1. FAMILY IDEA JAR. Everyone picks several fun ideas they would like to do over the summer. Whenever you have a free day, pick one idea from the jar.

2. CREATE A "MAKE-IT BOX". Decorate a shoe box or plastic container. Fill with string, crayons, markers, chalk, paint, scissors, stickers, paper, etc. Use it to create crafts on a rainy day.

3. KID’S BACKYARD BBQ. Have kids plan a menu, invite guests, organize set up and clean up.

4. VISIT AN AREA CRAFT SHOW that performs craft demonstrations.

5. TAKE A NATURE SCAVENGER. List 10 specific items to find on your walk ... a small pinecone, a yellow leaf, and a red berry.

6. FAMILY GAME-A-THON. Everyone picks his or her favorite board game to play.

7. PLAN A "NO TV" DAY. Play cards, charades, read, take a walk.

8. VISIT YOUR LIBRARY. Most libraries have a summer reading program that encourages reading with incentives.

9. PLAN BALLOON HOCKEY using water filled balloons instead of a ball or puck. See how many goals can be scored before the balloon breaks.

10. START A COLLECTION using your imagination. Collect rocks, shells, coins, stamps, keychains, thimbles, postcards, fossils, autographs or buttons.

11. PLAY OLD-FASHIONED GAMES. Kick the can, monkey in the middle, flashlight tag, freeze tag, green light, dodge ball.

12. PLAN A SWIM DAY, organize family and friends to enjoy a day at a local pool.

13. BACKYARD MINIATURE GOLF. Use boards, bricks, plastic pipe, empty cans, or buckets to set up a course. Make flags from paper and wooden dowels rods. Us plastic baseball bats and balls.

14. HAVE A NEIGHBORHOOD BOOK OR TOY SWAP. Each person donates 3 items. Draw names lottery style, that person picks their choice of one item. Repeat two more times.

15. SERVICE PROJECT. Perform a good deed for someone in need ... clothing drive for the homeless, pull weeds for a church or senior’s center or provide meals to the homebound.

16. CREATE A CHALK TOWN. Draw roads, stop signs, gas stations, buildings and parking lots to use with small cars and trucks.

17. REQUEST TOURIST INFORMATION from a destination each member of the family would like to visit.

18. GARAGE SALE HUNT. Teach children to shop and bargain for items within a certain amount. Great place to shop for the new collection.

19. VISIT YOUR CITY’S HIGHLIGHTS. The zoo, museum, community-built parks, incline or stadium.

20. ENJOY A BACKWARD LUNCH where children plan the meal and start with dessert.

21. INVITE FRIENDS TO A COOKIE AND ICE CREAM BASH. Make a batch or two of no-bake cookies, serve with scoops of ice cream.

22. DESIGN EDIBLE NECKLACES. Thread string through large-eyed, plastic needles, then string popcorn, cereal or candy. Knot and wear.

23. MAKE A SCHOOL SUPPLY LIST. Have children read advertisements to find the best buys, then purchase.

24. SODA CAN BOWLING. Rinse 10 empty soda cans, line up in V formation, and use rubber balls to knock ’em down.

25. CREATE A SUMMER COLLAGE. Use photos, brochures, postcards, newspapers and magazines to capture summer memories. Cut and glue to poster board.