Summer is a wonderful time to take advantage of free stuff to do with your kids, especially when you hear those negative and all too common words: I'm bored!

*Enter Online Contest. There's always someone running a contest for kids. Online contests are exciting, fun, and you can win some really cool prizes. As long as you supervise your kids, let them have a good time with it. This is the perfect time to teach your kids about Internet Safety and what to look for on a site to ensure it is a safe site that is kid friendly. For example, ParentToParent.com, which is a site I own, we frequently run contests for kids and the whole family. I know we have a few for the 2007 summer in partnership with Sesame Street and will have some awesome prizes. Check them out.

*Join a Book Club. There are tons of wonderful book clubs in the summer for kids, and adults too. Check the library in your local area, as well as, YMCA and YWCA. If your child is old enough, you might decide to create a neighborhood book club. If so, you can rotate the place, time and how often it meets according to your personal schedule.

*Plant a Garden. It doesn't have to be big. In fact, many things can grow right in large flower pots. If you have a patio, deck or terrace, the pot can sit in a sunny spot and produce all summer long.

*Get the Kids Involved in a Play. Nope, you don't have to sign them up for acting lessons or even schedule practice time at the local drama facility. It can be a neighborhood event. The kids can write, create and produce their own plays. Costumes can be included just by utilizing things you have around the house. The writing, practicing and production will keep them busy for weeks!

*Introduce one new hobby each week. Most everyone develops at least a couple of favorite hobbies early in life. Get creative. Introduce your child to painting, cooking, playing an instrument, dancing or a dozen other things. While they may not do much with the endeavor, it will expose them to something new each week and could become something that they might want to continue with during the school year.

*Visit a nursing home. The resident’s there love to meet new people, especially if they are kids. Make cookies or bread and take treats. They also love to get magazines and could not care less if they are old; they are new to them.

*Visit animal shelters. Show your kids what it's like to give back to the community animal shelter by allowing them to donate some of their money to one. Sometimes, if you will call ahead of time, the shelter personnel will tell you what kind of food and/or toys that they need. Explain to your child that you are going to the shelter to visit and have no plans to adopt a pet. This usually works well with kids ages 8 to 13.

*Backyard magic. If you are unable to go camping, do it in your own backyard. Put up the tent and watch the kids become excited. If it's too hot to sleep outside, pitch it in the living room or family room. It's still something different and exciting. Play music or tell spooky stories. Hint: Spooky stories should always end on a happy note.

*Exercise fun. Let the kids make up their own exercise routines, choose their own music and lead the program. They will exercise longer if they can create their own style and act silly, too.

*Don't forget your local science center. It may not be free, but many have discount or coupon days. Watch the newspaper for those days and/or coupons. Science centers can be a child's best friend in providing exciting learning adventures, especially if they have mini-shows. A mini-show is usually a series of new topics that the center schedules for the summer months. Each one may only be available for around two weeks, and then a new one is scheduled.

*Take a nature walk. Sounds too simple, right? There are tons of butterflies, bugs, trees, and other amazing things to see if you really look. Bring along a disposable camera and let the kids take turns shooting whatever it is that they like best. It's an educational "jungle" out there, with all sorts of incredible creatures and plant life worth observing.

*Try cooking. Summer is the best time to cook with your kids. Let them try new recipes or add zing to some old favorites. Don't worry about perfect outcomes or the mess that they are sure to make. Making healthy snacks is usually a good place to begin - let them choose the ingredients.