THE LIST

Avoid the cries of "I'm bored" and "There's nothing to do" by planning ahead for some affordable summertime fun for kids.

1. Cal Skate. Bring your own roller skates or rent them for some old-fashioned fun on wheels. Special $2 admission from 2 to 4 p.m. Tuesdays with discount skate rentals of $3 for quads or $4 for inline. Discounted family nights and other special events; visit the website for dates and details.

6100 Commerce Blvd., Rohnert Park, 585-0500, calskate.com

2. Depot Park and the Sonoma Valley Historical Society's Depot Park Museum. Kids can climb a caboose and two train cars and check out the tracks at Sonoma's old Northwestern Pacific train station. The museum (located in the rebuilt depot) features memorabilia from the old days of railroading in Sonoma Valley. Kids can ring the big steam locomotive bell and view displays of Victorian life, including a one-room schoolhouse with old-time desks, chalkboards and erasers. Park open daily, picnicking available. Museum hours are 1 to 4 p.m. Friday through Sunday. Free admission; donations welcome.

270 First St. W., Sonoma, 938-1762, depotparkmuseum.org

3. Howarth Park. This 152-acre community park is home to a lake, hiking trails, picnic grounds, an amusement area and three separate play areas. Admission and parking are free. Discount tickets available for the scale-model steam train, carousel, jump house and Animal Barn; $2 admission or discounted 10-ticket family day pass for $17 (valid only on day of purchase) or $40 for a 25-ticket book valid for one year. Open daily sunrise to sunset.

630 Summerfield Road, Santa Rosa, 543-3737, ci.santa-rosa.ca.us

4. Jack London State Historic Park. This national historic landmark provides a full day of fun for the cost of a $10 parking fee. More than 20 miles of trails for hiking, biking and horseback riding (call ahead to book tours). The scenic 1,400-acre park features the House of Happy Walls Museum, the stone ruins of the Wolf House, London's cottage (nominal entry fee), the Pig Palace and more. Free parking on July 14 and Aug. 11. Open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

2400 London Ranch Road, Glen Ellen, 938-5216, jacklondonpark.com

5. Kids' Movies. Santa Rosa Entertainment Group offers a Kids' Summer Movie Series at two theaters. This week, "Despicable Me 2" is shown at 10 a.m. Tuesday and Wednesday at Third Street Cinemas, 620 Third St., and at 10 a.m. Thursday and Friday at Airport Stadium 12, 409 Aviation Blvd. Admission is $3; ticket packages available. Adults must be accompanied by a child.

For future shows and details: 522-0330, sregmovies.com.

6. Scandia Family Fun Center. With two 18-hole miniature golf courses, rides, games, batting cages and more, Scandia has attractions for kids of all ages. Various "super savings" packages are available, and an early-bird special offers unlimited rides and arcade fun for $15 from 10 a.m. to noon daily.

5301 Redwood Drive, Rohnert Park, 584-1398, scandiafunland.com

7. Scientopia Discovery Center. Sneak in a little summertime math and science education through the hands-on exhibits and creative play centers at Scientopia. Kids can try out the dig pit, climbing tower, art center and building stations. Admission is $8 for kids ages 1 to 12; $5 for those under 1 without a paid sibling. Discounts include a prepaid play pass good for five visits for $35. Open 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, private parties on Saturdays.

1785-B Tanen St., Napa, 259-1559, scientopia discoverycenter.com

8. Snoopy's Home Ice -- Redwood Empire Ice Arena. Parents and kids 12 and younger can cool off during discount Parents and Puppy Practice sessions. Group lessons and practice time from 10:30 a.m. to noon Sundays. Free skate rentals. Admission is $8 for adults, $6 for kids. Watch the arena website for discounted family sessions during the summer.

1667 W. Steele Lane, Santa Rosa, 546-7147, snoopyshomeice.com

9. Sonoma County Library. Kids and teens can read for fun and prizes by signing up for the "Fizz, Boom, READ!" summer reading program. Various branches host special events throughout the summer, from crafts to magic shows to madcap science demonstrations. Many events are geared toward specific ages.

Details: 545-0831, events calendar: sonoma.lib.ca.us

10. Sonoma Stompers. Support the return of professional baseball to Sonoma County and bring the whole family; tickets start at $3. Bring your own peanuts and Cracker Jacks or buy snacks at the park. The home opener is July 1, with 33 home games through August. Arnold Field, 180 First St. W., 939-5073, stompersbaseball.com.

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