How do you keep kids busy for the summer?

[lgemini]

For me to keep my son busy til he starts summer camp, is wearing me out.  I do take him to the park to play.  I do not want him to become lazy, so I keep him moving everyday.  I do need some other ideas.

[dreamyxo]

When I was a kid I played in the yard I had a swing, a bike, roller skates.  I had friends that would come and play with me.  We made mud pies, played tag, kickball etc.  Never did I had to have my parents think of ways to entertain me. They let me out to play and I stayed out until it got dark.  What happened to those days?

[yosav]

what age ? my kids go with their friends, i dont like it to much because they stay out late.

[articx]

Maybe you can buy sketch pads, pencils, and crayons, and let him draw when you're not able to take him to the park.

[sgluckadoo]

Here are some ideas: 

1. boarding school or military school/boot camp
2. volunteer work (nursing homes, street clean up, shelters, etc.)
3. arts and crafts, festivals, free community events
4. chores (garage, basement, attic clean up)
5. reading list (classics, mysteries, biographies) complete with book reports

[Tresbn00]

I am big on keeping my kids busy as idle hands/minds can lead to trouble....especially with all of the technology that they have at their disposal these days. My daughter is in summer school, both kids have sports and music lessons and they must do an hour of chores per day (if they miss a day they must add it to the next day's chores).  They are allowed two sleepovers at our house per week and 1 at a friends. One day, per week, is usually designated to an amusement park/museum/water park etc.,.

[smithjcsdfw]

Kids tend to keep themselves busy and entertained.  If they think the parents string can be pulled they certainly will yank the heck out of it.  So for the younger children one of the simplest and cheapest forms of entertainment is a ball.  Followed quickly by having them blow bubbles and make thier own ball.  Lots of cheap fun out there that does not involve a parent.