10 Inexpensive Things Kids Can Do for Fun This Summer

If your kids are complaining of being bored, or not being able to find anything to do, hand them the following list and tell them aren't allowed to complain until they have done at least one thing from the list each day.

1. Create a neighborhood newspaper. Interview at least 5 neighbors or relatives for stories to include in your newspaper. Ask them what their interests are, about the most frightening thing that ever happened to them, what kind of work they do, whether they have gone on any trips recently, etc. Give your newspaper a name. If you know how to put pictures into it using the internet, add some pictures and then print out enough copies for family members and a few nearby neighbors.

2. Ask the director of a local rest home for the name of a person who doesn't have many visitors, and go to visit them once a week. Take them a small vase with a flower from the garden in it, a magazine, a handmade card, or some little gift each time you visit.

3. If you live in an area where grocers pay for empty soda can returns, use a plastic bag to go around the neighborhood and collect enough cans to pay for an afternoon of swimming at the local swimming pool. Get a friend to join you if possible.

4. Invite 3 friends over to bake cookies. Have a can of soda afterwards while you enjoy the cookies. If you have any left over, put them in the cookie jar for a future treat.

5. Split the cost of a CD movie rental with several friends and spend the afternoon watching a good movie.

6. Get your best friend to go door to door with you to collect canned food for the local food bank. Set a goal before you go. 25 cans, 50 cans, 100 cans? If your goal is a big one, take a wagon to carry the food you collect. Otherwise, use plastic or paper bags and go back home to unload when you get too many items to carry comfortably.

7. Learn to play an instrument before school starts. Visit a local music store for a beginner book and determine to spend at least an hour a day practicing your instrument. If you don't have an instrument, borrow one.

8. If you know how to sew, list 3 things you can make for when you go back to school this fall. Have your mother go with you to choose material and other sewing needs for the projects. Set aside an hour a day or every other day to work on your sewing.

9. Find a summer job. Distribute some flyers explaining the type of work you are looking for and what you charge per hour. Baby sitting, yard work, tutoring younger children, and dog walking are just a few things you might want to consider.

10. Do a good deed every day. Find something you can do that would help someone else. It can't be a chore that you have to do anyway. Keep your eyes open for opportunities. Maybe an elderly person in your neighborhood has trouble keeping weeds pulled in their flower bed because they can't stoop, or perhaps you can offer to wash your dad's car---for free.

The list above should keep most kids busy for a while. If the list isn't age-appropriate for your children, try making a list of your own. If they continue to complain, tell them they have to complete everything on the list before they can say the word, "bored." (By then, you should have had time to prepare another list.)