Austin children are going to be well-fed and thoroughly entertained this summer.

Two years ago, the Austin Public School District launched its free lunch program, an opportunity for all kids ages 18 and under to have a healthful meal during the summer — no strings attached.

This year, the district is mixing in educational opportunities and a reading program to keep families occupied. The schools partnered with the Parenting Resource Center to obtain a $2,000 grant from United Way of Mower County.

“Our goal is to engage families,” explained Amy Baskin, Community Education director.

Several science and musical events are planned at Ellis Middle School, starting with this Wednesday.

Mad Science of Minnesota, an educational program led by professional instructors, will begin at 10:30 a.m. Kids can watch the “Mad Scientist” use dry ice to shower volunteers with clouds, bubbles and spooky fog, and children can also make take-home slime in the “Slippery Slime Booth.”

“It’s kind of sneaking science in,” Baskin said of the program. “Science is not just theory and boring stuff.”

Other programs scheduled include The Flyers Musical Group on Wednesday, July 15; the Gator Alley and Co. ventriloquist on Wednesday, July 29; and the Minnesota Science Museum on Wednesday, Aug. 5.

Baskin said that preschoolers through fifth-graders are targeted for the free programs, but all children 18 and under are welcome.

“It’s an opportunity for families to come to do something fun,” she said.

Also included in the free programming this summer are reading centers, provided by AmeriCorps VISTA volunteers. The volunteers will host literary-related activities at Ellis Middle School at 12:30 p.m. on Wednesdays and Sumner Elementary at 12:30 p.m. on Tuesdays, with additional programs at the Municipal Pool, local parks and the YMCA. Students can check out books and win a prize at the end of the summer.

The Austin Public Library previously hosted the reading centers, but they were cut due to a loss in local government aid, Baskin said.

The free lunch program is available from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Friday, June 8 through Sept. 4, at EMS and Sumner. During the first week of this year’s program, 3,483 kids were served, up 931 students from the first week in 2008.