With the 18-19 school year coming to an end, many students have been finishing up AP tests and EOCs while looking forward to summer. It’s the time of year where people start planning vacations, pulling out the swimming gear, getting a tan and looking forward to long summer nights; personally, it’s my favorite time of year. Although this town is quite small compared to other cities surrounding us, there are many things to do in Washington and cities close by while students dreadfully wait until the last final of the year to be over.

Washington Swimming Pool- If you’re looking for a place to cool off, hang out with your friends and grab a quick snack, the Washington Pool is a place for you. The pool opens Saturday, May 26, and is open from 12:30- 7 p.m., Monday through Sunday.

Lion’s Lake– This park is lovely to go to in the summer because you can get your daily run in around the lake or take the little ones to the All Abilities park where there’s a playground, swings and even music. They also have many ducks and geese that you can feed grapes, uncooked oats, frozen peas or corn, chopped lettuce, earthworms, etc. If it gets too hot for yourself or for any younger children you have around with you, the Washington Pool is up the road where you can cool off!

Washington Riverfront- The Washington Riverfront is a place where you can do many things, such as go on a bike ride on the trail, get something to eat, go on a picnic, skip rocks in the water and even watch the sunset. On Memorial Day and July 4, the Riverfront holds a special ceremony all day where there would be music, food and entertainment.

Washington Town and Country Fair- Although this is only a week about two weeks before school starts back up, the fair is something nearly everyone in Washington has attended at least once. The fair takes place the first week of August and has music, food, rides and activities. You could end summer with a last hoorah with your friends riding crazy rides and enjoying the music provided, as well as the fireworks show on the last day.

Six Flags- Six Flags is a place where everyone goes at least once in the summer. During childhood, it would always be so terrifying to ride the “Batman” or the “Mr. Freeze.” It’s always fun going and enjoying the rides with your friends, or being convinced to go on a ride you’ve been dreading to ride. You could also cool down in Hurricane Harbor, which opens Memorial Day weekend. Six Flags is located in Eureka and is open from 10:30 a.m.-6 p.m., Monday through Friday, 10:30 a.m.-9 p.m. on Saturday and 10:30 a.m.-7 p.m. on Sunday.

St. Louis Arch- If you’re planning on going to St. Louis this summer, the Arch is the perfect place to go for sightseeing with family from out of town, or just if you want to get out of Washington. You could ride to the top of the Arch and see a view of St. Louis 630ft. high. In the summer, the Arch is open from 8 a.m.-10 p.m., and the park grounds are open from 5 a.m.- 11p.m.

There are many things to do in the summertime with your friends and family. Although all of the places and events that you can take part in isn’t listed, I hope that some of my recommendations help you decide where you want to spend your hot days this summer. Have a great summer, Blue Jays. See you in the fall!