Tammy's Ten: Activities to Do with Kids This Summer

"School's out for summer! School's out forever!" (Alice Cooper) Kids count down the days until classes end, but get easily bored of summer vacation. "Mom, I'm bored. What are we doing today?" If you have time off this summer, make the most of it. Spend quality time with your kids. Try 'Tammy's Ten' activities to do with kids this summer.

1. Go camping. During the day you can pitch your tent, play Frisbee, have a cookout, go swimming, go for a hike or just relax in the hammock. At night you can build a fire, roast marshmallows, tell scary stories or go star spinning. It's cheap entertainment and kids love it!

2. Go to the beach. Go swimming, build a sand castle, look for shells, play volleyball, listen to music or enjoy an ice cream on the pier. The beach is a great getaway for kids of all ages.

3. Go for a hike. Plan a nature walk through a national park. Research points of interest including waterfalls, caves, gorges, unusual vegetation or wildlife. Keep it age appropriate. You don't want to carry your backpack and your child!

4. Rent a cottage. It's like camping with all the comforts of home! Go swimming, boating, jet skiing, water skiing or tubing. Research and book a place now!

5. Go to an amusement park. Kids love the thrill of riding the roller coasters, spinning in the apples and falling from the demon drop. Even if you have outgrown these activities, it's fun to watch your kids enjoy them. Play the games, indulge in cotton candy and buy them a novelty trinket. Your kids will thank you.

6. Go to the zoo. See the lions, tigers, zebras and monkeys. Watch their silly antics and teach your children about the animals. Plan a scavenger hurt and search for clues. It's sure to put a smile on their face!

7. Go to a water park. They have waterslides, wading pools, wave pools and splash pads. It's a great way to beat the summer heat! When your tired, try a float down the lazy river and relax.

8. Visit the local attractions. Sometimes tourists experience more of a city than the residents actually living there. Take the time to see the sites. Visit a tower, museum, aquarium, interesting park or petting zoo. It will help you stay connected to your community and keep your kids entertained. Try your city website for tips on family fun.

9. Think sports and entertainment. Take your kids bowling, rock climbing or golfing. Enjoy a baseball game together at your local stadium. Go to the movies or see a live show. Take your kids out for regular activities you don't normally have time for.

10. Stay home and spend quality time with your kids. Play catch, board games or their favorite computer game. Kick around the soccer ball, teach them to cook, set up the sprinkler or do a gigantic jigsaw puzzle. Ask your kids what they would like to do together. You may be surprised at their answer. Remember, kids take delight in the simplest of things.

Today's parents are more involved with their kids than previous generations. That's a good thing. Enjoy the time you have now with your kids. You will never regret it. There will be a time in your life when you have lots of time for your own hobbies or interests. While your kids are young and craving attention, give it to them. This is your time to create wonderful family memories for yourself and your children. Get active and have fun!