Recommending that parents limit their children’s television viewing, Prenn cited Scouting activities, day camps and YMCA programs for youth that provide exciting learning activities. Scholarships to fund low-income children who wish to participate are often available, she said.

“Lots of the kids who are in these summer programs say, ‘If I weren’t doing this, I’d be home watching TV,’” Prenn said.

With the first day of school about five weeks away, Prenn said it’s not too late to begin gearing up for the new academic year with mentally stimulating activities.

A visit to the library might include a conversation with a librarian who can make suggestions for selecting specific reading material about subjects that capture the child’s imagination. “If a child is interested in what they are reading, it keeps them going,” she said.

“It’s a good time for kids to start journals,” Prenn said. Or children may search for a Web site about a favorite author and discover exciting learning activities there.