With the summer holiday just beginning, school will be out soon, and with two months of freedom for many, it is the perfect opportunity for the family to spend some quality time together.

If you have work and your kids have summer school, not to worry, the weekend is always an option.

As you gear up to make preparations for possible weekend activities, here are a few suggestions to consider:

Movies

Coming together to watch a movie has long since been a great way for people to spend quality time together. Add that to an enlarged screen, booming speakers, an almost entirely dark room, infectious laughter from movie goers, plus a possible 3D experience, the trip becomes even more worth-while and memorable.

While this has been the go-to for smitten guys, taking the the family to what some believe is a magical four-walled room, is a great way to spend the weekend.

You can either take a trip to Palace Amusement’s network of cinemas in Cross Roads, Kingston, Cineplex in Sovereign Mall, The Drive-In Theatre in New Kingston and the Cove Theatre located on Main Street, Ocho Rios or Sunshine Palace in Portmore, .

Mondays and Tuesdays are two for one! So don’t miss your chance!

The Zoo

A visit to the Hope Zoo is great activity for the weekend. Boasting animals such as zebras, flamingos, monkeys, lions, a variety of birds, snakes and tortoises and much more, the zoo is an especially great place for kids.

It is said that zoo visits are a great way to enable children to learn about animals effectively, foster cognitive development and promote empathy and compassion.

The Hope Zoo also has several exhibits including the Jamaican Paradise, African Outpost and the American Jungle.

The Hope Zoo is located on Old Hope Road, St Andrew.

Beach Day

A day by the shore is more than just a good way to spend your time. Vitamin D, technology detox, reduction of the symptoms of arthritis and a break from your normal routine, are just a few of many things that beach offers.

Kids especially love a trip to the seaside, where they can make sandcastles, play ball and splash about in the water.

The island boasts quite a number of beaches, so there are many to choose from. Beaches you should definitely visit include the Seven Mile Beach, Westmoreland, Ocho Rios Bay Beach, St Ann, Treasure Beach, St Elizabeth, James Bond Beach, St. Mary and Cornwall Beach, St James.

The next time the sun is out over the weekend, don’t miss your chance to take advantage of the beach-friendly weather.

Arcade

Games!

If one thing is for sure, the child in you will love and good game and of course, children themselves are more often than not in favour of playing.

While playing outside games is a great way to spend the weekend, going to the arcade every now and again is a great option too.

Coco Jam the family entertainment and party centre boast over 35 arcade games, kids rides, the new state-of-the-art lazer maze and other fun activities for the family.

Open Wednesdays to Sundays, Coco Jam is located at 29 East Kings House Road.