With summer almost here, those long days of nothing to do are about to start. The following list of the top 5 activities for kids to do to pass the time will make parents and babysitters alike feel grateful for ways to entertain those out of school for the long months ahead. Read on for some great ideas.

1. Wooden Swing Sets – Some of the best days of summer involve running around outside and playing on wooden swing sets. These backyard playsets provide hours of fun and are large enough for family and friends to all play at the same time. Wooden swing sets are a great investment because they will last for many years to come. Kids love playing on these backyard playsets and hiding out in their forts. With all the options of wooden swing sets on the market, you family is sure to find at least one version of backyard playsets that they are excited about. With one of the great backyard playsets in your own yard, there will be no need to trek to the local park on hot summer days.

2. Sidewalk chalk - Kids love drawing and coloring. With chalk, they can take this fun and favorite activity outside. They will love being able to create something larger than life and having no limits of a small sheet of paper. Their imaginations will be able to soar with all the possibilities that they can make. They can make racetracks, small towns, houses, or the standard sidewalk games like hopscotch, snail and foursquare. Add some tricycles in or balls and they will be entertained for hours. The best part is that once the rain comes, they can start all over and dream up something new to create.

3. Bike Rides – This family favorite is best done in the morning or early evening, when the sun is not at its hottest. Everyone loves doing loops around the block and giggling and talking as they pedal on. It is a great family activity and gives everyone a chance to talk and catch up, while getting in a good exercise. It is also environmentally friendly, especially if you use it to get to places like a restaurant for dinner, the mall or your local ice cream stand. In the summer, it’s best to leave the car in the garage and participate in this great all- American activity!

4. Picnics – Everyone, especially kids, love the idea of packing up a basket full of food, Frisbees and blankets and having a picnic. Whether you venture to a park to do it, or your own yard, its fun to spread out the red checkered blanket and eat somewhere else for a refreshing change. Some wooden swing sets even have tables built in you can eat at. Let the kids help pack up the food and they will love it even more.

5. Indoor Teepees – Indoor teepees are a great activity for kids to partake in on days when the weather is bad and they are forced to stay inside instead of playing on their backyard playsets. Way cooler than normal tents, indoor teepees come in different sizes and designs. Kids will love laying in their indoor teepees and playing games in them or sticking their heads out and watching tv while lounging in their indoor teepees. Indoor teepees will provide a cool and unique experience for your little ones and will be a hit with all of their friends.