Hey, kids, ever wish you could just get away from the 'rents for a night and chill with your friends in a supportive yet entertaining environment? You know you have! OK, parents, don't go calling the authorities just yet. McNicol's First Annual Lock-In isn't what it sounds like. Well, OK, it is. But not really. Let's just say that kids ages 6 to 13 can bring their sleeping bags and pillows for a sleepover at Washington Park Community Center (5199 Pembroke Rd., Hollywood). McNicol Middle School hosts the night, which includes activities such as PlayStation, movies, basketball, a computer lab, unlimited games, and arts and crafts. The $10 fee includes dinner, snacks, and breakfast, and kids can register anytime at McNicol Middle School (1602 S 27th Ave., Hollywood). Starts at 6:30 p.m. Call 954-967-4240 or 954-926-0982. -- Audra Schroeder
MON 6/2
Take It Easy
OK, kids, school's out (for most of you), and it's summer! Now what are you going to do? Why not take a leisurely Monday and enjoy the best of Broward County's parks. Anne Kolb Nature Center (751 Sheridan St., Hollywood) offers dance and baton classes for ages 5 and older. Cost is $35 a month; call 954-926-2480. Tree Tops Park (3900 SW 100th Ave., Davie) offers fencing lessons for ages 12 and older. Classes start at 6 p.m. and cost $35 a month; call 954-370-3750. For music lovers, McTyre Park (3501 SW 56th Ave., Pembroke Pines) offers a free kids' music-appreciation class at 6 p.m.; call 954-964-0283. And to prepare you for any danger coming your way on a muggy Florida night, Brian Piccolo Park (9501 Sheridan St., Hollywood) offers Safekidz USA Youth Safety Awareness and Self-Defense Class for ages 5 to 15. Classes start at 6 p.m. and cost $5 each; call 954-437-2600. Hop off the couch, put down the PlayStation controller, and get out there! -- Audra Schroeder
MON 6/2 Kick Out the Jams
Children and adults can get their kicks this summer without breaking one of their most important possessions: the bank. Obviously, by taking karate classes, you will not be able to fight like Neo and take on 100 of the Smiths. But Pompano Beach Highlands Park (1650 NE 50th Ct., Pompano Beach) offers one of the oldest forms of karate: Japanese Goju. The twice-weekly class features physical and mental conditioning, assertiveness training, self-defense, and sparring. The classes run Monday and Thursday from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. for ages 5 to 12. Cost is $5 for a class or $30 for the month. Ages 12 and older can attend from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. for $6 a class or $35 for the month. Call 954-360-1383. -- Melissa Malamut
