive learning is the Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center. Part 2 of this blog series covers the basics, but it would be remiss to not mention the classes they offer. Little Acorn classes teach kids between three and six about local plants and animals. This month’s sessions are all about fireflies. Seven- to 11-year-old Conservation Kids are exploring the world of forest invertebrates in July. See everything the Nature Center has going on.

This blog explores just the start of all the family fun waiting in Cape Girardeau. Find other attractions to check out this summer.