Seven ways to keep your kids occupied this summer

It happens all the time: after a few days of summer vacation, the end-of-school high wears off and your kids find themselves feeling bored at home with nothing to do. Here are seven categories of activities to keep the whole family occupied all summer long.

1. Local tourism. Organize a family rally or treasure hunt and get to know your city in a fresh, new light. For a more educational experience, take your kids on a heritage tour and introduce them to your town’s rich history.

2. The arts. Keep your kids’ creative juices flowing this summer with fun activities like drawing on the pavement, building a kite, creating labels for the garden, putting together a theatre skit or collecting pictures for a family album.

3. Outdoor fun. Is there anything more symbolic of childhood summers than a day spent flying a kite, throwing a Frisbee, jumping rope, blowing bubbles, playing hide-and-seek, building sand castles and engaging in an all-out water balloon fight? Invite friends, family and neighbors to join the fun!

4. Sports. Soccer, swimming, rock climbing, kayaking, bicycling—which sports do your kids enjoy? Get the whole family involved by creating an obstacle course in your backyard or by hosting your own Olympics at a local park.

5. Special outings. Bowling, miniature golf, drive-in theatres, equestrian centers, the beach, amusement parks, museums—treat your kids to a memorable outing they’ll likely never forget!

6. Gourmet activities. There are many ways to tickle your kids’ taste buds this summer. For example, you could take them on a picnic, bring them berry picking or have them whip up homemade frozen treats and fruit kabobs.

7. Nature. Do you wish your kids were more in tune with nature? Help them create their own herbarium, organize an afternoon of bird watching, go for a hike in the woods or have fun finding shapes in the clouds. Don’t have time for a camping trip? Pitch a tent in your backyard!