Check your local library for children's summer activities, as well as the Boys and Girls Clubs and YMCA. Get your kids to choose which museums would interest them the most. Chattanooga has many to choose from, including; the Creative Discovery Museum, the Hunter Museum of American Art, Chattanooga History Center, Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum, and of course, the Tennessee Aquarium. Check admission prices online and add those to your list for those odd rainy days. Plan some outings at the local park for a picnic or barbecue, play ball or go on a nature walk. Summer can get pretty hot in this neck of the woods so for cool off days plan on going to one of Ocoee's beaches along Highway 64 in the Cherokee National Forest, where parking is just $3 per day, or go to the local public swimming pools. For those more adventurous families, who want something invigorating and exciting, whitewater rafting is very popular in this area, either along the famous Olympic Ocoee river, or the more tranquil waters of the Hiwassee.

Some days should be saved for staying home which can often be just as much fun as going out on a field trip. When they were very young, I remember one summer, my grandchildren had great fun designing their own teepees in the back yard. Dressed in their granddad's old tees that covered most of their little bodies, they were each given a  plain bed sheet, a long stick and a can of spray paint. After creating their colorful teepees, they were sent to collect some short twigs and one long stick each. Then, we helped them build a fire on which they could roast their own marshmallows.

Children love to dig around in soil. Allow them to have a small flower bed of their own where they can plant some seeds and watch them grow. Spend an afternoon baking cupcakes or cookies with the kids.

Now that you have a list of varied things to do while school is out, below are just a few more ideas of  summer tourist attractions your kids will love; Chattanooga Zoo is celebrating it's 75th anniversary with special events until their "Go Bananas Day" special birthday celebration on June 16. For information go to www.chatzoo.org.

Dollywood's "Kids Fest" Pigeon Forge will begin June 26 through July 29 with lots of fun events. Soar high above the Smokey Mountains with nothing between you but air,on the park's new roller coaster ride, "Wild Eagle," or completely chill out at Dollywood's Splash Country water adventure park. For ticket prices go to www.Dollywood.com.

Should Dollywood work out a little too expensive for your family, or you would prefer something closer, how about treating the kids to a good an old fashion American family tradition at Lake Winnepesaukah amusement park in nearby Rossville, Georgia. Lake Winnie is celebrating it's 87th season with lots of great rides, concerts and attractions. For directions and more info go to www.Lakewinnie.com.