Blog
Summer Fun for Kids in MHC
School is out but the fun is just getting started! Your children can find a variety of camps, events and classes to fill those days with fun in record time. Whether you are looking for thought-provoking tech camps, camps for your athlete, or fun family festivals, there are already lots of opportunities planned.
Camps:
Outdoor Explore Camp- Martinsville Parks & Recreation
Baseball Camp- Martinsville Parks & Recreation
Summer Theatre Camp- Patrick Henry Community College
Engineering for Girls- New College Institute 
Engineering for Boys- New College Institute
Mini-Maker Camp- Dalton IDEA Center
Spanish Adventures Camp- Patrick Henry Community College
Philosophy Camp- Patrick Henry Community College
Coding Camp- New College Institute
Fab Lab Innovation Camp- Dalton IDEA Center
French Adventures Camp- Patrick Henry Community College
Football Camp- Martinsville Mayhem
Animal Adventure Camp(s) - Infinity Acres
Summer Art Camps- Piedmont Arts
Kids Day and Overnight Camp(s)-Sandy River Equestrian Center
Summer Camps- Spencer Penn Centre
Classes:
Cooking Teen Cuisine at the Spencer Penn Centre. Tweens and Teens will learn cooking skills: measuring, cooking terms, food safety, label reading, and will take home a recipe booklet. June 13th, 20th & 27th and July 11th, 18th & 25th.
Summer Reading Program at the Spencer Penn Centre. 2017’s theme: IMAGINE! 
promises to bring stories, experiences and challenges to fertilize children's imaginations. Meeting on the last three Tuesdays in June and the last three Tuesdays in July, the program will emphasize reading and instilling the love of reading. No classes the week of July 4. Pre-registrations encouraged or may be done 30 minutes prior to any Tuesday program. All are invited for children 3-12.
Short Sports is a program geared toward 3-6 year old children. Each week a different sport will be taught. This is a great program to introduce your child to a variety of sports and also prepare your child for organized sports. Parents must be present and will be working with their children on assigned tasks. These classes are sponsored and ran by Henry County Parks & Recreation and Martinsville Parks & Recreation.
Special Events:
Family Fun Float Day- Always wanted to float the Smith but don't want to do it alone? Then come join Smith River Outfitters once a month, JUN-AUG as they host the Weekend Fun Floats on the beautiful Smith River from Philpott to Bassett. First time paddlers and floaters can meet experienced "river rats" and learn the river, or ask one of our helpful volunteers for information on floating the Smith on your own. Smith River Outfitters. 3 days June 3rd, July 1st, August 26th.
Kids Fishing Day Clinic- The 19th Annual Fishing Clinic for children ages 7-14 years old. This multi-generational event links youth with experienced anglers to introduce them to a sport that can be enjoyed for the rest of their lives. Fishing poles will be provided. Beaver Creek Reservoir. Saturday, June 3rd.
Martinsville Mustangs' Fireworks Night-The Martinsville Mustangs' 2017 schedule includes three fireworks nights for the season! Come out and enjoy a great game at the ball park with friends and family and stick around after the game for an incredible fireworks show! Hooker Field. June 10, July 1st & 28th.
TGIF Concert Series- Come dance, sing and enjoy great music at the TGIF Outdoor Summer Concert Series! For over 20 years now Martinsville Uptown has been providing the most popular entertainment event in Martinsville. These concerts are the destination to meet family & friends on a Friday night of each month to hear terrific music at a great price. Kids 12 & under are free. Free inflatable on site for the kids. Martinsville Uptown Farmers Market. The first TGIF will be held June 16th.
Dragon Day Festival- Learn about the connections between natural history and dragon lore across the world. This festival will include a variety of displays, hands-on activities, fascinating presentations, delicious foods and much more. Meet the Vikings of the Valley and learn about their armor and weaponry. Enjoy face painting, balloon animals, green screen photos, and a Chinese dragon dance. Virginia Museum of Natural History. June 17, 2017.
Celebration at Martinsville Speedway- Guests will have a festive time enjoying great music, food, games and carnival rides. Then grab a chair, let down the tailgate and wait for the largest fireworks show in the area to begin. July 3rd.
Dino Festival- Make tracks to the Virginia Museum of Natural History on Friday, July 21 and Saturday, July 22 for a festival of Jurassic proportions! Dinosaur skeletons and fossils, as well as dino-themed games, crafts, activities and presentations make this an event not to be missed for the dino-lover in your family! In conjunction with the Dino Festival, we will open our newest special exhibit, Dinosaurs, on Friday, July 21. This spectacular exhibit will feature complete skeletons of Stegosaurus, Triceratops, and other towering displays.
Smith River Fest- Run, paddle and bike your way to fun at Smith River Fest! Held annually in Martinsville - Henry County, Virginia, this event is truly a celebration of all things associated with the Smith River. Activities include
- Live Demonstrations of Fly-tying and Casting
- On-site Rentals (bikes, kayaks and canoes)
- Free Shuttles
- Guided Paddle Trips
- Kids Village
- Live Music
- River Race
- Mud Run
- Kids Cycle Station
- Blue Ridge Duck Race
Smith River Sports Complex. August 12th.
Locations & Hosts:
Beaver Creek Reservoir: www.martinsville-va.gov/residents/parks-recreation | (276) 656-5179
Dalton IDEA Center: http://ph.augusoft.net | (276) 656-5461
Henry County Parks & Recreation: www.henrycountyva.gov/parks-and-recreation | (276) 634-4640
Hooker Field: www.martinsville-va.gov/residents/parks-recreation | (276) 403-5250
Infinity Acres: www.InfinityAcres.org | (276) 358-2378
Martinsville Parks & Recreation: www.martinsville-va.gov/residents/parks-recreation | (276) 403-5140
Martinsville Speedway: www.MartinsvilleSpeedway.com | (276) 956-7200
New College Institute: www.NewCollegeInstitute.org | (276) 403-5600
Patrick Henry Community College: ph.augusoft.net | (276) 638-8777
Philpott Lake: www.saw.usace.army.mil/Locations/District-Lakes-and-Dams/Philpott/ | (276) 629- 2703
Piedmont Arts: www.PiedmontArts.org | (276) 632-3221
Sandy River Equestrian Center: www.SandyRiverEquestrian.com | (276) 252-2503
Smith River Outfitters: www.SmithRiverOutfitter.com | (276) 618-1457
Smith River Sports Complex: www.SmithRiverSportsComplex.com | (276) 638-5200
Spencer Penn Centre: www.thecentreatspencerpenn.com | (276) 957-5757
TGIF: www.MartinsvilleUptown.com | (276) 632-5688
Virginia Museum of Natural History: www.VMNH.net | (276) 634-4141
To find more information on these fun events and activities for you little ones, be sure to follow us on Facebook and check out the Events Calendar at www.VisitMartinsville.com /events/calendar.