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Posted Monday May 24, 2010 by Jackie Morgan MacDougall

Can you feel it in the air? Summer is on its way. While that may mean toes in the sand and Kool Aid flowing, there are millions of moms scrambling to find something for kids to do all summer. Even though the mall, library and (dare I say it) video game tournaments may keep them occupied, kids these days seem to need a little more creativity to get them off the couch and into the swing of summer. And while the tips below are meant to help beat the heat and boredom, don't forget to stop once in a while and enjoy those unstructured lazy summer days we all enjoyed as kids.

FREE...

Watered Down Day trips to the beach are always fun, but you don't have to go far for no-cost entertainment. Tracy's a mom and a firm believer that the "3 P's" -- park, pool, play dates -- are the way to keep her kids busy. Mama Kim adds a fourth "P" for sanity... Prozac. (Just kidding, people.)

Catch a Movie Some local theaters offer FREE movies all summer long. Regal offers AM showings on Tuesdays and Wednesdays across the country, and AMC is getting ready to announce their Summer Moviecamp, with family-friendly films for just $1.

Bowl 'em Over! Bowling beats the heat, keeps them active and doesn't break the bank. But you can even check out KidsBowlFree.com to find free games across the country!

Make a Difference Consider getting the kids active with volunteer work this summer. WaystoHelp.org gets kids to choose their own cause and make summer memories that will not only stick with them, but those they help, too.

Homeward Bound  Summer for mom-of-three Renee can often be a downside of working from home. "My kids don't seem to understand that just because they're on a break doesn't mean Mom is. It's tough. My kids typically don't want to do any camps -- they're so burnt from school they just wanna 'veg' for the first month."

Tips to keep them busy:

Michelle says: "I have a large trampoline that can keep them occupied for hours, especially if I put the sprinkler underneath!" 

Donna, one of my favorite over-achieving moms, says:

    1.    Break the summer down into weeks and the weeks into days.
    2.    Pick a theme for each week: Cowboys, Astronauts, Knights and Princesses, etc.
    3.    Make Monday "music day," Tuesday "project day," Wednesday "costume day," "movie day" ... whatever you want.
    4.    Put it in a calendar format so the kids can anticipate what's going on ahead.

Have kids who require a bit more structure at home?

Start a business There's a reason lemonade stands are a timeless summer activity. They teach kids to be self-starters, how to deal with people and how to manage money. Of course it's important to keep an eye on them and talk with them first, reminding them of stranger dangers and what to do in case of an emergency.

Make a Movie Forget watching TV this summer -- grab the video camera and let 'em go! There's no better way to spark creativity than letting kids tap into their inner artist. If they're too young for that, grab some of that old wrapping paper, flip it on the clean side and have them paint with their hands and feet out in the yard. Just spray them down when they're done!

Create Healthy Competition Whether they compete to complete household tasks for cash or start a neighborhood Wii tournament, sometimes a little rivalry can be a good thing.

Tip from a work-at-home mom: If you've got flexible hours or at least the power to have them temporarily, consider a month or two of doing your work early morning or later at night. Sometimes the best way to motivate yourself is by getting a break!

ON A BUDGET...

Class 'em Up Whether your kids love Gymboree, the local theater workshop or summer sports, privately-owned businesses often change up the schedule over the summer, offering longer classes and more options. And they may be less expensive than you think! Brenda, AKA Kindermusik with Ms. B, says there could be discounts for those procrastinators like me. "If a particular class doesn't fill all the way up, I can be pretty generous with discounts last minute to get it filled. But if it's a high-demand class, I wouldn't wait!"

Tip: Have multiple kids? Always ask for a sibling discount. I do it year 'round and it saves us hundreds!

Parks and Recreation Cities and towns around the country have their own summer fun lined up. Whether it's 45 minute arts and crafts sessions or summer-long camps, there are programs that are affordable and fun for kids of all ages. For Kim's son, a five-day camp with Wednesday field trips planned is the way to go. "It's cheaper than the current after-school program my son is in, and he's doing it with friends -- sounds promising!"

Tip: Have a child with a special need and think you can't participate? In my own southern California community, they even provide an experienced "shadow" for kids with special needs.

Fun to Play at the YMCA Arts, swimming, parent/kid programs, parent night's out; the YMCA is jam-packed with daytime activities and overnight camps. Your local Boys and Girls Club may also have just the program for your family.

Tip: Think you can't afford it? According to their website, The YMCA offers financial assistance to include people who cannot afford the full fees for their membership and program.

Church Lots of churches do a free or cheap VBS (vacation bible school) which is usually a few hours each morning for a week and lots of fun. Brenda says, "If your kid likes variety (or you're desperate) you could probably sign them up for a different church's program each week."

Psst: You don't have to be a member of the church or even practice the same faith necessarily. But you will need sunscreen and an open mind.

MONEY'S NO OBJECT...

If you fall into this category, you're probably no longer reading this. Enjoy your jet-setting to the islands, long weekends at the Ritz and yachting on the high seas. I'll be here simultaneously writing by the pool while refereeing sibling spats when you get back.

Jackie Morgan MacDougall is a TV-executive turned parenting blogger who lives a crazy life with her husband and three small kids. Her dreams of climbing the corporate ladder have been replaced by the dream of one day having a nap.

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