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Fun, free activities for San Diego students on Spring Break

Posted at 6:34 PM, Mar 28, 2017
and last updated 2017-03-28 21:34:38-04

SAN DIEGO (KGTV) - Thousands of San Diego students are thrilled to be on Spring Break. But for some parents, it can be difficult to find inexpensive ways to keep kids busy during their time away from school.

The San Diego Unified School District is providing free resources to help out families on a tight budget. 

The kids are learning something new, staying active outdoors and making new friends while participating in San Diego Unified’s Ultimate Spring Break Fun.

"I'm in level 4 and I'm also in the water polo,” said Mayte Mercado.

Mercado, her brother Marlin and sister Mia are all learning how to swim.

"He's in advanced class and she's in level 2,” said Mercado.

Swimming lessons are just one of the programs being offered at the City Heights Recreation Center and at five other recreation centers in San Diego - and they're all for free.

Their mother is grateful for the free activities.

"It's hard paying for the programs that we have to pay,” said Marcela Mercado. 

She’s grateful not just for her kids, but for all the kids she watches at her nearby day care center. 

"It gives them a different mind, not just being at the house,” added Mercado.

Many of their parents work multiple jobs just to make ends meet. 

To keep kids nourished, the district also provides free lunch all break long to any student under 18 years old. No paperwork, income verification or applications are required. And the lunch is healthy.

Parents are also encouraged to keep their kids engaged in books.

"Students often happen to be a part of ‘summer slide’ which means they tend to decrease in their reading ability,” said Executive Director of Family Community and Engagement Department Stanley Anjin.

Even though schools are closed, the district is keeping 76 joint-use fields and parks open during the break so kids can play all day. 

For a full list of participating recreation centers and schools, log on to www. sandiegounified.org.