Childhood summers are for running through sprinklers and enjoying melting popsicles, but it takes more than that to fill the long summer days.
Parents need inexpensive ways to entertain kids during the hot months in the Valley. Local families looking for summer fun that won’t break the bank, this roundup is for you.
Visalia and Tulare activities
City of Tulare’s Movies in the Park are back. Free movies in the park, after dusk, are the perfect way to spend a summer evening with your family and friends.
Movies start around 8:15 p.m. Grab a blanket, your favorite snacks and some bug spray and enjoy a free movie with your kids.
The city of Visalia also offers a variety of classes and fun activities during the summer months, including Camp Kaboom and Junior Lifeguard Camp. Check out what is available on the city’s summer play guide.
Summer screen time
Regal Summer Movie Express is an affordable way to enjoy movies on the big screen for only $1.
Monday through Thursday at 11 a.m. families can enjoy the air conditioned theatre, a movie and snacks. Customers participating in the Movie Express program receive $3 off the Snack Pack.
For a schedule of movies and tickets visit: Summer Movie Express 2026 – $1 Summer Movies | Regal
Galaxy Summer Fest offers movies every week for a discounted price at Galaxy Theatre in Tulare.
Families can enjoy a child friendly movie and snacks for a discounted price. Reward members can buy tickets for $2.50 and non-member tickets are $3.50. To see what movie is being shown each week and what time check out: Galaxy Theatres Tulare | Movie Theatre
Make a splash
Public swim at Redwood High School’s pool is every Tuesday through Saturday starting June 9 and running until Aug. 7. Entry costs $2, with pool hours from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. All kids 8 and younger must have a buddy 16 and older with them.
Riverway Sports Park Splash Pad is open. From 11 a.m.-7 p.m. families can enjoy this free water play experience. Don’t forget to bring sun protection and bug spray to keep sunburns and mosquitoes at bay.
Summer reading
Tulare County Library offers a variety of reading programs and activities for children, teens and families.
The Tulare County Library has a lot of fun events planned for June and July.
Interested families can pick up a builder application at the Children’s Desk to create an entry for Lego City. Entries will be created at home and displayed at the library in July.
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This article originally appeared on Visalia Times-Delta: Keep kids busy this summer with these sizzling local deals
Reporting by Meade Trueworthy, Special to Visalia Times-Delta / Visalia Times-Delta
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Meade Trueworthy, Special to Visalia Times-Delta | USA TODAY Network
