Summer’s ending, but not the fun

Just because the kids have gone back to school doesn’t mean the fun is over. Plenty of affordable, family-friendly activities are just gearing up, and many will continue through the fall.

Many venues will be lowering their prices or offering discounts now that school is back in session.

Splash Valley at Green Ridge Recreation Center is only open a couple more weeks, so consider stopping by between noon and 6 p.m. on Monday when you can visit the water park for just $5.

Also look for other events being held at the rec center in the coming months, such as Friday Family Fun Night on Sept. 20. At this event kids can play in a large bounce house, participate in a dance clinic and try out karaoke. Green Ridge members can enter the event for free, and the cost for non-members is only $5 (with a maximum of $20 per family).

Local roller skating rinks are also offering numerous specials. Firehouse Skate N Play in Vinton and Skate Center of the Roanoke Valley both offer skating on Mondays for only $1.99, with other promotions throughout the week. Star City Skate Center hold theme nights on Fridays, and those who participate will receive free skate rental.

There are also bowling deals to be found. Lee-Hi Lanes in Salem offers 99-cent bowling on Monday and Tuesday nights, plus kids can bowl for $2.95 on Sunday afternoons. Vinton Bowling Center offers bowling on Sunday afternoons for $3.

A variety of festivals will be going on during the warm fall weekends, and many of these will have free entry. A few to mark on your calendar: the Rockbridge Pie Festival at Brewbaker Field in Lexington on Sept. 14, the Henry Street Festival in Elmwood Park on Sept. 21, and the Harvest Festival in downtown Roanoke on Sept. 28. Each event will have attractions for both kids and adults .

This is also the time of year many races are held , and most have an option for children.

The Commonwealth Catholic Charities Labor of Love 5K and 1-Miler Run/Walk is coming up on Sept. 2 in Roanoke and welcomes parents to run with strollers. Following the race there will be an awards ceremony with activities for kids and live music, and proceeds (the 5K is $30 and the 1-miler is $15) will benefit Commonwealth Catholic Charities.

The Riverwalk Family Festival at Bisset Park in Radford on Sept. 22 will feature a 5K and 1-mile fun run for kids in addition to the festival’s free activities. Register by Sept. 1 and this race is $25, with proceeds benefitting The Pregnancy Center of the New River Valley.

Kids will love getting messy during the Marine 5K Mud Run, which offers a shorter course for kids 12 and younger called the Pollywog Jog. The Pollywog Jog is $15, or register for the full 5K by Sept. 12 for $30.

If your family is sporty, consider attending athletic events at the local colleges and universities. Sporting events such as volleyball, soccer and football are often free or have low ticket prices at Ferrum College, VMI, Radford University, Roanoke College and Hollins University. Outside of football, the same applies to athletic events at Virginia Tech.

What’s your family’s favorite pastime once the kids are back in school? Join the conversation on the Shoptimist blog at blogs.roanoke.com/shoptimist.

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