Every parent who has spent three sweltering months with a couple of bored children knows that summer is the longest season. The school year is over and children go from a highly regimented routine with scheduled studies and activities to almost unlimited freedom. Lazy, unstructured summers can lead children to spend too much time watching television or playing video games. Research shows that children can lose up to 60% of what they most recently learned over the course of the summer. Freedom from school obligations also means children have more time to engage in unstructured, imaginative play or create long-term projects that might keep them busy for days. It's important for parents to have a plan that includes exercise and imagination to keep children's minds and bodies active during the summer months, but it shouldn't break your budget. Here are ten helpful tips for a fun, active and mentally stimulating summer:1. Family suggestion box. A week or two before school ends, sit down together as a family. Decorate an old shoebox with stickers or pictures cut out of magazines. Cut a slit in the top and attach a pencil with a piece of string. Now sit down and brainstorm fun summer activities. Write the ideas on colored pieces of paper and place them in the box. Whenever boredom threatens, take a “hint” from the box. Leave the box on the kitchen counter or dining room table along with a few extra slips of paper so the kids can add ideas whenever they think of them.2. Let's pretend. Reading should be a normal part of every family's life, and summer is no exception. Set aside an hour each day for “story time.” Reading can be a great way to start imaginative play. Instead of just reading... half the paper..., spread out a blanket and enjoy a meal outdoors. When night falls, unroll a sleeping bag and tell stories with a flashlight until you fall asleep.10. Neighborhood treasure hunt. Make a list of things your neighbors will likely have on hand and are unlikely to miss. Some suggestions: paper clips, clothespins, pencils or rubber bands. Or take notes and check off larger items without claiming them. Go on a door-to-door excursion. Spend time with old friends and meet new ones while walking outdoors. While it is important to keep children mentally and physically challenged during the summer months, keep in mind that your children will only be young once. In other words, never forget the fun factor. Make sure all activities are age-appropriate and properly supervised, then let your imagination and theirs run wild in the quest to beat summer boredom.