It’s officially summer, which means kids are out of school, the fall shows are all on break and keeping everyone entertained is like a full-time job.

When there is no homework to be done and no deadlines to be meet, it doesn’t take long to hear those annoying two words, “I’m Bored”.

If you are starting to get nightmares just thinking about those words or you want to get in front of this before it starts, I have some information to share that is going to make you smile.  My summer survival guide is almost guaranteed to cure boredom for complainers of any age.  I hope you are ready….

• 1. Plan a day trip, but bring your tablet.  Day trips are a great way to get some air without the commitment and expense of an overnight stay.  They’re also a great way to enjoy the weather while you check out new places.  Since we aren’t that far from the beach I love going to the shore, but a lake or local pool are just as fun and refreshing.  Taking a nice ride or doing some exploring can be loads of fun, just make sure you come prepared with entertainment for the kiddies.  The #FiosMobile app can be a lifesaver whether you are just killing time or you have a long lengthy car ride.  You take out that table and the whole back seat gets quiet, that app has gotten me out of more than a few of those “totally bored emergencies” and I am sure it will do the same for you.
• 2. Think Staycation (This one is for the big kids).  Staying in or staying local you may want to consider doing some binge watching, it’t is a great way to get some rest and relaxation. Get some takeout and go for it.  A Haves and The Have Nots Marathon, VEEP Marathon, or a Power Marathon is a great way to get caught up on a popular show before it comes back on.  It’s also a great way to see what all the fuss is about if you haven’t been able to catch some of the older hits.
• 3.Be Open To Trying Something Different. This goes for food, parks, movies and even new shows.  The summer is full of great festivals, amusement parks, food trucks, but there is an exciting lineup of new shows.  If you are looking for local activities, check out your local paper to find out what is coming your way.  If you are a foodie like me, you may want to carve our time to check out some of those Food trucks.  They pop up all over the place in the summer and there a great way to explore fun new flavors and foods.  If you don’t want to go out, remember that there are also fun options right at home.  Turn on your TV or take out your tablet and check out that summer lineup of new shows.  I know that I have really been enjoying Greenleaf and Uncle Buck, both are new and offer fresh new options, and they are only two of the many new additions for fall.
• 5. Ask around and take notes. The best way to beat boredom is to ask around and find out what other people are doing.  Asking friends at work or neighbors how they are spending their summer or asking what they know about fun activities may be some of your best sources for great things to see and do this summer.  Sometimes those 5 minute conversation can net you some real goodies in the entertainment section, so don’t be shy ask around.
• 6. Check out some oldies, but goodies. This time of year you want to discover new things, but you also want to go back to those family favorites you go to every year.  Of course, the beaches and amusement parks are a must, but there are other cool places you don’t want to forget about like drive-in movies or historical attractions.  Fruit picking is another great summer activity and the best part about that one is you get to eat what you pick… YUM.

These are just a few ideas that can help you and the kids enjoy your summer just a little more this year!  You may not want to try all of them, but I know you can find a few on the list to try.  If you have a boredom Killing Summer suggestion please leave it below, I would love to know how you and your family are going to fight boredom this year.