The cool days of spring melt into the warmth of summer. The end of the school year approaches and summer vacation seems to stretch endlessly through the long, lazy days of June, July and August.

Make the most of every unstructured day. Here are some easy, fun ways to celebrate summer together. First, head outdoors. Visit your neighborhood park and spend time playing with your kids instead of just sitting on a bench. A simple game of tag is enjoyable and invigorating. My children and I play "Troll." I guard the "treasure," which is usually a picnic lunch, while trying to tag the kids.

Go on a family bike ride. Many cities have bike paths or you can ride the residential sidewalks on less busy streets. We go to a large empty parking lot nearby and goof around on our bikes. When we get tired, home is only a block away. Just remember to put safety first by wearing helmets and following traffic laws in your area.

Nature hikes are exciting. The best thing is that you don't have to live in rugged wilderness. Just a walk around your block can produce tons of intriguing specimens like pinecones, fascinating leaves, unusual sticks, pretty stones, feathers, perhaps an abandoned nest or egg shells, insects or many other remarkable things. You can gather your items into a nature book by pressing, pasting or taping them to plain white paper and labeling each one. Make an attractive cover and tie the pages together with ribbon through holes or by stapling. We spent a lot of time last summer with this simple pastime.

Plan a picnic. You can go far afield or just spread a blanket in your yard. Eating outside in the fresh air is relaxing and builds a family closeness that can't always be had when eating in front of the television or rushing at breakfast.

Is your electric bill climbing faster than the temperature? Set up a sprinkler and run through with your kids. Don't worry what the neighbors think; they'll probably want to come over for a refreshing shower.

Swimming is a great pastime and is excellent exercise. Even a wading pool will cool you off with a quick dip or a few splashes. Make sure to avoid sunburn by frequently applying sunscreen lotion and stay indoors in the hottest part of the day, typically 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM.

Garage sales are a huge source of entertainment. Give everyone a "budget" and scout out the ones in your area that look interesting. Block sales or sales grouped close together are great for walking and you just might find treasure in another person's trash.

Lemonade or drink stands are entertaining and can teach children the value of a dollar. Make colorful signs and set up in a busy area so they can have lots of customers. Look for a shady tree or have some sort of shelter from the blazing sun. A cooler with lots of ice will keep the drinks cold and refreshing.

Remember how much fun you used to have playing in the dirt? Relive those childhood memories by planting flowers with your kids. If you don't have flowerbeds or even a yard, you can still plant colorful blooms in baskets, vases, teapots, buckets or other containers. Choose inexpensive, easy-care flowers for a burst of color all summer long.

Summer wouldn't be complete without camping. If you can't get away for a weekend, set up a tent in your backyard. Toast marshmallows over a campfire or outdoor grill and tell deliciously spooky ghost stories.