It is time to plan what is going to take place for your child for the next couple of months.

Have you made plans? You certainly don’t want it to just be a TV or computer summer. Camps can’t last all summer.

There are great things for children to do all summer both inside and out. You need to be creative so you can give them some help when they say, “I don’t have anything to do.”

• Hoses are fun but so is playing in the dirt. Let them dig holes, sprinkle seeds and then bring on the hose!

• Plan a slumber party but not with the youngest child. Children in elementary school love this kind of activity. You still need to make sure they sleep.

• Check out where there might be sand boxes or sand on the ground. There are tons of things for them to make with sand and a bit of water.

• Try some messy outdoor art projects. Bring out chalk and let them be creative. Even washable paint can make a fun day.

• Have her design her own T-shirt. Give her paint and then let her imaginations run wild.

• Take them with you when you go to the store. Let them pick out one fruit or one vegetable.

• Invite the grandparents to visit. You’ll make some beautiful family memories and even have some extra babysitters!

• Take a casual road trip and build childhood memories. Learn something on the trip. You can find certain letters on license plates or add number on road signs.

• Make smoothies.

• Teach your baby to swim. Once your baby can hold her head up, she’s ready for lessons. Find out what happens in an infant swimming class. Then this will be a summer activity for all the coming summers.

• Find a place to hand-pick berries.

• Start a family tradition. Plant a tree, start working on a time capsules and think of other ideas to remember this special summer.

• Find volunteer opportunities. They’ll have fun, help others and feel good about themselves.

• Practice reusing and recycling. Make it a game. Teach them to avoid plastic water bottles that mess up the environment.

Cynthia Martin is the founder of the First Teacher program and director of Parenting Matters Foundation, which publishes newsletters for parents, caregivers and grandparents. Reach Martin at pmf@olypen.com or at 681-2250.