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16 Fredericksburg Parent and Family • June 2016 1 TEND A GARDEN Together with your child cultivate containers of herbs, tomatoes or peppers. Take a digital photo each day to track the progress of the plant's growth. Have your child put the photos in order in a journal and write down any observations. Together, prepare a meal using your child's homegrown produce. 2 SLEEP OUTDOORS Chris Starnes, a mom of three, says her family loves to camp. They look forward to hiking, biking and swimming and a break from elec- tronics. Want to take your family? Starnes suggests downloading a camping checklist from the internet and reserving a site at a state park. "State parks are cleaner and well-patrolled and there are usu- ally activities for the kids at some point during the day or weekend," she says. "Go where there is a playground. And, don't camp too far from restrooms - think evening or middle of the night trips!" 3 STARE AT THE STARS On a clear night, direct your family's gaze toward the heavens. Try identify- ing a few of the 88 different constellations, many of which are named after mythological men, women and animals. Is your child interested in learning more about the characters dotting the celestial night sky? Read "D'Aulaires' Book of Greek Myths" by Ingri and Edgar Parin d'Aulaire. 4 BUILD AND FLY A KITE "The experience never fails to fill adults and kids with wonder every time they fly a kite," says Sean Beaver, a kite enthusiast and father of two. Kite flying is an inexpen- sive and relaxing activity. Check out the American Kite Association website, www.aka.kite.org, which provides educational resources, including the history of kites and the science and math behind kite flying. Things Every Child Should Do This WRITTEN BY CHRISTA MELNYK HINES The lure of slowing down over summer sounded idyllic in the whir of hectic school schedules, but what do you do if your child is already singing the sum- mertime boredom blues? Try filling his dance card with this head-spinning assortment of creative, educational and exhilarating activities. Not only will you fight off boredom, you'll create plenty of new memories while relaxing, playing and learning together as a family! 3 STARE AT THE STARS 3 STARE AT THE STARS On a clear night, direct your family's gaze toward the heavens. Try identify- ing a few of the 88 different constellations, many of which are named after 11