There are many ways to keep your kids out of trouble this summer. Finding fun and productive activities for your youngsters will allow them to invest their free time more wisely. Here are four great ways to keep your kids busy this summer.

Write a Book Together

You and your kids can work together to create a children’s book that you can try publishing. The story that you write can be about your family or another real-life situation that other children will find interesting. You might also consider writing a fantasy story with mystical characters. Care.com suggests including illustrations in your book and publishing it in a hardcover format. There are also plenty of ways to publish your story in e-book format.

Find Summer Jobs for Them

Helping your kids find summer jobs is one of the best ways to ensure that they’ll stay busy until school starts again. Your children will manage to stay productive and learn the value of a hard-earned dollar when they work. Some of the best jobs for children include delivering newspapers, mowing lawns and pet sitting. Your kids can also test their entrepreneurial skills by opening a lemonade stand. Making and selling crafts online is another great way for your kids to earn some money while becoming more accountable.

Enroll in Summer Programs

Some schools and other educational organizations sponsor summer programs for kids that encourage positive social interactions and help young people learn new skills. Activities that are included in these programs are meant to help children grow into more responsible and caring adults. Some of these programs allow kids to partake in activities like cooking, gardening and photography. Certain programs even include theater classes that give kids the opportunity to learn more about performance art. You can also sign your kids up for sports programs.

Encourage Them to Volunteer

Volunteering provides an opportunity for your children to make the world a better place for everyone. Your kids can help others who are less fortunate by volunteering their time to work at a local food bank or clothing drive. Joining a group to collect trash along the sides of roads and freeways is another good way to spend time during the summer. Some animal charities also accept young volunteers. Your kids might even consider tutoring other children in certain school subjects for summer school.

Just because the school year is over doesn’t mean that your kids have to sit around and do nothing. By finding the right activities for them, they’ll be able to channel their energy into positive endeavors.