Organizations throughout the area are planning activities for youngsters to get them out of the house and keep them mentally and physically stimulated as summer draws near: Here are just a few of the possibilities:

Buried In Books

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The Lakewood Library has scheduled its Summer Reading Club program for June and July. Children from pre-school age through high school can sign up at any time and become eligible for prizes according to the number of hours they spend reading. Performances by various entertainers ranging from magicians to storytellers are scheduled at 1:30 p.m. Monday from June 2 through July 28. The program and performances are free. For details, call 214-670-1376, or stop by the library at 6121 Worth.

It’s Fun To Play

The East Dallas YMCA will teach youngsters to swim, take them on outings during day camps, give parents a break on selected Friday nights when parties are scheduled for kids, organize family outings such as picnics, teach soccer skills and register children for fall soccer leagues. Summer day camps begin after Memorial Day. Swim lessons will be offered in two-week sessions beginning June 2. The pool also will be open daily for recreational swimming. For details, call 214-824-8139 or stop by the Y at 6220 Worth.

The Dallas YWCA-Central Branch offers a day camp for ages 5 to 12 years with themed weeks. A separate day camp is planned for seventh- through ninth-graders. Also available are classes in swimming, baby-sitting, karate, music, ballet and other types of dance. The pool is available for recreational swimming. For details, call 214-827-5600 or stop by the YWCA at 4621 Ross.

Take A Break

Lakewood United Methodist Church will offer its “Tween” Program the fourth Friday evening of each month from 7-10 p.m. Children ages 7-11 will enjoy recreational activities while parents have an evening off. Reservations are required because space is limited. Admission is free. Call 214-823-9623 for details.

The Arts

The Lakewood Arts Academy offers themed art camps each week June-August for ages 4 through teens. Themes include “Feline Friends,” “Life of the Artist,” “Fantasy Furniture” and more. Call 214-827-1222 for details.

The Dallas Museum of Art offers art camp for ages 6-7 and 8-9 during June from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. For ages 10-12, art classes are planned from 12:30-3 p.m. during July. Classes are small, so register early. “Saturday Morning Fun!” free performances for kids at 11:30 a.m. are planned in July (advance registration is required by calling 214-922-1394). The museum also offers free family activities and events in the Gateway Gallery. Call 214-922-1251 for details.

Time Travel

The Dallas Museum of Natural History offers a variety of morning and afternoon classes for ages kindergarten through sixth grade from June 2-Aug. 7. Explore topics such as “Buggy for Bugs,” “First People of Texas,” “Paleontology Camp,” “Pond Pals,” “Dino-mania” and more. For details and to register, call 214-421-3466, ext. 202.

Kids CALENDAR

Preschool Celebrates 25th Anniversary: The Open Door Multilingual Preschool, a ministry of Grace United Methodist Church, will celebrate its 25th Anniversary with a gala graduation and reunion May 22 at 6 p.m. The celebration will take place at Grace United Methodist, 4105 Junius at Haskell. The school is trying to contact as many of the former students, teachers, and directors as possible. If you know of a current or former student, please call 214-824-2530 or FAX 214-824-2279.

Author Readings: The Enchanted Forest, 6333 East Mockingbird at Abrams, welcomes Eric Carle, author and illustrator of many well-known children’s books, May 7 from 10 a.m.-noon. Award-winning author/illustrator Marcus Pfister will give a short presentation and a reading of his book, “The Rainbow Fish,” May 8 from 4 p.m.-5 p.m. France’s favorite schoolgirl, Madeline, returns to the Enchanted Forest May 10 for shows at 11 a.m., 11:30 a.m. and noon. For information, call 214-827-2234.

Storytime Schedule: May programming at the Skillman Southwestern Branch Library, 5707 Skillman at Southwestern, will feature storytimes for youngsters on the first two Tuesdays of the month (toddlers at 10 a.m., preschoolers at 10:40 a.m., 11:15 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.). A storytime about butterflies for children three and older will be held May 10 at 2:30 p.m., and one devoted to trains will be held May 10 at 2:30 p.m. Signup for the summer reading challenge begins May 24. Library hours are Monday and Wednesday from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. For information, call 214-670-6078.

On Stage: The Dallas Children’s Theater presents Francis Hodgson Burnett’s “A Little Princess” at the Crescent Theater, 2215 Cedar Springs across from the Hotel Crescent Court. Showtimes are Fridays May 2, 9 & 16 at 7:30 p.m., Saturdays May 3, 10 & 17, at 1:30 p.m. and 4:40 p.m. Tickets are $11 for adults and $9 for children. For tickets, call 214-978-0110.