Banish those summertime blues

Whether it's learning about sharks and bats, marvelling at a magician or riding the dodgems, children should never be bored in the West Midlands and Staffordshire over the summer break.

Next week, the Express & Star will be giving you and your children ideas about how to avoid those summertime blues.

And today we are offering you the challenge to tell us just how you will be spending the six-week break.

Do you have a favourite park, museum, or play centre? Have you got an idea how children aged five to 15 can be kept occupied without breaking the bank?

Do you have a young family and are already panicking and looking for ideas?

Whether you are full of ideas or looking for help, we want to hear from you.

Steph Townsend, of Birmingham City Council, said scores of activities are being put on this summer.

And there is no excuse for children to moan "I'm bored". She said: "There are a wide range of activities for young people and families to join in throughout the city this summer.

The six-week break should be a real opportunity and not a pain.

"We have lots of facilities from libraries to leisure centre, parks to museums and they are there for people to use without breaking the bank."

Councillor Ian Jones, whose job is to look after the concerns of children and young people at Sandwell Council said: "It's vital to provide youth activities to ensure young people have opportunities to develop new life skills and confidence and realise their potential.

"We have a wide range of fun and constructive activities across our six towns to engage and stimulate the young people of Sandwell this summer and throughout the year."

Amongst the activities on offer are regular activities workshops, a free Shark exhibition, a funfair at the Sandwell Show, and drop in session at the Wednesbury Museum and Art Gallery.

And there are plenty of fun activities, often free of charge, in every town and city in the Black Country and Staffordshire.

So, whatever the weather, make this summer one to remember.

* What are your summer holiday ideas – or are you a parent dreading the next six weeks? E-mail us at newsdesk@expressandstar.co.uk or post your ideas below.