3 Activities to Entertain Your Kids This Summer

Kids and adults alike can't wait for summer. But it doesn't take long for the kids to utter "I'm bored!" and parents to get annoyed. Finding fun summer activities isn't hard. Summer time is great for outdoor activities like swimming, hiking, going to the beach, the zoo, etc. But if you find that the same old summer routine just isn't cutting it any more try these ideas, sure to entertain your kids.

One great summer idea is a yard sale, they are very common yet many parents don't consider letting their kids hold one. Have your children go through their room for old toys clothes and other assorted junk. Have them go through the closets, spare rooms, attic, garage, every nook and cranny. You can sit back and relax, and when their done just make sure they have your permission to sell everything.

Then the fun begins. After all their hard work of clearing out the house, have them flex their creative muscles and make yard sale signs to post around the neighborhood announcing the date, time and place of your yard sale. Be sure to use bright colors and large print so the signs are easy to read and attract attention. Don't forget to take them down after your yard sale is done.

Arrange your yard sale items so that they are easily visible, spread clothes out or hang them up and make sure small items are displayed as close to eye level as possible; on top of a table or other tall item. Put big-ticket items and things that will attract the most attention where people passing by can easily see them. Labeling everything with a price can help you eliminate confusion between family members on how much something is. After your yard sale, your kids will have learned the vale of hard work and will be rewarded with money to spend on more stuff.

Every kid loves ice cream, and ice cream and summer go hand in hand. What better way to keep your kids entertained this summer than to make your own ice cream, a fun, educational, and tasty way to pass the time this summer. There are commercial ice cream makers on the market from big machines to balls you kick around (which can also be fun) but the simplest, most inexpensive and interactive way to make ice cream is with things you probably already have laying around in your kitchen.

Kids of all ages can help to measure, add ingredients and of course enjoy the ice cream! The easiest way to make ice cream with your kids is to use two Ziploc bags, one gallon size and one quart size. Fill the large bag halfway full with ice and add about 1/3 of a cup of rock salt. Then put � a cup of whole milk or half and half in the small bag along with 1 tablespoon of sugar and � a teaspoon of vanilla. Seal the small bag, use tape if desired, you want to make sure it stays shut, and put the small bag into the large bag of ice and salt. Seal the large bag and have your kids shake the bags vigorously for about 5 minutes. When they're done you'll be amazed at the ease in which you can make delicious ice cream at home. Try adding a tablespoon of coco powder for chocolate ice cream or use 100% juice instead of milk for fruit sherbet.

Boredom inevitably strikes kids in the summer and what better a way to stave off boredom than to use their free time to help others. Volunteering is a great way to keep kids entertained and teach them valuable lessons. Even if kids don't seem too keen to use their spare time for the betterment of others they usually warm up to the idea quickly and enjoy their time spent helping others.

Animal shelters are a great place for kids to volunteer. Almost every kid loves animals and if they don't have pets volunteering at an animal shelter is a great way for them to learn how much responsibility goes into caring for a pet. Most areas have an SPCA or other state funded shelter as well as private facilities. Some shelters have age requirements for volunteers unless they are accompanied by an adult, but volunteering together is a great way to pass the time. Eldercare facilities, libraries, and daycares also usually welcome volunteers and can teach your kids valuable lessons while keeping them busy this summer.