By now, your kids are probably out of school and headed off to day camp, sleep-away camp, making plans with friends or just hanging out at home. As nice as the first blush of summer is, eventually they'll get bored and/or you will begin to pull your hair out always having them underfoot. Before it comes down to that, put a few days aside throughout the month to check out some fun, local attractions. We've compiled a list of places that can usually be found in nearly every neighborhood or a day trip away.

Family comes first. That's what we all hear and those are the words we all try to live by. However, sometimes we all deserve a little ME time so that we are refreshed and levelheaded enough to give our best selves to our families. Life is busy and messy and we can easily burn out if we're not careful. Below, find a list of our favorite (local) getaways, essentials reminders for our personal wellbeing and, if all else fails, the recipe for a perfect end of the night cocktail.

As the weather warms up, the jackets come off and the clothing layers get lighter (along with the sun lingering a little longer in the evening sky), playtime extends to the outdoors. While the traditional games and activities like football (soccer), kickball, chalkdrawing, basketball, and SPUD are still tons of fun, add some new activities into the mix.

The estimated population of the world is six billion people. Out of that six billion, four billion are women and two billion are men. That's twice as many women in the world as men. But the funny thing is, we still see everything from boardrooms to the Oval Office populated by men. Though we have come a long way, it isn't long enough for the amount of women we're representing. For instance, in developing countries out of the money donated into a community only one half of one cent goes towards educating girls. Though most of you reading this don't necessarily live in a developing country, think about how women and girls are treated on a local level. All women come up against sexism many times over the course in their lifetime.

In the age of constant activity, communication and tons of noise from cell phones, iPods, computers, televisions, cars, etc. sometimes it's important to take time out and relax, but it's just as important to teach your children how to tune out and chill out. Below we have some tips that cover everything from meditation to family nature walks and "tea time."

It might be cold, blustery, and snowy (or maybe you're experiencing a heat wave!) and perhaps the kids are stuck in doors. Before cabin fever sets in, we've got you covered with some fun kid activities that will take you from the kitchen to the craft room and even get you creating art in the snow!

New Years resolutions aren’t just for adults. It’s good to introduce children to the idea of resolutions and changing things in their life … “out with the old and in with the new.” For kids ages five and up, ask them what new things they would like to try in the New Year. Help them find pictures in a magazine of whatever ideas or goals they’ve decided on and have them make a collage to hang in their room so they can be reminded of their resolutions. Older kids can make lists of both new things they would like to try and old habits they might want to work to break this year.

Halloween or Mischief night (depending on what side of the Pond you reside) can be tons of fun for both kids and adults, but it can also be pretty costly between the costumes, candy and decorations. To help out, we’ve researched some homemade costumes for kids, twins, friends, and couples that are truly a scream! Click through the links for photos and instructions on how to create each costume.

Wondering how many days a week your 2nd grader should be practicing their instrument or your 5th grader running football (soccer) drills? Searching for good ideas for after-school programs for your 10 year old? Use the following guidelines to steer your decisions — but remember that you know your child's maturity and temperament best.

Whether you’re getting to your vacation destination by land, sea or air, we’ve got some tips to help you pack up the kids and keep them occupying during your journey.

We found this Interactive Packing List: http://www.bhg.com/health-family/activities/travel/interactive-packing-list/ that allows people of all ages to enter their name, age group, and click the type of vacation they’re embarking on.