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The word “summer” can have two completely different meanings for kids and adults. To kids it’s that precious time that they can do what they want without the set schedules of school, without set bedtimes and without school work. To you, it can seem like an endless time of trying to keep your kids occupied without allowing them to veg in front of the television and video games all day. You want them to have fun and create great summer memories, but, as a seasoned mom, you know that a complete lack of structure can lead to choruses of “I’m bored” throughout the day.

Of course, there are the usual summer activities that include spending days at the beach, taking walks and bike rides, or playing in the backyard. You’ll want to have some structure and routine. It may not sound too hard, but when you have a houseful of kids who are “sooooo bored” you’ll want to have a bunch of fun, interesting activities handy to help you keep your sanity. One option is to have a box, notebook or bulletin board full of ideas so that when you hear the dreaded “I’m bored” you can find them something to do without much thought.

Here are some hints to help you get started with your “Summer Activity Guide”:

1. Figure out where you are going to keep your guide: a box, bulletin board or notebook.
2. Encourage your kids to add activities they want to do to the guide.
3. Look through magazines, websites and books to find ideas to add to your guide.
4. Make sure you keep a bunch of supplies around to do the activities you have in your guide.

Start your “guide” with these ideas:

Spur of the Moment Games

1. Look around the house to find an object that starts with each letter of the alphabet.
2. Write “add-a-sentence” stories or draw “add-a-line” pictures.
3. Create a treasure hunt for each other.
4. Have a paper airplane contest. See who can make the biggest, smallest, and furthest flying planes.
5. Go on a rock hunt. Look for different sizes, colors and shapes.

Outdoor Games

1. Play kickball but change one rule to spice it up a bit.
2. Create shadow art on the driveway. Have one person make neat shadows while another one traces them with chalk. Move away and then color them in or add more details.
3. Rely on some old favorites: hopscotch and double-dutch jump rope.

Arts and Crafts

There are so many things you can do to create a fun arts and crafts area for your kids. Here are some staple supplies you should always keep on hand:

1. Plenty of paper, crayons, markers and colored pencils
2. A box full of collage items (stray buttons, leaves, scrap papers, glitter, popsicle sticks, stickers, and any other small items you might find around the house)
3. Paints
4. Modeling clay
5. Chalk

Let your kids use their imaginations when it comes to creating.

It doesn’t matter if you and your kids like sports, academics or arts and crafts. Whatever your interests are you can help them have an exciting summer by taking a little time to create a “Summer Activity Guide.” Just make sure you have a variety of activities and the right supplies.