School is out which means hot summer days filled with ice cream, trips to the pool, and long bike rides become an everyday ritual. But what about rainy days or those times you hear the ever dreaded, “I’m boorrreed” from your children? Here are a few easy activities you can have on hand just in case you have to beat the mundane summer blues and add some curiosity to your summer schedule.

After spending a few rainy days with children, parents and babysitters quickly learn that they require creativity if you want to stay away from watching countless hours of television. So, what to do with all that pent up energy? Try taping string up in a hallway (as shown in the picture) at various angles and positions and have your kids pretend they are “laser beams”. Pretty soon they will be spies in training trying to take down the bad guy. Also, if you have a few hours to spare, try grabbing a few sheets, pins, and make a fort using furniture around the house. It leaves kids with a fun getaway for days and you can watch the fort turn from a reading nook, to a Nerf gun barricade, to a doll’s dream house.

If your kids are huge fans of crafts, then the summer is the perfect time to get around to those crafts you always wanted to try. For instance, making a bird feeder can be so  simple. The one shown here only requires birdseed, water, string, and a few other little materials. Not only will this provide  your kids with hours of entertainment but they will surely enjoy watching the birds enjoy their gift to them [click on picture  for more information].

Finally, if your family has a bit of an adventurous side, why not camp out in the backyard?  Grab your tent, sleeping bags, and S’mores ingredients and venture out into the great backyard. You will get to experience the wonderful summertime weather while making some great family memories.