About this time every school break, whether during summer vacation or during the winter or spring holidays, it reaches epidemic proportions among schoolchildren: a massive outbreak of sheer boredom. They're sick of television, sick of video games, sick of either the heat or cold, and sick of each other. They want something to DO, and they expect their parents to come up with some ideas right now.

  The best activities aren't just fun; they're educational, too. They're things that will help children's bodies and minds grow. 

  Here are a few ideas to get you started. Some of them could involve the whole family. 

• Use an inflatable swimming POOL to cool off. Serve lunch in the pool or have a paper boat race.
• GO canoeing, horseback riding or hiking.
• Attend VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL at local churches.
• VISIT a sick or elderly friend, and take along some freshly baked cookies.
• Get mail, water flowers or "DOG-SIT" for neighbors on vacation.
• Go through your closets and find some items to donate to a THRIFT SHOP. At the thrift shop, look for Halloween costumes and ask about volunteer opportunities.
• Open a LEMONADE stand.
• Have a small PARTY, inviting classmates from the past school year for games, grilled burgers and homemade ice cream.
• READ. List the books each child reads and offer a prize for every ten books read.
• Visit the public LIBRARY during story time.
• Help with CHORES, like pulling weeds, scrubbing tubs and folding clothes.
• Let children design their own WORK SHIRT to wear for chores. Use an old or inexpensive solid color shirt and marking pens. First, draw the design on a piece of paper.
• Take up a MUSICAL instrument.
• AUDITION for plays at the community theater.
• Enroll in a summer sports, art or music CAMP.
• Organize a TOY EXCHANGE. If your children are tired of their toys, select two or three toys and swap them temporarily with those of a neighboring family.