Summer is wrapping up in Carlsbad as three of the four school districts that operate in the city head back to school next week (the fourth started last week.)  With kids starting a new routine, parents have a chance to explore some terrific City of Carlsbad programs and activities that help make Carlsbad a great place to live. Here are five fun places to start:

1. Join a book club. The Carlsbad City Library offers virtual and in-person book clubs on different days of the month to bring people together for interesting discussions about great literature or fun reads. Find the full list of clubs on the city’s website, along with which books they’re reading next and how to join in.
2. Visit the Carlsbad Sculpture Garden. Head over to the Carlsbad Sculpture Garden at 2955 Elmwood Street to see Another Glance: Celebrating 25 Years in the Garden, before the exhibit closes Aug. 26. The installation features nine sculptures created by 10 artists who have been showcased in the garden over the past 25 years. Admission is free; hours are from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday-Saturdays.
3. Take a hike. The City of Carlsbad has 67 miles of trails that offer easy scenic strolls, challenging hikes, mountain biking and beautiful views. Use the city’s interactive GoHike Carlsbadapp for details about each trail, including degree of difficulty and parking. It also features navigational tools that show you where to connect to other trails, sidewalks and cross streets.
4. Take a class. Find a wide variety of fall health and fitness classes, including dance, yoga, swimming and more, in the City of Carlsbad’s Fall Community Services Guide. Check out all the options, then register for the class you want on the city’s website.
5. Stream something on Kanopy. Carlsbad residents can access a large collection of narrative and documentary films, TV shows and kids content for free through the streaming service Kanopy, using their Carlsbad City Library card. Download the app on your smart device or sign up for your free account through the library’s eResources page.