Before your family has a chance to say, "Mom, I'm boooored!" you can be ready with this list of great ideas. So, slather on the sunblock, grab your shades, and live it up this Summer!
Go Play!
Boogie Down in Your Living Room
Download these guaranteed kid-pleasers -- some of "your music" is even on the list!
Help Your Little Ones Make New Friends
At the playground or at daycare, sometimes they need a little help meeting new people.
Master the Jump Rope
Games, songs, twirling techniques -- proof, once again, that the simplest toys can provide hours of fun!
Let Your Tween Girls Check Out These Sites
She's too old for Club Penguin and too young for Facebook. Luckily, tween girls have sites of their very own.
Try These Ball Games
When kicking, catching, and throwing grow old, don't just toss the ball in the closet. Decorate it with markers, try to catch it with towels, or make up new rules for kickball.
Chill Out with Yoga
They'll have fun trying to balance on one foot, and you'll both get to take a few deep breaths!
Rock Out with Some Musical Toys
Let tinkling melodies and crashing drums be your Summer soundtrack!
Have a Blast with These Outdoor-Only Toys
If you're gonna say, "You kids go play outside!" at least give them some awesome outdoor toys to play with.
Celebrate Fathers!
Looking for ways to make Father's Day (or any day) great for dad? Check out these crafts, gifts, dinner ideas, and more.
Educate Yourself about Their Video Games
Got a video game junkie at home? ESRB's ratings can help you buy the best games for his age.
Let Them Read Graphic Novels
Reading is reading, whether it's a novel or the side of a cereal box. Just make sure you approve of the content! Bonus: struggling readers will benefit from the visual clues to the story.
Get Fit with These High-Activity Wii Video Games
Wii your bootie! These up-off-the-couch Wii video games will have everyone in your family disco-dancing, snowboarding, and swinging light-sabers in no time.
Play with Our Mom-Approved Web Sites for Kids
Moms from our community submitted the ones they trust the most, based on what the site allows and doesn't. No surprise: you'll find Sesame, Nick Jr, and Disney in the mix.
Rainy Day Indoor Games
It's raining and you're all developing cabin fever. Stop the mass exodus to the TV with these fun indoor games.
Sign Your Toddlers Up for Music Lessons
They're ready sooner than you think! If they're ga-ga for guitars, and can focus on a task for 10-15 minutes, it might be the right time.
Play Dress-Up!
Every home is happier when it's filled with unicorns, astronauts, dragons, and fairies!
Let them Surf the Web
More than 2 hours is probably too much, but this study shows that Web surfing can improve communication skills and mental sharpness.
Savor the Summer Nights
Q: Is there anything better than spending a starlit Summer night with your family, chasing fireflies and eating s'mores? A: No. There isn't.
Play Make Believe. A Lot.
Take note: our kids are professional magic-makers! Who else do you know that can turn a sandwich bag into a life preserver? See why imagination counts.
Explore a Museum
Major museums are starting Family Art programs. Find one in your area and tap into your inner Monets.
Wii It Up!
We've rounded up Wii video games for all ages: Ultimate I-Spy, the bean-bag toss, Connect Four, and more.
Play These Stuck-in-the-Car Games
A sample: Run through the alphabet for a game of I Spy. Give them maps and make them co-pilots. Count everything: cows, trucks, red lights.
Take off the Clown Nose, Mom
Who says you have to be "on" 24/7? Summer free-time presents the perfect opportunity for them to learn how to entertain themselves.
Talk to Each Other!
Who cares about what's on the tube when you can talk to your children about what makes them laugh, or what they think the world will be like in 50 years?
Play in the Dirt
Children as young as 1 can appreciate the dirt under their fingernails. Let them dig holes, sprinkle seeds, and man the hose!
Teach Your Baby to Swim
Once your baby can hold his head up, he's ready for lessons. Find out what happens in an infant swimming class.
Start a Playgroup
The secret: make it fun for both you and your child!
Start Summer Camp
How to send them off to camp with a smile (and deal with homesickness issues).
Learn How to Play Soccer
You don't have to be a full-fledged soccer mom, but it can't hurt to understand the rules of their fave sport.
Host a Super Slumber Party
With all the squealing and the snacking, here's how to make sure they actually sleep at the sleepover
Chill to This iTunes Mix for a Lazy Summer Day
1. Grab this playlist. 2. Sit on a porch swing with your family. 3. Smile.
New Games for Your Day at the Beach
Sandcastles are so last year. Try making shell necklaces, exploring tidal pools, and more.
Having Fun: the Basics
It's never too late to start enjoying the classics -- bubbles, swings, and more.
Bring Your Kids' Books Alive
Sitting and reading? Boring! How to make summer reading special.
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