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The Heat is On!

Summer is here. Grab the iced tea and lounge chair for you, and the Popsicles
and wading pool for the kids. Whether you're hanging out, hitting the road, or
doing a little of both, we've got everything you need to enjoy this special time
of year. So put on your shades for our special summer celebration.

On the Road

Summer means travel. But if you're heading out with kids, you know the dream of a great getaway can turn into a nightmare pretty fast. Here's everything you need to keep you sane while you travel.

The Penny Whistle Traveling With Kids Book is the most comprehensive guide available on hitting the road with kids. Loaded with activity ideas, tips on making hotel stays more comfortable, and pointers on avoiding family pitfalls, this should be your first stop when prepping for a family trip.

For more great resources, check out the Family Travel area in our Parents' Resource Almanac. It includes a complete listing of state travel offices, camping resources, and complete listings of children's museums and science centers, zoos and aquariums, National Forests and National Parks.

If your family loves the great outdoors, check out Outside Online's Family Vacation Guide. It's loaded with great ideas. They also feature a complete guide to the National Parks. It's invaluable in planning your summer getaway.

Nothing beats firsthand experience, especially when it comes to finding the best vacation spots. Share your travel tips and get advice from parents who have been there, on our traveling with kids bulletin board.

Your summer vacation can win you a Family Planet beach towel. Learn how.

Last, but not least, we have tracked down some of the best travel-related Web sites. Enjoy these links and come back to Family Planet when you're done!

E-cards Keeping in Touch

Whether you're on the road, at summer camp, or hanging out in the backyard, why not keep in touch with our quick, easy, and very cool e-cards? We've got cards for all occasions including birthdays, birth announcements, and other favorites. We've also got kid-to-kid cards, vacation postcards you can send before you go, and cards from camp.

Fun, Fun, Fun!

Why be bored this summer when Family Planet has lots of exciting and creative ways to keep busy and have a blast.

365 Outdoor Activities You Can Do With Your Child

365 TV-Free Activities You Can Do With Your Child

Books to read and things to do this summer from Storyopolis

Movie critic Joanna Conners roundup of summer videos

Local event calendars featuring activities in your area

Links to Internet sites featuring local summer festivals and farmers' markets

Resources for parents and kids when school is out

Parents' Resource Almanac listing of resources for summer fun and activities

Be Safe and Win!

Summer means fun, but unfortunately, it also means accidents. But this summer Family Planet is making it easy for you to keep safe and win prizes. Learn the basics of summer safety and enter to win a Giro helmet for kids, or even a cool bike trailer! Take the challenge!

Cool Computing

When it's too hot to go outside, why not crank up the air conditioning and relax with your computer? For your summer enjoyment, Family Planet offers:

The summer Consternation game. A buggy way to beat the heat.

Summer quiz. Get out the sunscreen and test your knowledge.

A lighthearted guide to summer jobs for kids

A June wedding quiz for anyone who's ever attended one

A Fourth of July election button Quiz

A camp songs quiz

A vacation geography quiz

Wit and wisdom from famous moms - a quotation quiz

And more!

Family to Family



We want to hear about your family's vacation, your memories of summer camp, wedding horror stories, and much more. Join the fun on our summer bulletin boards:

Family vacation memories

Family vacation recommendations

Summer sports

Will curfews keep your teens safer this summer?

Wedding stories

Beating the heat

Summer recipes

Beating boredom

Summer camp memories

The debate over year-round school

From the Experts

Summer raises all kinds of questions, issues and dilemmas for parents. From bedtimes to bee stings, our experts have you covered.

Dr. Barton Schmitt takes on summer health concerns:

  • Heat Rash
  • Poison Ivy
  • Slivers
  • Sunburn
  • Motion Sickness
  • Earache
  • Swimmer's Ear
  • Hay Fever

    Child development specialist Jan Faull tackles summer woes:

  • Summer Safety--How to keep the young 'uns from wandering too far.
  • Good Humor Man--Friend or Foe?--Here comes that darned ice-cream truck again.
  • Summertime and the Sleeping Ain't Easy--For parents who can't get used to the new routines of summer.
  • The Back-to-School Schedule Switch--Avoiding the grim transition from summer fun to yucky homework.

    Marguerite Kelly offers hot tips for bored kids:

  • Dog Day Doldrums--What to do when the kids have nothing to do.

    Family Planet's baby and toddler expert Penelope Leach has help for babies and toddlers who have a tough time traveling:

  • Free Travelin' Baby"--Why a long vacation could be easier on baby than a short jaunt.
  • "(Stay) Home for the Holidays"--Travel can take away a toddler's sense of control.

    Work and family experts Tom and Susan Crites Prices have tips on how to find the right summer jobs for kids.


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