Things to Do in the Summer

• Plan Mini-Vacations
  Instead of taking one long two-week vacation this summer, break your vacations into smaller chunks. Consider taking extended weekend trips to cities and attractions within driving distance. By taking mini-vacations your children have more than one vacation to look forward to.
• Let Your Kids Take Care of Themselves
  Having a full house doesn’t mean an increased workload just for Mom. Assign age appropriate tasks to your children. Explain that part of having a great summer is keeping chores to a minimum. And with all things, many hands make light work. Even pre-schoolers can do their part by feeding the family pet with assistance, matching socks and other laundry items, or helping set and clear the dinner table. Chart their progress and reward them with reasonable allowances that they may spend freely, whether for the ice cream truck or the toy store.

• Enjoy a Day at the Farm
  Children and adults can enjoy a visit to a farmer's market or you u-pick it produce farm. You can pick everything from corn and tomatoes to blueberries and strawberries. The types of produce available varies depending on the area of country you live in. Many farms encourage bringing children and include petting zoos and playgrounds.

• Act Like a Tourist
  What do the tourist visit when they are in your town? Don't think about museums and attractions only when you are on vacation. Visit the local visitors center to pick up some brochures, you may be surprised what fun activities have been lurking in your own backyard. Many museum offer kid's days and programs during the summer.

• Libraries Offer More than just Books
  School-age kids can take part in computer training, writing classes, craft classes, movie days and book clubs. Visit your local library's website for a schedule of events.

• Encourage Volunteering
  The summer is the perfect time to get your teen involved in a local charity. Many organizations request that volunteers be 14 years or older. Opportunities exist at animal shelters, hospitals or homeless centers. Some organizations allow younger kids to be involved with parental supervision.

• Ask Your Children What They Want to Do Many moms over schedule summer activities to make sure they are making the most of their kids time off. You may find out that they'd just like to hang out for a few days with their friends.

• Get Your Child Vaccinated
  Immunizations are vital to your children's overall health and well being. If you aren't on track, start fresh with the new school year and schedule your child's annual check-up.  Review the immunization records with the nurse and copy that information into your Planner to enable you to stay on stop of routine visits and necessary procedures.  Maintain the same information for yourself.