by Cyndee Kromminga

Created on: April 10, 2009   Last Updated: April 11, 2009

With the high price of gasoline this summer, it's going to be even harder to take your kids to and from various activities. Why not use a little imagination to entertain your brood at home? Here are my top 10 ideas for keeping your kids busy this summer. Kid tested-mother approved!

Gardening-This can be an ongoing project from planting to harvest. Section off a garden plot for your child or children to "own". Let them decide what goes where and what they will plant. Giving them ownership will leave all the responsibilities in their court and they will be more likely to carry through. After all if you set up too many rules it becomes a chore instead of a fun activity and is more likely to become abandoned.

Grilling-My kids love this activity and when it's too hot to cook inside, why not let them try their hand at cooking for the family. Of course, you will want to supervise this activity and until certain safety elements are learned, you will need to be present at all times. Eventually though, your children will become pros and as teenagers will probably be able to grill as well or better than you do.

Landscaping-Allowing your kids to have hands on input on the decor in your yard, will give them a sense of pride and a willingness to keep their toys picked up and put away. My oldest son enjoyed this activity so much, he now works for a landscaping business.

Outdoor Games-Get the kids off the couch and plan an afternoon of outdoor games. Water balloon tosses, squirt gun wars and water relays will power up the competitive spirit and cool off the hot summer doldrums.

Reading-Encourage summer reading but give it a book club twist. Find copies of the same book at the library and designate a time everyday to discuss what you have read. Your kids may be inclined to read if you make it a game and are involved too.

Writing-Start them off with a line or two and let their imaginations produce great works. When they are finished have a caf style reading.

Recycling Crafts-Save a box of recyclable items (boxes, cans, bottles, junk mail, etc.) and have your kids come up with imaginative uses for them. I'm pretty creative, but I am always amazed at what kids see and do when given a challenge.

Game Day-Have a Checker's contest or bring out the Monopoly board. If they have played these games one time too many, have them design their own board game complete with game pieces.

Plan a Play-Check out a few skit books at the library and have your kids produce a play. They could invite their friends over to help prepare and act. When they have it perfected, have a night at the theater.

Baking-Hot or not, baking special treats is a necessity. Baking involves a lot of measuring and math, but your kids don't have to know they are learning something while having fun.

These are all pretty simple activities and many of them could take multiple days, team work and minimal adult input. Now, isn't that better than constant bickering and fighting?

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