School is out, summer is here and parents are looking for affordable activities to do with their children. Whether you’re making music during a drum circle or exploring nature, there are several planned activities hosted by local libraries in Lake and Sumter counties that will keep families engaged for the summer — for free.
Explore the Outdoors
The Fruitland Park Library is hosting its Nature Scavenger Hunt from 10 to 11 a.m. July 15 at Lake Griffin State Park, 3089 U.S. Highway 27/441, Fruitland Park. Families are encouraged to bring hats, sunscreen and water, as well as a packed lunch to turn the experience into an outdoor picnic after the hunt.
“In Florida, we have a lot of state parks that people didn’t know were here or that they haven’t gone to,” said Emily Woody, children and teen programming coordinator for the Fruitland Park Library. “The event helps let people see that they don’t have to drive hours away to experience a place with beautiful waters, trees and nature. Having a family picnic after will also be a great way to hang out at the park for a little while.”
Home to the state’s second-largest live oak, known as the Mammoth Live Oak, Lake Griffin State Park has several habitats where nature thrives.
The Nature Scavenger Hunt will be divided into various sections where the search ranges from simple to challenging.
Whether they are looking for a pine cone or listening for a bird call, using the senses — sight, touch, hearing, smell and maybe taste when appropriate — can help participants explore the outdoors.
To learn more about Lake Griffin State Park, visit floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/lake-griffin-state-park.
Feel the BeatDuring the Giving Tree Music Drum Circle families will learn the power of music.
Instructors will lead the group in a workshop from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. July 9 on the second floor of the Lady Lake Public Library, 225 W. Guava St., Lady Lake.
Nicole LeFrancois, the library’s youth program coordinator, said the library is excited to host the group for another year.
“Music always brings everyone together,” she said. “Giving Tree Music has been coming for many, many years, bringing families together to try something new. I think this is one of the most magical things to experience.”
Steve Turner, Giving Tree Music founder and lead drum circle facilitator, said the experience is the perfect summer activity because it combines recreation and education on social emotional intelligence with no background skills required.
“To me, the drum circle is a vehicle for creative communication with the purpose of helping build a connection that will last even after I go home,” Turner said.
The Magic of PuppetryThe Sumter Public Library system is hosting two puppet shows, including the Aladdin Puppet Show from 11 a.m. to noon July 10 at the Bushnell Public Library, 402 N. Florida St., Bushnell, and Windell Campbell Storytelling and Puppetry from 11 a.m. to noon July 13 at The Villages Public Library at Pinellas Plaza, 7375 Powell Road, No. 100, Wildwood.
Anita Stevenson, the Sumter County Library System outreach and program manager, said creative storytelling programs like the puppet shows are part of the free activities and educational programs included in the Sumter Public Library’s Summer Reading 2026 program.
“Along with the programs being free, the programs encourage the kids to keep reading during the summer,” Stevenson said.
Children who participate in the challenge this year will keep a summer reading log, provided by the library, to track their progress and win prizes. When a child reads five books, they can claim a prize from a treasure box and enter a chance drawing to win a special summer gift basket.
The Sumter County Library System also has partnered with Culver’s to offer young readers a sweet treat.
Children who get their bookmarks stamped for reading five books, can win a free custard. Completing 10 books can earn a reader a free kid’s meal.
To learn more about events with the Sumter County Library System, visit sumter.librarycatalog.info. For more information about Lake County Library System’s scavenger hunt or the Giving Tree Music Drum Circle, visit mylakelibrary.org.
Staff writer Brea Jones can be reached at 352-753-1119, ext. 5414, or brea.jones@thevillagesmedia.com.
