School's out: Get set for summer

The end of the school year is upon us. Now that graduations, Moving Up Day ceremonies, locker and desk cleanouts and all those other June rituals are winding down, those lazy days of summer beckon. The kids are home, and it probably won’t be long before one of them complains, “I’m bored. There’s nothing to do.”

So make the season a little less lazy. There is a wide variety of fun nearby, and much of it is very reasonably priced. Long Island has terrific parks, museums and, of course, beaches offering lots of affordable things to do that will make this a memorable summer for the entire family.

The fun starts this month, with Eisenhower Park’s International Music Nights series at the Harry Chapin Lakeside Theater. Actually, the Eisenhower Park stage is the site of a full slate of concerts, theater productions and movies for those of all ages throughout the summer. This Saturday, it’s the Long Island Caribbean Festival. The free event, now in its third year, conjures up the islands with entertainment, tasty Caribbean treats and cultural displays, culminating in a fireworks display.

Next weekend, the Independence Day celebrations begin with a Grucci fireworks display and a rockin’ tribute to John Mellencamp and Journey by the Idol Kings at the annual “Celebrate America” extravaganza in Eisenhower Park on June 30. Or head down to Town Park at Point Lookout with the kids that day when Peter Noone, lead singer of the iconic Herman’s Hermits, headlines the Town of Hempstead’s annual Independence Day “Salute to America” festivities, which also feature fireworks.

Throughout the summer, you can watch history come to life at Old Bethpage Village Restoration. Celebrate an 1861 Independence Day, take in a game of old-time “base ball” or watch a mounted cowboy shootout.

In July and August, neighborhood parks will be bustling with activity: the Town of Hempstead’s free children’s summer festival. Laugh and sing with Darlene Graham and her Shades of Green Band, who delight kids of all ages with their “Stomp It Up” concert. Jim McClenahan visits area parks with his wacky comedy-magic show, and don’t miss Eric’s Reptile Adventure, a show that encourages kids to learn and respect reptiles, amphibians and bugs.