Top 5 ways to keep your kids busy this summer

There are a multitude of pleasures that come with the summer months: nice weather, shorter work hours, the joys of the baseball season. But if you’re a father, the summer means you have the added responsibility of looking after your rambunctious kids.

If you’re like most dads, it can seem like the only thing your kids enjoy more than saying "I’m bored" during summer vacation, is saying it at a volume that prevents you from getting anything done as well.

We understand – having your kids around everyday can be a joy, but unless they’re willing to carry our golf bag, they may occasionally get in the way of your own summer plans. And to think – the whole reason you had kids was so you’d have someone to mow the lawn and trim the hedges in the summer heat.

But don’t fret. We’ve got you covered. Behold, the top 5 ways to keep your kids busy this summer vacation.

1.) Instead of taking them to the pool, just turn on the garden hose. Then, hand them all a towel and point them in the direction of your car. The kids will be entertained and you’ll have a dazzling car all summer long. If you have an infant, having him or her crawl on the hood will help your vehicle dry.

2.) Play hide and go seek, without actually seeking. This is sure to entertain kids for hours. Convince them that there’s no place they could possibly hide where you can’t find them. Then when the scamper off, treat yourself to a lounge chair and a magazine on the deck.

3.) Have them fan you to save money on air conditioning. We’re pretty sure that school-age kids will do just about anything if ice cream is a promised reward. Best use this weakness to your advantage before they become teenagers.

4.) Remember that neighbor who kept you awake until 3 a.m. with fireworks last Fourth of July? It’s time for revenge. Serve your kids Skittles and soda for breakfast, a round of popsicles for lunch and throw in some strong coffee for good measure. Then tell your neighbor that you need a babysitter of a few hours. Return that evening to pick up the pieces.

5.) Send them trick-or-treating. Who cares what the rest of the neighborhood thinks? You’ve got a 4 p.m. tee time and basement full of old Halloween costumes!