That last school bell has rung and the kids are back home, enjoying all the pleasures that summer vacation offers. But there’s got to be more to life than sleeping until noon and sipping lemonade by the pool. Here are some more ideas to make sure your kids stay happy and healthy this summer.

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As July 4th approaches, your kids are probably thinking about sitting out on the lawn with family and neighbors, eating snacks, and watching beautiful fireworks bursting in the night sky. Summer celebrations can be a lot of fun. But what's the best way to ensure that your kids have both a fun and a safe July 4th this summer?

Fireworks, often the centerpiece of summer celebrations, can actually be very dangerous. According to Prevent Blindness America, from 1980-1994 fireworks accounted for 29 fires, 65 explosions, and 114 deaths. And, almost half of the injured are children ages 19 years old and under.

Sparklers are perhaps even more dangerous because many people think of them as harmless fireworks that children can use. But sparklers are the second highest cause of fireworks-related injuries requiring trips to the emergency room. Sparklers can potentially catch clothes or hair on fire, and they can heat up to 1800 degrees Fahrenheit (hot enough to melt gold).

To keep summer fun and safe, check out these
fireworks safety tips from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission

• Additional website of interest

• 4th of July Crafts and Coloring Pages

• fabulous 4th of July Recipes