AMUSEMENT PARKS -- In addition to local favorite, Kennywood, families should also remember to check out Idlewild and Sandcastle.

BASEBALL GAMES -- Go see the Buccos play at PNC Park. For a schedule of games, go to pirates.mlb.com/schedule.

CAMPING -- Set up a tent in the backyard, or enroll your kids in summer recreation camps.

CHILDREN'S MUSEUM -- The Children's Museum, located on the North Side, offers an exciting way for kids to play in various interactive environments, such as a Mister Rogers' Neighborhood exhibit, an art studio, a garage/workshop area for building and taking things apart, and much more.

See www.pittsburghkids.org for more information.

DOG SHOW -- Gather the neighborhood pets and showcase their talents. Swimsuit segment optional.

ECO-FRIENDLY -- plant a tree, start recycling in your house, decorate reusable canvas bags for shopping, and use the summer sunshine to cut back the electric bill.

FAMILY BOARD GAME NIGHT -- Break out the deck of cards, the Monopoly money and the Scrabble board and watch the evening fly.

GO-KARTS -- Release your road rage on South Park's VIP go-karting course.

HOTDOGS and HAMBURGERS -- There is nothing quite as satisfying as lighting up the grill in the backyard and savoring some of summer's finest meals.

INVENT YOUR OWN GAME -- Whether it's a board game or a physical challenge, you make the rules and the prizes.

J JUMP ROPE CONTEST -- Compete for who can jump rope the longest, and try out some different moves like the criss-cross jump and Double Dutch. Also consider: Hula-hoop contests.

KAYAK PITTSBURGH -- Kayaking is a great way to get outside and relax on the water or really get a workout. Beginners or experienced paddlers who want a completely flat water experience can head to North Park and relax on North Park Lake. For kayakers who want a river experience, head to the North Shore under the Clemente Bridge to kayak under the Pittsburgh skyline. See kayakpittsburgh.org for more information.

LEMONADE -- When life gives you lemons, set up a stand and make some dough. Neighbors can't resist.

MOVIES -- When rainy days hit, the movies are a classic summer alternative. "The Dark Knight" (July 18), and "Star Wars: The Clone Wars" (Aug. 15) are a few of the can't-miss blockbusters.

N NEIGHBORHOOD BLOCK PARTY -- There's nothing like blocking off your street to catch up with neighbors and eat snow cones. Invite a fire truck or ambulance, hire a band or rent a net for badminton or volleyball.

OLD ECONOMY VILLAGE -- Visit the historical world of the Harmony Society, who built their American utopia on religious discipline and economic industry. Head over to Ambridge for an interactive tour and step into the 1800s.

POOL -- Pay a visit to your local public swimming pool or to the wave pool.

PICNIC -- Pack a meal and a blanket and head into the great outdoors.

QUIET NIGHT IN -- Stay in and have a reading night with your family.

RESTAURANTS -- Step out of the ordinary and try a new restaurant your family has never been to. Pittsburgh offers lots of varied eateries, such as the Spanish cuisine featured at Mallorca, Tusca Mediterranean Tapas, and Ibiza Tapas and Wine Bar on the South Side, or enjoy a fondue meal at the Melting Pot in Station Square.

SYMPHONY -- Expose your family to the fine musical stylings of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra at Heinz Hall.

T T-REX -- Go see the dueling T-rexes, who arrived at the Carnegie Museum of Natural History last month.

UNDERWATER ACTIVITIES -- Get certified in scuba diving at the Pittsburgh Scuba Center on East Carson Street or at Splash Water Sports Scuba and Snorkeling Center on Banksville Road in Mt. Lebanon.

VOLUNTEER -- Show your family the value of hard work and the spirit of giving. Volunteer at your local shelter, hospital or soup kitchen.

WATER FIGHTS -- Gather your water balloons, squirt guns and buckets to duke it out and cool off. Get creative by making water guns out of everyday kitchen items like ketchup or syrup squeeze bottles and turkey basters.

X-TREME SPORTS, like paintballing at Riverside Renegade or laser tag at Laser Storm Pittsburgh on McKnight Road.

YOGA -- Breathe, stretch, and get healthy. There are lots of summer yoga and pilates classes offered locally.

ZOO -- The Pittsburgh Zoo is celebrating 110 years this summer. Discover the wildlife, learn about the animals and their habitats, and run wild through Kids Kingdom. Also check out the PPG Aquarium and the Aviary on the North Side.