Schools are almost out. How are you going to keep the kids busy?

Summer camps can be expensive, especially for families with multiple children.

That’s what we heard from parents who responded to the Sun Journal’s inquiry about summer plans, most of whom also mentioned the cost of gas as a barrier to summertime fun.

With that in mind, here are some free or affordable tings to do with children while staying in the Lewiston-Auburn area:

LEWISTON PUBLIC LIBRARY

The Lewiston Public Library is a treasure trove of resources for families.

The summer reading program for kids, teens and adults runs from June 1 to the end of August, with the chance for children to win prizes and free books.

With the theme of “Read, Make, Explore,” participants are given a bookmark that lists 15 activities that fit in with the theme. To win a free book, children and teens must complete at least five of the activities, which can range from a 20-minute reading session to cooking a new recipe.

Adults are not eligible for a free book, but regardless of age, each completed bookmark is entered into a raffle for an additional prize at the end of the summer.

Library cards are not needed to participate, however, cards are needed to check out books, audio books, and vehicle passes for free admission at Maine state parks.

The library also has free tickets daily to the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens in Boothbay and discounted tickets to Portland’s Children’s Museum & Theater of Maine, among other museums.

It will also host free events throughout the summer, like a children’s aquatic touch tank and ballroom dancing lessons for adults.

The library, of course, has books, but additionally, audiobooks and eBooks can be accessed through CloudLibrary for Kindles and other electronic reading devices if someone can’t make it to the library in person.

The library is at 200 Lisbon St. More information can be found at lplonline.org.

SUMMER FUN & FILMS

The Summer Fun & Films program shows midweek movies in Lewiston for free with complimentary popcorn and activities before the show.

On the night of the show, activities start at 6 p.m., with a family-friendly movie following at 8 p.m. Locations of the movies can vary, so best to check the organization’s website or Facebook page for the most up-to-date information.

RANGE POND STATE PARK

OK, Range Pond State Park isn’t in Lewiston, but it’s nearby and offers everything from swimming and hiking to fishing and boating. The park in Poland is $6 for adults and $1 for children between the ages 1-11. The park is open daily from 9 a.m. until sunset. Check your local library for possible state park passes.

MUSEUMS

For those who want a history lesson, Museums for All, a program through the Institute of Museum and Library Science, allows free or reduced admission to many museums, including those in Lewiston, for visitors who present a Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) or Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card.

Included in the Lewiston-Auburn area are the Maine Museum of Innovation, Learning and Labor, also known as Maine MILL, at 35 Canal St. and the Franco Center at 46 Cedar St.

More information can be found at museums4all.org.