Summer Vacation! For anyone bound to an academic calendar, this means a break from routine, a week at the cottage or beach, maybe a part-time job for the 16+ crowd, and certainly some downtime.

For stay-at-home moms, it means the beginning of our busy season. Our job description changes from household slave and part-time side show to full-time entertainment director and chauffeur (usually including other people's children).

"I'm bored!" exclaims one.

"Can Trevor sleep over?" begs the next.

"But I don't wanna play outside!" tearily protests another.

You know you've had enough when the sight of store shelves bursting with glossy new school supplies makes your day. By the time you flip the calendar page to August, your list of fabulous summer distractions is used up and declared to be lame and boring. And since plane tickets to Grandma's house for your rug rats are too expensive these days (although you did get that Pre-Approved $10,000 Line of Credit! letter from ShadySam's Finance Co. and are seriously considering taking them up on it), you can't ship 'em off for 2 weeks while you and hubby sip margaritas poolside.

While nothing will be good enough for your angry teenager, the younger set might be still persuaded to try a few more of your activities. This is the part where you call your friends (who, by the way, are no longer extending that invitation to "stop by our pool anytime!") and ask for suggestions. Since I'm in your boat, I'll give you a few of mine.

* Aquatic Playground - it's like a waterpark without the costly admission and risk of drowning. Many cities have them in their regional parks and are usually staffed with lifeguards. Stay clear of the wading pools, though. That's where the tots play, and well, you know what that means. These playgrounds usually have picnicking areas, so you can let the kids use their pent-up energy while you sip your frappaccino in peace.

* Art Center - check out the local cultural center, library, or children's museum. Many of them have fully stocked art studios where your kids can try their hand at all those crafts you won't allow at home. Most of the studios I've visited have instructors on hand to explain the activities and help Johnny make his papier maché Gila Monster. Just make sure you bring a full change of clothes for everyone for the ride home.

* Day Camps - if you can spare the cash, you can find a day camp for every interest. Check out the brochures at your local YMCA, Boy and Girl Scout office, cultural centers, and museums. For a free alternative, most neighborhood churches are running their Vacation Bible School programs. Although this is usually only a 5-evening program, you can probably find one happening nearly every week at different locations in your area. The programs typically include themed crafts, playtime, music, and Bible stories. Even if you are not religiously-minded, every child could use a lesson about loving others (especially their little brother).

* Movie Matinée - if you are brave enough, you might consider a kid-friendly movie. Many theaters now offer matinées that cater to younger patrons, with brighter lighting and lower soundtrack volume. Misbehavior is expected, so the mom in front of you will hardly notice Janey kicking her seat, as she's busy trying to stop Bobby from putting his gum in his sister's hair. Like I said: if you're brave enough.

Do you have any suggestions for our moms? Share them in the comments, please!