School is out and summer vacation is here. But, after about a week of sheer excitement at being homework free, you can expect to hear those dreaded words - “I’m bored!” When that happens, it’s good to have a plan of attack for the summer doldrums. So what activities can you do at home without spending a fortune or causing a mess? Here are few highly popular indoor activities that you can do with your kids using free and inexpensive materials:

• Straws, String, and Dish Soap (oh my!) String and pieces of straws turn into 3D bubble creations. Added bonus: your tile floor gets a great bath.
• Pen Spin Cycle Power Use the power of a spinning object to pick up a much heavier object. Your kids will scour your house for other items to use!
• Cornstarch Goo Your kids will go crazy over this weird-feeling goo that acts like a solid and a liquid! NOTE: Covering the table with a trash bag makes for an easier cleanup.
• Invisible Ink Write notes just like spies used to using some simple acids and bases found around the house.
• String-Climbing Creatures A nod to the folk toys of yesteryear. Easy to make!

For more exciting indoor and “rainy day” activities, check your local library for books about cool science experiments. Adult supervision is suggested.

Want to head outside? Check out some ways to have fun in the sun (and on a dime).