Can you believe we’re halfway through summer? In just over a month kids will return to school, and everyone will begin to pick up their routines. Until then, finding resources and ideas to keep children healthy and entertained can be difficult.
This is the second blog post in our summer series, and we will highlight regional Texas resources on summer meal programs, ideas to get your kids outside (safely), and other free summer programs. Texas System of Care is committed to family and youth well-being, and we hope these resources will help families and caregivers support youth well-being and help kids thrive during this summer break!
Free Summer Meal Programs for Families
Access to nutritious meals during the summer is essential for children’s mental and physical well-being. It can be challenging for many families to provide consistent, healthy meals when school is out of session. Fortunately, there are a variety of free summer programs across Texas that can help!
These programs below help to alleviate the financial burden on families and contribute to the overall health and development of children.
- IDEA’s Seamless Summer Meals for 2024 – June to Friday, July 26, IDEA is offering free meals during the summer to any child in their communities aged 18 years old and younger. Whether they are IDEA students or not, all are welcome to enjoy a delicious meal consumed in our cafeterias. The offering is made possible through the National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program. The Seamless Summer Program will include breakfast and lunch Monday-Friday. Breakfast will be served from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. and lunch from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- Central Texas Food Bank Free Summer Meals for Kids and Teens – Find free, nutritious meals this summer for children across Central Texas. View the map on their website to search for locations near you. (Call ahead to ensure service.)
- West Texas Food Bank – Summer Food Service Program – View the linked locations on their website!
- Summer Meal Site Map: Find the nearest summer food service program with the Summer Meal Site Map. Type in your city or zip code to find the closest programs near you! Filter by Meals to Go or Eat-On Site with the USDA Summer Meal Site Map here.
Ideas for Families and Caregivers to Get Kids Outside
Embracing outdoor activities has numerous benefits for both children and adults. While it can be challenging to pull kids away from screens, the positive impacts of spending time in nature cannot be overstated. Playing outside can help improve children’s moods by helping them feel more relaxed and less anxious. Physical activities like hiking, swimming, and team sports help them get their exercise and promote social skills. Read more about the benefits of playing outside from the Child Mind Institute here.
July and August are typically peak heat in Texas. While we encourage you to get your kids outside this summer, stay safe in the heat! Read our recent blog post on ways that you can support youth mental health during summer in Texas.
Here are a few more ideas to encourage children and teens to thrive outside:
- Go kayaking and paddle boarding on the local lake or river
- Visit the Texas State Parks. Explore the local parks and take your kids for a hike or walk.
- Enjoy beaches and parks along the Texas coast.
Join Fun Summer Programs for Kids to Socialize
There are lots of great free and low-cost programs across Texas to help kids stay physically active and social. Joining summer programs also helps youth to have a semblance of a routine. In summer, it can be easy for kids to stay up all night and sleep until noon, but that’s awful for their mental and physical well-being. We’re highlighting a few summer programs in various regions of Texas. Check your local organizations for more fun summer programs!
- El Paso Parks & Recreation – The City of El Paso Parks & Recreation offers a variety of sports and programs for all ages. Find information on classes for parents and summer programs for youth.
- Austin Public Library – The Austin Public Library offers Youth Programs & Workshops all year long. They have everything from NBA Math Hoops and Science Thursday to AniManga Clubs for Teen Anime Fans and clothing swaps.
- Tyler Museum of Art – The Tyler Museum of Art offers several free admission days and educational, fun experiences with their public programs. They have “Family Days” with interactive art projects, light snacks, and a festive atmosphere for all ages on the second Saturday of each month from 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm.
- The Y Forth Worth – The Y has several day camps that offer games, activities, and field trips to build kid’s independence and creativity in a safe environment. There are financial aid options available.
Families and caregivers, we hope you take advantage of these resources this summer to help kids thrive! From free summer meal programs to outdoor activities and social programs, there are so many opportunities to support youth well-being. We encourage you to check out programs in your region and share your experiences with us! Leave a comment to share programs you love in your area.
The last blog post in the summer series will be coming in August, and we’ll dive into resources and tips to help parents and caregivers prepare for back to school. Follow us on social media or our newsletter so you don’t miss it!
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