24 Ways to Keep Your Kids Busy This Summer

Kids are home for the *entire* summer — a situation that's equally as fun for kids as it is daunting for parents. Summer break equals a lot of days to fill with activities to avoid hearing the dreaded, “I’m bored.” No need to rack your brain for moment-filling ideas; keep reading for our best kid-tested party ideas, entertaining games and fun crafts.

Encourage your kiddos' entrepreneurial spirit by letting them set up a lemonade stand or other make-and-sell endeavor. It can be a fun way to raise money, whether for a new video game or for a charitable cause. Pick up a copy of The Lemonade Stand Cookbook, which includes plenty of ideas for foods, drinks and crafts your kids can make and sell. It also includes tips on how to set up a stand and success stories from kids.

Start with your local public library to see if they offer a summer-long program to encourage kids to read. Many libraries offer fun learning activities as part of their program, like storytimes, science shows and author meet-ups. Some even give away prizes for completing reading-oriented activities. Barnes & Noble has a nationwide summer reading program that lets kids earn a free book when they complete a reading journal. Half Price Books also has a Feed Your Brain summer reading program that encourages kids to read 15 minutes a day. And don't forget to download books to your kid's tablet for on-the-go reading.

Host a kid-friendly gathering that’s as entertaining for your little ones as it is for the grown-ups. Invite over neighbors, family and friends — reach out to some of the kids they haven’t seen since the last day of school for a fun get-together. Our handy guide, below, walks you through easy-to-craft decorations, yummy foods and activities that’ll keep everyone entertained for hours.