Sunshine, warm weather, time at the lake, cookouts. Summer is (finally!) just around the corner and, with it, many of our favorite things. However, let's face it. Whether your kiddos are still running around in diapers or you have school agers off for the summer, the days at home can sometimes feel a little long. Break out of your routine and vanish the boredom blues with these kid-centric activities and family-friendly gatherings, geared towards kids of all ages. Kids at heart, included!

1. Host a bubbles and bubbly party for kids and their parents. For the kiddos, set up a bubble machine for instant entertainment, and popsicles for refreshment. For parents, a pitcher of fruity mimosas and some light snacks will do. Make sure to have enough outdoor seating for your adult guests and the party may just rage on all afternoon.

2. Go to a zoo. Lions, tigers and bears, oh my! Enjoy a trip to your local zoo, and the kids will be sure to enjoy a morning or afternoon watching all their favorite animals up close. Bring snacks and sunscreen, and strollers are a must for families with young kids.

3. Make popsicles. Let kids create their own refreshing summer treat by combining juice and cut up, fresh fruit in Dixie cups. Freeze with popsicle sticks, and you'll have a perfect snack for cooling down and gearing up for more summertime fun.

4. Visit the library. Many libraries have summer reading programs, and you can also take advantage of free story hours geared towards different age groups. It’s a perfect activity for rainy summer days.

5. We all scream for ice cream! Treat your family to a sweet treat this summer (or several!) and become ice cream connoisseurs. Map out all the local ice cream shops in your area and try a different shop each week. Keep a tally of everyone's favorite place and vote on your new family favorite at the end of this sweet season.

6. Take a day trip. Whether you are in search of parks, lakes, trails or other entertainment, summer is a time for exploring. Load up the car, map out directions, and don’t forget to pack a picnic lunch!

7. Make s'mores: Roast s'mores around your backyard fire pit or fire table. Experiment with tasty twists on the classic recipe, substituting peanut butter cups for plain chocolate or adding strawberries and bananas to your treats. Healthy? Maybe not. Delicious? Definitely!

8. Take a nap on a hammock. Bring their favorite blanket, pillows and stuffed animals outside for an extra comfy hammock nap. While the actual napping may be minimal, you can enjoy relaxing with your littles and reading a fave story or two.

9. Create your own backyard fort. Set up a backyard tent to use as a play fort for the summer. Kids will love spending hours playing games, reading and talking in their own backyard hideaway. Fill the tent with indoor/outdoor pillows to make it an extra cozy retreat.

10. Plant a garden. Nurture your kids' inner green thumbs by letting them plant their own vegetable garden. Let kids weed and water their plants throughout the season, and they'll be sure to enjoy their veggies this summer. Don't have the space or time for a garden? Plan a trip to a local farmer's market, and let your kids pick out fresh produce for the week.

11. Create your own outdoor theater. Set up a laptop in your backyard to watch one of their favorite movies. Add some blankets, pillows and popcorn, and you're set for an evening of easy entertainment.

12. Paint the sidewalk. Give the kids a chance to be creative by substituting sidewalk chalk paint for their regular chalk. Kids can create a mural with paint and brushes, and do it all again after rain gives them a fresh canvas. You can also skip the paint entirely. Have kids paint the driveway with brushes dipped in plain old water and paint again when the water dries.