Visit your local library: Investigate the programs your library offers over the summer. Find some books to read with your child and help your child find texts they can read independently. Make sure to talk with your child about the texts they read, ask questions that encourage them to make connections (to themselves, to other books, to their world). Be sure to check out the nonfiction section for procedural texts with directions your child can follow, like "how to make" books, craft books and books with science experiments and information texts on topics your child is interested in exploring.

Check out the programs at your local community centre

Play board games as a family- many skills can be learned and strengthened

Work on math skills- baking (measuring), building and sewing

Keep a log of a vacation or day trip. Could be written or using electronic media, even a slide show.

Write letters, cards, emails to friends and family.

Create a garden or get involved in a woodworking project (such as building a bird feeder), for those students who like working with their "hands." This will help the environment as well as allow them to explore some of the skills required to work in skilled trades.

Secondary students can certainly volunteer for fun, for resume building or community involvement hours with the many social service agencies around or simply help out neighbours and other community members. As well students can conduct information interviews with people in careers they they may be interested in pursuing or just go in to job shadow on an informal basis. This can be fun for kids and adults alike.