What to do when school's out

School's now out, and summer's in. The question is, what do you do with all that free time? Entertaining your kids over the summer can be daunting but luckily, an abundance of summer programs offer something for everybody.

Little Picassos can check out Sharp+Focus Life summer art programs where they can explore painting, drawing, calligraphy, Chinese instruments, patchwork, flower arrangement, or even learn to make teddy bears.

Mozarts may enjoy JZ School's summer jazz programs taught by local and overseas musicians. Musical theater courses will give children the opportunity to mix jazz music, dance, drama, and design the stage and costumes for a performance of "The Jungle Book." Older youths with some musical experience can take the jazz camp, which offers a range of interesting courses and a chance to jam with professionals.

If junior is a Beckham at heart, Multi-Sport offers summer sport camps which include soccer, hockey, basketball, football and swimming, all divided into three age groups; beginners are welcome! Taught by internationally qualified phys-ed instructors, Multi-Sport programs introduce children to "the physical and social benefits of sports," focusing on the ABCs, "Agility, Balance, and Coordination." Little Einsteins may prefer more didactic pursuits like the engineering and robotics, video game design, animation, digital video production and digital art activities offered at the Children's Technology Workshop junior and senior icamps. Enthusiastic university and high school science students will help instruct and encourage children to broaden their horizons.

If searching for linguistic and cultural pursuits, The Schoolhouse, Shanghai offers a variety of activities including field trips, mandarin classes, calligraphy, poetry and more in an immersion environment. Geared towards expats and overseas Chinese, the program provides quality instruction and facilities. "We enroll our own children," says organizer and parent Hilda Ng, a bonafide enthusiast. So this summer, rather than becoming reacquainted with the Disney classics, encourage your kids to pursue their passions instead.