Summer is my favorite time of the year to be a parent. From June through August life slips into a lower gear. Even when my daughters have day camp or swimming lessons the days seem longer and less chopped up and we can take on a few fun long-term projects that are suited to summer's slow pace.

The payoff with these extended activities comes slowly but the rewards-- a kids-only clubhouse, an exciting summer diary, a backyard pond overflowing with flowering vines or a bumper crop of pumpkins--are worth the wait. A blend of learning and play, each of these projects has enough structure to sustain kids' interest throughout their vacation. Whichever activity you choose, as you work with your kids you will be helping them discover the pleasure and satisfaction that come from the process (and not just the results) of creating something.

Maggie Megaw is a regular contributor to FAMILYFUN.