By august, the recess bell is a dim memory, but scampering on the playground is a perennial favorite for children. So, why not devote an afternoon completely to kid-style fun with an all-out playground pentathlon? Start by making a list of the playgrounds in your area, then chart your course, planning for a half-hour stop at each place. Bring a scorecard (generated by hand or on your home computer) that allows your kids to rate the various amusements (slides, swings, climbing structures and such) at each locale.

When you arrive at each park, everyone (adults included!) should try out the equipment and record his or her impressions on the scorecards, searching for the most challenging monkey bars, the most slippery slide, the most exciting swing set and so on.

At day's end--over a well-deserved frosty lemonade--review everyone's picks and see which park wins top honors from your family.

WEB RESOURCE: For tips on playground safety, log on to the National Program for Playground Safety.

LIBRARY LINK: Playground Sports by Marilyn Gould.

SAFETY TIP: Older playgrounds sometimes contain unsafe climbing equipment, so check out unfamiliar spots first before letting kids loose.

INSIDE SCOOP: For fun later, have your kids use their new expertise to draw the playground of their dreams.