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Everyday Nathan comes home from school and announces how many days are left in the school year. Now that the count is in the 30s, I’m beginning to get in a panic about summer break. What am I going to do with these kids all summer so their brains don’t atrophy and they forget to read, write and do math?

One strategy is that we’ve signed Nathan up for summer school even though we didn’t get a recommendation from his teachers to do so. He’s doing o.k. in school, but we know he can do better. Since the cost is reasonable, why not have him do a couple of hours of math and language arts every day? There will be still be plenty of time for golf, baseball, martial arts, and art camp. (Did I mention that Nathan is only happy if he’s constantly kept busy. He’s a kid who hates downtime.)

Aside from all these paid sport and camp activities, what else can parents do?

If you have a mom’s club in your area, see what activities they’re planning for older kids. There’s the rec center/YMCA and local museums and zoos, too (get a membership - it’s soooo worth it).

Academically speaking, you may want to start a book club with some friends who have kids your children’s age. Maybe get together at someone’s home for lunch and book discussion during the heat of the day. Or go to a park for a picnic and discuss the book. The little kids can color, play, or do a craft while the big kids read and discuss the book. With the new Harry Potter coming out this July, your book club could do a bunch of pre-release activities like reading the previous books, or getting together to watch the movies.

Sign up for and e-newsletter from Reading is Fundamental and check out their monthly family activity calendar for reading activity ideas.

Find out what kids movies are being released this summer or being shown at your local park. Are any of them based on books? Read away!

If you’re traveling this summer, have your kids write a travel journal. They can add pictures later or draw scenes right in their journal. Bring tape to add postcards, ticket stubs, etc. and lots of markers and crayons. It’s a fun way to document the trip, keep family memories and keep your kids writing.

And don’t forget cooking! Explore the world through cooking this summer. And hit the local farmers’ markets for fresh produce. It’s a fun way to support locally grown food.

What else? I’d love reader suggestions!

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