When the last bell rings and school is out for summer, it can only mean one thing: it’s time to start planning summer activities for your family. Luckily, there are tons of activities to choose from that’ll keep your kids and all the kids-at-heart in the family entertained throughout the hot summer months.

Here are five of the best ways you and the rest of your family can spend summer vacation.

Bring Arts and Crafts Into the Kitchen

Kids love arts and crafts, but they also love to eat fun foods, so why not combine the two by creating recipe-themed activities in the kitchen? When the summer sun is a little too hot for outdoor fun, making culinary creations is a great way to spend a summer afternoon.

Whether you choose to make pepperoni and mozzarella cheese stick crescent roll calzones, peanut butter cup and vanilla ice cream layered Popsicles, or frozen watermelon bites, everyone in the family will love inventing new summer treats in the kitchen.

Learn a New Family Sport

If you’re looking for a way to avoid a lazy summer and keep your family in tip-top shape, then start thinking summer sports. Not just any sports, but rather the kinds that are fun for the entire family.

For example, take advantage of your backyard by setting up a volleyball or badminton net and let the games begin. Or, for a family sport that requires a little less coordination, set up an obstacle course complete with a potato sack race, a hula-hoop station, and a slip-and-slide finish line.

Get Your Vacation Kicks on Route 66

For an adventure-filled vacation activity steeped in history and Americana, pack up the car and the family and take a ride on Route 66. Even if you don’t live near the famous highway, you can find affordable rental cars online for any of the eight states Route 66 crosses through.

From historic buildings and quaint towns to breathtaking desert landscapes and family friendly lodging, Route 66 is sure to keep your family entertained whether you drive a few miles or the entire stretch from Illinois to California.

Build Something

The only thing better than a summer vacation is having something to show for all of your time off. With that in mind, a great family activity for the summer months is building something your entire family can enjoy year around.

If your kids are younger, building a tree house is a great activity that’ll provide lasting memories. But, if your kids are a little too old to swing in the trees, building a backyard deck is a fun and satisfying alternative.

Find the Nearest Drive-in Movie Theater

Did you love visiting the drive-in when you were a kid? Well, your kids will love it too, so why not head to the nearest drive-in for a movie under the stars and some delicious treats? There are more active drive-ins across the country than you might think. The best part is it’s an extremely affordable night out that your entire family will enjoy.

When the kids are out of school and adventure is calling your name, the above summer activities are sure to please everyone.