25 Ideas to keep your kids busy this summer

If you're a stay-at-home parent or if you just want to take some time off to spend with the kids, try some of these activities:

1. Go to the local pool. None nearby? Put a kiddie pool in the yard or turn on the sprinkler and let them play.
2. Go to the beach. Let them feel the sand between their toes, build sand castles and cool off in the water.
3. Treat them to tennis, swimming or horseback-riding lessons.
4. Take a trip to the local zoo.
5. Visit a water or amusement park.
6. Go on a fishing trip.
7. Visit a county fair or carnival.
8. Go miniature golfing.
9. Have a picnic.
10. Teach them how to plant a garden.
11. Camp out in the backyard, make s'mores and sleep in a tent.
12. Teach them to fly a kite.
13. Visit a local park or playground.
14. Go to a baseball game.

What about when it's rainy or just too hot to play outside?

1. Keep cool and dry in a museum, aquarium or movie theater.
2. Give them board games and lots of coloring books and crayons.
3. Have them work on a fun craft.
4. Visit an indoor skating rink.
5. Take a trip to the library. Studies show that children involved in summer reading programs improve their vocabulary and reading scores.
6. Let them release energy on a mall-walking excursion.

Home alone

If you work outside the home, get your kids involved in safe, healthy activities while you're away.

1. Day camp. Day camps can help sharpen your child's skill in a favorite activity, such as soccer, cheerleading, basketball or performing arts.
2. Network with neighbors. Arrange for your kids to visit with friends whose parents stay home. Return the favor at night or on weekends.
3. Sports. Softball, tee-ball or other team sports can keep them busy on game days and practicing on off days.
4. Encourage them to volunteer. Hospitals, animal shelters, nursing homes, day camps, child care centers and other organizations offer volunteer programs for teens. Your teen can develop a sense of responsibility and may even find a career path.