Thoughts on beating boredom amidst the dog days of summer, with the Crazy Mommas of Kitsap.

We all know the summertime blues. When the kids have exhausted the seemingly infinite possibilities of summer, while parents are simply exhausted trying to keep up with them.

Eventually everyone winds up burnt out, staring into space, lamenting “I’m bored.”

But with the help of a local moms’ meet up group — Crazy Mommas of Kitsap — we’ve come up with a few surefire solutions to the summertime blues.

“This Group is dedicated to all of those hard working mommas that feel like they want to scream!” the Crazy Momma’s Web site reads. “We are here to help!”

The group, which focuses on networking families and “getting the munchkins out and about,” started as a military wives’ club, but has expanded to include every mom (and dad) in Kitsap County. Through the social networking Web site meetup.com, the group hosts a plethora of meet ups for members to attend.

Go to crazymommas.com for more info.

The Movies

For kids, there are few easier escapes from duldrums than a trip to the cineplex.

The big screen, cushy chairs, the possibility of popcorn and soda — the event of it all is exciting enough. But even more exciting for parents, the Poulsbo Regal Cinema chain is hosting a Free Family Film Festival throughout the summer. Each week, the theater showcases free showings of both G- and PG-rated, at 10 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., respectively, Tuesdays through Thursdays through August.

This coming week, July 21-23 features free showings of “Tale of Despereaux” at 10 a.m. and “Kung Fu Panda” at 1:30 p.m. Call Poulsbo Regal at (360) 697-5642 for a schedule and more information.

The Museum

While the museum doesn’t typically conjure a respite from boredom for kids, the Kids Discovery Museum on Bainbridge Island isn’t your typical museum.

Kitsap County’s only kids museum offers a host of hands-on activities, summer camps and special exhibits for kids up to age 10. Every Wednesday and Friday are arts and crafts days, free with admission or membership. Wednesdays carry the eco-concious theme — ‘Re-creation Station’ — while Fridays are “Messy Fridays.”

July 18 is Pirate Day.

For more, go to www.kidimu.org, and also check out the free admission Naval Undersea Museum in Keyport.