by Cheryl Leschasin
Northern News Services

NNSL (Aug 13/97) - Across Yellowknife, parents everywhere are listening to the end of summer battle cry of their children: "Mom, Dad, I'm bored!" With three weeks to go until school gets back in action, there's barely enough time to take advantage of all Yellowknife has to offer.

Here's a list of 15 things to do to get you through the end-of-summer crunch.

1. Go to the beach (Long Lake). Lifeguards are on duty every day until 6 p.m. Facilities include a change room and washroom, playground, volleyball net and canteen, and there's plenty to do when you're tired of swimming. Remember, the last day lifeguards are on duty is Saturday, Aug. 23.

2. Check out the pool. Public and family swim times are available every day of the week. Call for the schedule.

3. Yellowknife boasts some beautiful walking trails. The Niven Lake Trail system across the highway from the visitors centre is quiet and you can see plenty of birds and wildlife.

4. The Range Lake walking trail is accessible from either Parker Park (off Finlayson Drive) or behind Circle K.

5. The Frame Lake trail will take you from downtown to the hospital and as far as the Bristol Monument near the airport.

6. Call the city to find out what youth programs are running. You can register for a week, a day or even a half-day in the summer playground program.

7. If the weather is too wet for the great outdoors, head to the library for a book on children's crafts. You might find a craft idea that will be fun and easy to create.

8. Check out the Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre, which is open from 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. every day of the week.

9. Playgrounds are a great place to spend an hour or two and there are plenty of parks to choose from in Yellowknife. Bring a snack and drink for rest times between play.

10. On rainy days it's lots of fun to make a fancy dessert or bake some home-made bread.

11. If you don't own a canoe, several establishments around town will rent you one at a reasonable rate. Local sporting shops can also give you maps or directions to safe, scenic paddling locations.

12. It's fun to practise your putting skills at Wade Hamer Mini Golf, located by Ruth Inch Memorial Pool.

13. If a history lesson tickles your fancy, stop off at city hall for a copy of "Four Historical Walking Tours of Yellowknife," which outlines all of old town's historical sites. Wind up with lunch or supper at the Wildcat Cafe.

14. Put on a pair of sturdy shoes and head out to Cameron Falls Trail. Watch carefully for the second Hidden Lake sign on the left. Be sure to pack a snack and bug spray.

15. Have some fun packing a special picnic lunch to share with a friend. Head out to any park, walking trail or playground to enjoy it.

16. It's easy to make a home-made placemat by ironing pieces of decorated construction paper between two sheets of Mac-Tac. Just make sure to cover the Mac-Tac with a dish towel before ironing. An adult should supervise this one.

17. Have some fun in the evening by pitching a tent in your backyard. Bring marshmallows, comics, flashlights, spooky stories and a good friend.