Taking advantage of community offerings

Many people enjoy living in tightknit communities where neighbors know one another. Such communities can be great places to raise a family and live a full life.

But communities need not be small to offer an array of services to their citizens. In fact, many communities big and small boast a number of offerings that endear them to the locals. So the next time you find yourself sitting around the house with little to do, take stock of what your community offers and you might just find a host of fun activities not too far from home.

Hit the links

Once a sport strictly for those with country club memberships, golf is now much more accessible to people of all ages, financial backgrounds and skill levels. Many communities have a public golf course within their borders. Such courses are open to the public and often charge considerably smaller fees than private courses that allow golfers to play with members.A public course can be a great place to teach a youngster about the game of golf or to hone your own game while sharing a few laughs with friends. Hit the books If golf isn’t your game or the weather outside simply isn’t cooperating, your local library can be an ideal place to spend an afternoon. Libraries can be a great place to sit back with a good book, and many now even rent DVDs, including recent hit movies.And perhaps the best thing about your local library is it’s free (provided you return borrowed items on time). Many local libraries even offer programs for youngsters, including story time or special guest demonstrations. Such programs can be a great way to introduce youngsters to reading.

Visit the park

Whether you live in the suburbs, a city or a secluded countryside, chances are your community has a park. Parks are great places to spend a day. Hikers can get their fill of a park’s trails while those who simply want to spend a day relaxing in the sun can plan a picnic with friends and family. Many public parks have designated areas for picnics, and some even include charcoal grills for those who want to give their picnic more of a backyard barbecue feel. Some public parks may even have programs for young nature enthusiasts.

Dance the night away

Many communities come to life when the weather warms up, offering a host of outdoor programs that foster a sense of community among residents. Free concerts have become increasingly popular in communities across the country, and these concerts can make for a great night out on the town. Musical acts from yesteryear can take adults back to their formative years, while performers just now making a name for themselves may catch the interests and ears of younger residents. Check with your community to see if there is a summer concert series and make the most of this opportunity to dance the night away in the warm summer air.