How to Entertain Your Kids During the Summer

For kids, summer is a time to relax and have fun. But for parents, its when the work really begins. With no school, sports or other activities to keep your kids busy, its up to you to keep them active!

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. 

   CREATE A LIST
   Sit down with the whole family and write down ideas of things they want to do this summer. It could be something small like watching a family movie and making popcorn, to visiting museums or going to the beach. Anything is game!

2. 

   THINK LOCAL
   Check out free and local events. Your local library may be having a summer reading program. This is a great way to keep kids reading, get them out of the house, and get some great prizes. Also, check your local county website's calendar of events. They may have some summer events planned. Do you have a local minor leaque baseball team? Tickets are usually pretty cheap during the week and it provides a whole night of entertainment!

3. 

   THINK OUTSIDE YOUR AREA
   Day trips can be fun and less expensive than a week long vacation. Are you within an hour or two of ocean or river? Consider making a day trip down to the water. How about a theme park? Museum? Zoo? Just don't tell your kids that these trips are educational, too!

4. 

   MAKE A SCHEDULE
   Once you have your ideas, plan it out. Try to sped everything out over the summer, so you aren't super busy one week, and bored to tears the next week. By putting it down on a calendar, you'll be able to see when each activity falls and make sure you aren't double booked.

5. 

   RELAX
   Don't forget to have fun. Everyday doesn't have to be spent out. Stay home, read books, watch movies, play in the sprinker and have a Barbeque!
   
   Remember, your kids are only kids for so long. Let them enjoy there summer breaks before they are gone!

[kimmij]

on 6/18/2009 THIS came in just in time! Thank you! 5*'s