For many families, July is the month they head to the beach.  Here are lots ideas for activities with sand.  Build a sand castle using tips and ideas to make it easy.    Make your own sand mask.  Make a batch of sand dough for modeling or to make stepping stones.  Mix sand with leftover sidewalk chalk to create something new.

Crafts
Looking for a good craft idea that doesn't need lots of supplies.  Keep a box of pipe cleaners handy and the kids can be busy making all kinds of pipe cleaner creations, or try these ideas for pipe cleaner creatures  for younger children.

Games
Summer is a great time for large gatherings.  Plan a Scavenger Hunt .  You can do it in just about any location just by changing the items on the list!

Ever thought about creating your own game?  National Young Game Inventors Contest is for children to 5-12 years old, to develop a board game and submit it to University Games with a chance to win a $10,000 college scholarship and have their game produced and sold in toy stores.

Science

For the space enthusiast, try making a comet and read about refractive telescopes.

Or learn about the science of sunlight and exactly what is ultraviolet light.  Don't forget to bring some tonic water to the beach to see the ultraviolet light.  This sunlight experiment is very easy and the results can be seen instantly.

Sneak Peak for August

Lots of fun games for kids to play.