kids get bored in the summer?

Some ideas to keep them busy outside the home in the greater Portland area. low cost. Buy yourself several weeks of sanity for $0-$5.

Children in grades 4-6.
Are they enrolled in Portland Public Schools? Then they are entitled to summerchamps funding through United Way. This is a grant available to all children within the age range (check the site listed below, or call United Way) enrolled in Portland Public Schools (no income guidelines) to fund the summer camp of your choice. There is a listing of participating camps here in the guide:

http://www.unitedwaygp.org/what_we_do/summer_champs.php

Also, if your child is above the age of 7, The Boys and Girls club is an option. $5 membership (1x) for a 13 month period. The Cumberland Ave site has a swimming pool, a gym for dodgeball and basket ball, a pretty elaborate game room, an art room, computer room, library, etc. They provide them with lunch for free. On Thursdays they go hiking, which your child has the option to sign up for. They can stay from 10am-5pm. You do not have to live in the town the facility is located in for your child to use that facility.

http://www.bgca.org/clubs/

Portland Parks and Recreation offers several camps for school age children. You might qualify for a scholarship, the guidelines are the same as for the aftercare program during the school year. 207-756-8275