Consejos para organizar las vacaciones de verano

Make it a goal to see the sun set from at least five different locations throughout the summer, from locations as exotic as a tropical beach to ones as comfortable as your own backyard.

Engage your children's inner artists. Instead of building a traditional sand castle, try letting your kids draw a portrait of you in the sand, or maybe sculpt a mermaid or a dolphin.

Grab the kids and head over to the ballpark to watch an afternoon baseball game. While you are there, pick up a scorecard and show them how to keep score.

Use your free time to teach others. Invite the whole family to volunteer at a children's camp or summer program. It can be both fun and rewarding, and will teach your children the value of helping people.

Get in touch with nature. Grab a good walking stick and a bottle of water and go hiking.

Become a regular at your neighborhood swimming pool. You can use this time to teach your kids to swim, a skill that they'll use every summer for the rest of their lives. You can also swim laps, jump off the diving board or just enjoy the sunshine.

See new places this summer. Try to visit a new destination every weekend, even if it's just a short drive from home. Day trips are a great way to get the family out of the house.

Attend an outdoor music festival. Summer is a great time to check out local concerts and nationally touring festivals. Be sure to check the weekend section of your local newspaper to see who is coming to town.

Go on a picnic with your loved ones — complete with red-and-white checked tablecloth (ants optional). Lay out a blanket at the neighborhood park, in a grassy field or even in your own backyard.

Plant a tree in your yard with your kids. The experience will give you the opportunity to explain how trees produce oxygen and why they're so important.

Take your kids to the zoo. Ask them questions about each animal and read them the facts posted by the exhibits. Then let your kids name each animal.

Strap on your helmet. Riding your bike is a healthy and fun way to spend your afternoon. See local parks and lakes you may not usually get to. If your kids still have training wheels on their bikes, teach them how to ride on two wheels.

Get an early start on your summer weekends, and take Friday off. Nearly 31 percent of Americans don't use all of their vacation time, and Americans leave an average of three days a year on the table!

Take advantage of a clear night and stargaze — you might see a shooting star! Beforehand, teach your kids about some of the constellations

...