Affordable ways to dodge your kids' summer doldrums

The calendar will soon clear for many kids across the Capital Region. Now - while you still have maybe a few fleeting minutes to think - is the time to forge a summer schedule packed with frugal fun in order to bypass those inevitable cries of boredom and steer kids away from the couch and computer screen.

To get you started I've rounded up a list of some free/low cost children's workshops, activities and programs.

• Apple Camp: Children ages 8 through 12 can expand their digital creativity through hands-on projects with Apple experts. The company's free camps consist of three 90-minute sessions exploring music, coding, movie-making or art and design. Visit https://www.apple.com/today/camp/ to sign up to be notified when registration opens.

• Lego Store: Every month, kids can build a free Lego model in-store. The next event is slated for July 20. Cost is $10. You'll want to sign up early as space is limited. Visit https://www.lego.com/en-us/stores.

• Home Depot: The home improvement retailer hosts free kid's workshops one Saturday each month. On July 6, little ones are invited to build a tow truck. They also have free weekly do-it-yourself workshops for older kids or parents. Visit https://www.homedepot.com/workshops/ to learn more.

• Michael's: It costs only $3-$5 to enroll your child in a weekly craft workshop. To see the kids program schedule and register in advance, visit https://classes.michaels.com.

• Kids Bowl Free program: Select bowling centers and schools around the country are once again participating in the Kids Bowl Free program. Designed by...