Now is the time for summer vacations, and many families have the chance to spend more time together. If you're going to be babysitting your grandchildren or enjoying a long-distance visit with them, try some of these fun activities:

Turn off the television and look at the clouds.

You can both exercise your imaginations by discussing what the clouds resemble, and you can also teach your grandchild about the weather by discussing the types of clouds you see: fat cumulonimbus clouds that may bring rain; wispy, feathery cirrus clouds; and low, cottony cumulus clouds.

Teach history based on household objects.

Talk about some of the items that your grandchild uses every day, like iPods, cordless phones, flat-screen televisions, and microwaves. Discuss what you used instead when you were your grandchild's age, like record players, rotary-dial phones, and televisions housed in big wooden cabinets.

Watch the shooting stars.

Find a safe, dark place that's away from traffic lights and watch the night skies for shooting stars.

Teach bygone skills.

Although your grandkids are likely more familiar with the latest songs and TV shows than you are, you have plenty of valuable skills that they ought to know. Teach them how to play dominoes, checkers, or chess. If they're older, show them how to preserve vegetables from the garden or do minor home-improvement projects.

Give them a history lesson.

When you're spending time with your grandchild, you have a great opportunity to share with them the stories that are important to your family. Tell them about family members' accomplishments. Talk about the things you have done in your life. Tell them stories about their mom's or dad's childhood.

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