Has the novelty of being out of school for the summer worn off? Are your kids bored and cranky?  I know mine are!

I have had to be inventive, and come up with ideas to keep my youngsters busy!  Printable activities off of the web are proving a good way to keep their minds sharp and some sort of study habit going. They sit down for an hour every afternoon in the heat of the day, and ‘study’.

Activities for preschoolers are so simple - go for a walk and see how many leaves you can find, or take a trip to the park on a nice day and take a picnic lunch. Invite a few friends for an impromptu party! Many churches also have a free bible school summer program for all ages of children.

I am a firm believer in teaching children that bored is a naughty word! Did you know, some household chores might seem fascinating to kids - I let mine scrub the tile kitchen floor with sponges taped to their feet, and they have a blast! They know the word ‘bored’ coming out of their mouth means chore time.

If I lived nearer the beach, summer camps might be an option - but here in town I found that the local pool has one night a week that is ridiculously cheap for admission - and they show a free movie. Like a drive-in, but I guess it’s a ‘swim-in’!

Look for free or cheap kids summer activities in your area - you might be surprised what you could find!

When it comes down to kids, outdoor fun is sometimes the only answer. It keeps them occupied in the morning, and wears them out enough for bed at night!

Stock up on some fun outdoor toys for your kids!  All of mine can play croquet, even as little as they are. We throw the Frisbee and skip rope, too!

If you can, invest in a little badminton set or a volleyball net. You can start with it close to the ground for the little ones, and raise it as they grow.

Try to find a book of old outdoor children’s games. Remember ‘Red Rover’ and “Capture the Flag?” These games are in danger of extinction as television and video games continue to sap away our kids’ energy and brain power.

As Fall arrives and it gets cooler, my kids are always outside!  They are playing with the basketball hoop or kicking a soccer ball, and I am glad they get good exercise.

We make a rule about TV and video games in my house, and they only can have so much, so I try to keep it off until late in the afternoon when the outdoors is too hot.

If you have a minute, join your kids for a quick game of catch or freeze tag - you might be surprised how much fun it still is!