Madison - With the school year coming to a close, Mayor Dave Cieslewicz today offered his Top 10 List of fun things for kids to do in Madison this summer.

"Madison is a great place for a kid to spend the summer," said Mayor Cieslewicz. "From the Goodman Pool to our many parks to the Overture Center, there is plenty to do, and it's all free or very affordable for families from all walks of life. With gas prices higher than ever, there's no need to drive long distances for family fun with so much to do right here at home."

To make it easier for kids and parents to get ideas on stuff to do on long summer days, the Mayor has developed a place on his website to go to find kid-friendly summer activities. For more information and details on these and other programs, visit www.cityofmadison.com/summeractivities.cfm.

Here's the Mayor's Top 10 List for summer fun for kids in Madison.

10. Enjoy the great outdoors. Whether you're into biking or swimming, there's lots to do right here in Madison. Try out our extensive network of bike trails, or take a dip at the Goodman Pool or one of our many beaches.

9. Learn a thing or two about a thing or two. Places like Vilas Zoo, the Children's Museum and Olbrich Gardens have fun and interesting programs for all ages.

8. Check out our libraries. It's Madison, so it won't be sunny every day this summer. Madison's many public libraries offer not just books, but CD's and DVD's as well. And they're all free!

7. Keep active! Even when school is out, there are plenty of ways to stay active with sports and other activities. Madison School and Community Recreation (MSCR) offers something for everyone. Fit City Madison also coordinates fun events to help young people stay active and healthy, including the Fit Kids Challenge.

6. Get some culture. There are lots of great ways for kids in Madison to get involved in the arts. Programs at the Overture Center, the Waisman Center Children's Theater and Wisconsin Youth Symphony are just a few examples.

5. Enjoy the nightlife as a family. Taking in a Mallards game, Concerts on the Square or Jazz at 5, seeing the fireworks at Warner Park or Elver Park, and enjoying Dane Dances on the roof of Monona Terrace are just a few of the family-friendly events happening this summer in Madison.

4. Get out on the lakes. Even if you don't own a boat, there are many ways to get out on the water that surrounds us. Rent a boat or canoe on Lake Wingra or one of Madison's other lakes.

3. Enjoy our parks. Madison has parks in all shapes and sizes, in all parts of the city. They include basketball courts, volleyball, playground equipment, and plenty of open space to throw around a baseball or frisbee.

2. Come downtown. There's always something to do around the Capitol Square, especially on the weekend. The farmer's market, Folk on State Street, Taste of Madison, and Art Fair on the Square are just a few of the free, fun things to do. And of course, take advantage of the free tours offered of our State Capitol, and check out the view from the observation deck.

1. Visit the Mayor's Office. Kids can pick up an official pencil and bookmark and, if he's in, meet the Mayor in person. (This last idea can also be used as an incentive for good behavior as in, "Eat your vegetables or I'll take you to meet the Mayor.")