School's Out: Ways To Beat Summertime Boredom

It's finally that special time of year. The time when the kids get out of school, the weather is warm and you have three full months to figure out how to keep those kiddos, and yourself, entertained. Forget parking the kids in front of the television and toss those video games out, there are lots of other things to do this summer. Think of it like your own summertime bucket list, get a little creative and really find some time to enjoy yourself and the kids this summer.

Camp Out Under The Stars

Photo Credit Thinkstock

Photo Credit Thinkstock

You don't always have to make a huge production out of going camping. Sometimes it's even more fun to set up the tent in the backyard, make some s'mores at home and have an impromptu backyard camping trip. These are the summertime memories your kids will always remember.

Cool Off

Photo Credit Thinkstock

Photo Credit Thinkstock

Re-live your childhood days, or let the kids have some fun, and get ready to get wet in your backyard. Run through the sprinkler, have a water fight or set up the slip and slide, just let your inner-child out and have a blast with the family. You'll cool off in the summer heat and you'll have a great time bonding with the kids.

Learn A Musical Instrument

Photo Credit Thinkstock

Photo Credit Thinkstock

You've got three full months to put to good use. Why not learn how to play the guitar like you've always wanted? Or finally put that clarinet you've had in the back of the closet to use? Grab a book from your local bookstore and finally start learning how to play that instrument you've always wanted to learn how to play. Just remember to be patient, and if you live in an apartment, you probably should remember to only practice during the daytime hours.

Make A Movie

Photo Credit Thinkstock

Photo Credit Thinkstock

Everyone has a video camera these days. Even if it's just your cell phone, you have the tools and equipment needed to make your own movie. Start from scratch – brainstorm with some friends, write a script and then start casting. Once you are ready to film, have some fun exploring different locations, sets and costumes. Then take advantage of the many free video editing software packages available and start putting that film together. When all is said and done you'll have a fun video that you can upload to YouTube and send to all your friends and family as a creative way to show off this summer.

Start A Journal

Photo Credit Thinkstock

Photo Credit Thinkstock

If you haven't started a journal already, this is the perfect time. Make sure to take the time to find a special journal that appeals to you and a few pretty pens, so you'll really enjoy taking a few minutes each day to write down your thoughts and dreams. In a few years, you'll be able to look back on those writings to see just how much you've done, the many things you've learned and just how far you've come.

Make A Scrapbook

Photo Credit Thinkstock

Photo Credit Thinkstock

It's always a lot of fun, and the perfect family-friendly activity, to pour through your old photos for a new scrapbook. There are so many fun stickers, pages and other scrapbook accessories out now, so the sky is the limit when it comes to being creative. This is the perfect hobby for those ultra-hot days when you just want to stay inside with the air-conditioning.

Deborah Flomberg is a theater professional, freelance writer and Denver native. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.