Today may be the first day of spring, but if you're a parent, you've got to be thinking about summer break. What might occupy the little darlings, help them grow, and keep them happy?

The basic questions are easy to answer and will guide your selection process.

All day or part time? All summer or weekly programs?

How much can you afford?

After you deal with that, you need to figure out what your child wants: Enrichment, which is a fancy word for fun, or academics, which is another fancy word for summer school?

Summer enrollment is more open at private schools, and you can find their courses online.

But regardless of where you go, find something that stimulates your child, said Mark Hanington, director of Punahou Summer School.

"Learning is supposed to be fun," he said. "School, and particularly summer school, should be an intellectual Disneyland. The brain should be alive and excited and thrilled to be doing things."

Don't be afraid of different approaches. A child struggling in a traditional English course might do better — and remain more excited — by taking a computer class that stresses writing, Hanington suggested.

The arts are well represented each summer. Online information is available for many music schools; community theaters, which also have information online, often offer drama classes.

If you want a more general-purpose social environment, the city's Summer Fun program is available at locations all over O'ahu. A variety of private organizations offer similar programs, usually with expanded activities, at an increased cost.

Dulli Haag, senior program director of youth programs at the Nu'uanu YMCA, said parents often choose a summer program run by an organization they are familiar with. But if they want something different, they can visit the state Department of Education's Web site, which lists a lot of activities, or check with their community recreation center or their child's school.

Summer programs often send brochures to local schools at this time of year, too.

Parents should not be afraid to question teachers and school administrators about their child's academic needs, said Ann Yoneshige, director of special programs at 'Iolani School.

"They hopefully can find something their child can enjoy, even if it is for reinforcement," she said. "You wouldn't want their child to go six weeks and feel like it isn't worth their time."

Outdoor and fitness programs complete the dizzying list of choices. There are surf camps, nature camps, lifeguard courses and athletic programs.

The University of Hawai'i-Manoa Athletic Department offers an array of sports camps, all listed on the university Web site.

Your child's level of expertise should not be what sways your decision, said Kari Ambrozich, an assistant coach with the university's Wahine volleyball program.

"Exposure is good," she said. "It gives them an opportunity to explore what interests them. It gives them their first taste of volleyball or basket-weaving or whatever it is you are going to camp to do."