School's out and the months of freedom ahead should be anything but boring. While it might be tempting to spend those long, hot days lounging on the beach or in front of the TV set, summer vacation is a great opportunity to do all those things that homework and soccer practice prevented while school was in session. Why not learn to play an instrument, pick up that book you've been meaning to read, go to the museum down the street or head off to summer camp for a few weeks? Check out the tips below, then grab your sunglasses and make this summer an adventure!
Activities
Creative Kids at Home has lots of fun tips about how to spend your free time, from handmade crafts to exploring ancient Egypt. Or check out more simple suggestions from Kid's Turn Central, like learning how to play guitar or going fishing. This article from About.com features Arts & Craft possibilies, while Suite 101 suggests a variety of activities, like spending a hot day at the water park. And from tree swings to tasty ice-cream treats to making your own bird feeder, Martha Stewart offers classic ways to make this summer memorable. Still looking for something to do? Why not volunteer? There are few better ways to beat boredom than by giving back. Check out this article from GiveSpot.com about how to get started.
Camps
Countless films have used summer camp as a set for crazy adventures, so why not see for yourself? From general camps that feature excursions like hiking and horseback riding to specialty camps that highlight activities like painting, music and sports, there's sure to be a summer getaway for every student. If you are interested in attending a camp that specializes in a skill or activity, talk with your counselor about opportunities that may be available in your area or affiliated with your school. Otherwise, these sites are good places to start:
KidsCamps.com
SummerCamps.com
MySummerCamps.com
Be sure to check out these tips about how to choose a summer camp and these 10 myths about choosing a summer camp.
Museums
MuseumSpot.com is a great place to find fun museums close to where you live. Virtual tours also let you explore museums around the world, while these fun guides feature quizzes and activities. Be sure to check out MuseumStuff.com, where you can easily locate a museum, read museum news or test your knowledge in the fun and games section. To see what fun events are going on at your local musuem check out MuseumsUSA. Some musuems even offer summer day camps, where you can learn what it takes to walk on the moon or what it was like to live 200 years ago.
Reading
Summer reading is a great way for bookworms and beach bums alike to have fun and learn without the pressure or deadlines of academic reading. To start, see if your local library has a summer reading program for your age group or just go and browse for ideas about what to read. To find a list of libraries in your area, check out LibrarySpot.com, and this handy article on summer reading. BookSpot.com also has useful suggestions about what to read and has tips about gathering a few of your friends and starting a book club of your own. This article from Kid's Turn Central is also a good starting point for book reviews, releases and news. Still need some motivation? Turn summer reading into a competition with Scholastic's Summer Reading Challenge. Barnes and Noble sponsors a contest that awards a free book of your choosing if you read any eight books and complete a summer reading journal.
With all the exciting ways to spend your summer, one thing is for sure - you'll be ready to impress your teacher next fall when asked how you spent your break.
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