Kids spend the last month or two of school simply counting down the minutes until summer vacation begins. But after a few school-free days, the dreaded words “I’m bored” become all too common for parents everywhere. The good news is that there are plenty of fun ways to keep your children entertained (that don’t include the television or a gaming console) during the summer months, helping the days to pass quickly as you spend them counting down the minutes until they are back in school.

• Temperatures are rising; keep the kids cooled off with some water fun. Invite some kids from your neighborhood to play in the sprinkler in your yard while having a water balloon/squirt gun fight. Or head to your local lake or public pool to splash around.
• Though it is summer, chances are there will be a few rainy (or too hot) days when you feel the need for some indoor fun away from home. Check for events at your local library, as many public libraries hold special activities for school-aged children during the summer months. Visit a museum, browse stores at the mall, try a new restaurant together, go bowling, or catch a new movie at the theater.
• When the sun is shining and the temperatures are comfortable, sometimes you just need to get away from home for a field trip. If you don’t live too far away, head to the beach for a day of wading in the waves, building sandcastles, and flying kites. Take the kids to the zoo or pack a picnic lunch to bring to your favorite park. Be sure to watch your city’s local calendar to find the dates for any fun festivals or carnivals to attend.
• Lazy days at home are inevitable and are necessary in order to recharge your batteries during summer vacation. When the kids are inside, that is when creativity is crucial. Spend the day in the kitchen with your kids, making all kinds of delicious treats. Build a giant blanket fort in the living room. Play some board/card games together as a family or put together a jigsaw puzzle. Or if you’re feeling crafty, help your kids create some art projects (it’s never too early to start thinking of Christmas gifts!).
• Get sporty. If your child seems to enjoy and/or excel at a specific sport, spend some time during the summer months practicing together. See if there are any local sport camps for your children to attend or maybe even a summer league to participate in.
• Teach your children valuable life lessons by volunteering together. Choose an organization that is important to you (or let your kids choose) and donate some time or resources to the cause. Aim for a day of volunteering each week or two. Not only will you spend precious time with your children creating memories that will be cherished for the rest of your lives, you’ll be enriching your lives as well.

What are some ways that you keep your children entertained during the summertime?