WARRENSVILLE HEIGHTS -- The term "summer slide" doesn't refer to something you'd find at a water park. It's a much more serious matter.

Educational experts define "summer slide" as the loss of learning which happens over the summer.

They estimate a child can forget up to 3 months of learning during that time.

The issue comes when a student needs to head back to school, they not only need to learn new material, but also re-learn the old material.

This can lead to lower grades, and a lot of frustration.

One option is summer programs offered by public libraries. Most are free, and fun!

Educational experts say making learning fun is so important to keeping kids engaged- especially over the summer.

Executive Director of Cuyahoga County Public Libraries, Sari Feldman explains, "You're not so conscious of the fact that you're using all of your learning skills from previous years and gaining new skills."

But learning doesn't have to be boring and it doesn't have to take place in a classroom.

What about family field trips? Before you hit the beach, read up on what lives in the water or learn about erosion.

Prefer to stay on dry land? Find out the history of where you plan to visit.

Have the whole family read a book, and then watch the movie adaptation and discuss!

Find a hobby your whole family can learn together- whether it's flying a kite, or fishing, or learning how to build a robot.

Feldman says the trick is to combine educational areas, "Take advantage of science, technology, and math skills as well as basic literacy skills and they put it all together for a fun package."

Many libraries also offer high-tech options as well- recording studios and computers.

Feldman calls fun and free programs a win-win situation, for the parents and the children, "Children who read and participate in some sort of learning activity over the summer enter school much more prime to learn new material and also better to prepare."

WKYC-TV