It's time to get on the shorts and sandals, pack the bathing suits and put on the sunscreen! Summer vacation is here and there is no better way to spend it than with the family.

-Going away on vacation or on a long weekend trip? Here's a link to several family road trip tips including good books, games, and backseat activities for the children.
-Whether it's bug bites, the beach or pool, or being safe during a thunderstorm, summer vacation means dozens of health and safety issues for your children. This list of three dozen summer safety and health tips should have you covered in nearly every situation.
-Want to go anywhere during the months of July or August? Check this comprehensive list of the best vacation destinations around the world during the summer months.
-Nothing beats going outside and having a great summer barbeque outside with family and friends, but how do you keep your children occupied while you're entertaining and worrying about the burgers and hot dogs? Here's a great list of the top 10 kids outdoor toys so they're having a good time outside while you are.

The kids are done with school for the summer and stay-at-home parents are looking for things they can do, as the days get longer and the weather gets warmer.

If you plan on keeping the children at home, here is a list of some things to do during the summer months:

-There are lots of activities you could do with your kids during the summer including in the backyard, on the beach or in the house with arts and crafts. Here's a link for a large array of activities.
-Too hot outside to do any outdoor activities? Check out 10 summer reading lists so your child keep cool and occupied inside.-Mowing lawns, babysitting, walking dogs and operating a lemonade stand are just a few of the ways your child can earn money through a summer job. 

Memorial Day weekend is upon us, and we all know what that means: picnics, parades, and movie openings! As the blockbuster summer movies enter a theater near you, make sure you don’t let yourself and your child get drawn into the hype. Children, be they young or old, can easily be frightened, disturbed, or upset by things they see on the big screen, so take care to evaluate each movie choice carefully and thoroughly before snapping up tickets and popcorn. Ask yourself a question: Is this movie kid worthy? To prepare for the movie-going season, be sure to stay tuned to About.com’s Guide to Kids’ TV and Movies, Carey Bryson. There you’ll find reviews of the hottest movies that kids may or may not want to see this summer.

Plus:

From Child Care: What to Do When Your Child’s Friends Can See Something that Your Child Can’t

Also From Child Care: Ask Yourself ‘Is This Movie Kid Worthy?’

From Homeschooling: Free (or Cheap) Summer Movies for Kids

When kids can’t be outside running amok, it can be hard to keep them sane and happy indoors. For kids with the concentration, though, origami is a great rain-or-shine indoor play option. As with puzzles, legos, erector sets and the like, origami allows children (and adults!) to create a satisfying finished product that can be admired and played with.

About.com now offers a number of easy to follow videos with fun and fanciful projects that you can get started on right away, rain or shine. Try a cat, a traditional crane, or my personal favorite, an elephant.