Summer is our national season of outdoor enjoyment. And, with our school systems letting out in the summer months, it is also the time where we have the most free with our children.

Don’t let these months go by wasted! Now is the time to seize the day—carpe diem—and make sure you’re making summer memories full of family fun. So, to that end, here are some ideas for preventing the classic summer boredom and getting the most out of these precious years.

1) Take up a new hobby

Starting a new hobby with your kids is a great way to not only get the most out of summer, but better define their interests. By starting new hobbies, and—this is important—letting them get a say in what hobby they’ll be starting, you can help the decide what they like in life. And determining what you enjoy in life is the first step to determining what kind of career and life you want to lead.

I know it seems early to start thinking about what your kids might want to do with their life. So, if this feels too soon for you to think about, don’t. Just trying to find activities that your children enjoy and encouraging them to pursue it is enough.

This should provide countless hours of fun throughout the summer. And, if the first hobby doesn’t stick, don’t be afraid to pursue another! Eventually, you’ll find a new hobby (or more) you and your children can really sink your teeth into.

2) Introduce your child to the wonders of bike riding

Every child should have at least one summer full of bike riding. For me, it was the summer when I was ten. I remember me and my siblings would ride up, down and around, all over the local neighborhood. And it wasn’t even like we were trying to get anywhere. Just the freedom of being able to ride our bikes around made the summer one to remember.

People often talk about first really feeling free after getting their drivers license for the first time. For me, it was pedaling around my neighborhood, with no destination in mind except wherever I so desired.

Make sure you ride along with your children, especially at first. Educate them about bike riding safety, where they’re allowed to go, and the boundaries they need to stay in. This is extremely important. Depending on age, eventually they’ll reach a point where you can feel comfortable letting them ride off with just other children. But at first there should always be at least one adult around, making sure everyone stays safe and has a good time.

3) Take up residence at the local swimming hole

Swimming holes are great for beating the heat of summer. Whether it’s a local pool, river, stream, pond or lake, everyone should have a special spot to go splash around, swim, and enjoy the water.

Again, make sure there’s plenty of adult supervision. Even the mildest of water can at times be dangerous, and no children should go swimming without supervision. Take your swimsuit yourself and get in on the fun! Or, you can always take a book to read while they get all that summer energy out.

4) Outdoor adventures!

There are hundreds of ways to get outside and have an outdoor adventure this summer. Best of all, they are easy to plan and execute. Here are some quick ideas:

• Outdoor scavenger hunt
• Frisbee golf
• Hiking
• Camping
• Fishing
• Go on a bug hunt
• Build a fort
• Plant a garden

Of course, there’s no need to limit yourself. Every family tends to have their own traditional outside family fun time. Just make sure to think outside the box, and continue to do the old favorites. With a combination of the two it virtually impossible to go wrong.

5) Sign up for a club sports team

Summer is a great time for sports! Whether it’s soccer, football, baseball, basketball or anything in-between, you should be able to find a fun summer sport in your area. This will get the kids out of the house and active, and is a great way to keep them in shape and healthy and happy.

No matter what you decide to do, the important thing is to keep your children active and healthy. Summer should be a time of outdoor excitement, freedom, and activities. Enjoy it while it lasts!

Emma Rae Curtis researches and writes about everything Halloween, from costumes, to party ideas, makeup and more.