Mower County youth have a variety of options this summer to keep them busy.

In addition to the Austin Municipal Pool and the Austin Public Library’s summer reading program, Austin Public Schools is offering dozens of classes and activities through Community Education.

Some classes carry a cost, while others are free.

Financial assistance is available for qualified families, and the classes are open to kids ages 3 through eighth grade.

Sessions include everything from Learning with Legos to Science Explorers.

On Tuesday, 4 year olds Brayden Bishop and Bianca Herrera experienced the Littlest Chef’s Cooking Camp first hand by creating quesadillas and “ants on a log.”

It’s nice to have options for our local youth and their parents this summer, and the Community Education classes are a good complement to the rest of the offerings available in Mower County.