Summer fun for kids in Albany

Looking for things to do in Albany this summer with your family? We've created a summertime challenge to put an end to summer boredom for kids and parents alike. For third year in a row, kids can pick up a free "Journey to the Center of Albany" passport full of ideas for fun activities and the chance to win big prizes.

How to Play: Kids can grab a passport and a map to lead them on their quest for summertime treasure. Passports will be available starting Saturday, June 14th from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. at a kick-off event at the Downtown Carnegie Library, and will also be available all summer long at the Albany Visitors Association, 110 3rd Ave. SE, while supplies last.

Once you have a passport, open it up to find dozens of places to visit this summer. Whether it's taking a hike, creating a craft, or discovering hidden secrets from the past, each stop on the journey will get you out of the house and into the community. At each stop, kids can present their passport, complete a secret task, and receive a stamp. No purchase or entry fee is necessary at any stop to receive a passport stamp–the program is 100 percent free.

How to Win: At the end of the summer, stop by the Albany Visitors Association (110 3rd Ave SE) to report on your adventures and receive raffle tickets that will give you chances to win fun prizes. The more stamps in your passport, the more chances to win you'll receive! It 's not necessary to complete the entire passport to be entered in the drawings. The deadline to turn in passports is Aug. 29, 2014.

What you might Win:

• The grand prize winner will receive two round-trip tickets to Portland on the Amtrak Cascades
• A certificate for a ride in a fire truck from the Albany Fire Department
• gift certificates from the Albany Community Pool, Pizza King, Surefire Design, Red Daisy Cafe, A Step Above Hobbies, water bottles, toys, games and more.

Who's involved:

The passport program was developed by the Albany Visitors Association, the Albany Regional Museum, and the Monteith House Museum. Other sponsors include More Ink and the Downtown Carnegie Library. Grant funds from the Linn County Cultural Coalition have helped make the program available free.

The passport adventures are geared toward elementary-age children, but kids, parents, babysitters and grandparents of all ages are welcome to participate.

Got questions? Call 541-928-0911 or e-mail info@albanyvisitors.com, and we'll find the answers!