It's about that time. Summer is getting closer by the minute. Soon the day will come when the kids say those dreaded words... "I'm bored!" It's time to get some ideas of things to do when they get antsy, or if you're looking for something to do yourself. There are tons of things to do no matter your budget. Here are the top 10:

1. Local Culture

No matter where you live, there are bound to be some cultural venues that spark an interest. There are several websites that allow you to plug in your zip code and provide a list of businesses and attractions in your area. Also check out Craigslist and Backpage for more ideas. These will be located in the Activities are under Community. Museums, zoos, gardens, amusement parks and similar places usually have discounted admission during certain times or on certain days.

2. Exercise

No one wants to hear it... but we all need to do it. Exercise - get up and move around. Take up a sport. Play some golf. Go to the park with the kids. Go for a walk in the neighborhood. Join a gym and lose those few pounds you've been talking about losing for the past few months. Not only will you be conquering your boredom, but you'll also be making your body more healthy.

3. Play a Game

Let's face it. There's a little kid in all of us. And most kids like to play games. There are some great games out there these days. There are educational games, role-playing games, trivia games, and the old stand-bys... Monopoly, Chutes and Ladders, and Yahtzee to name a few. If you don't have any games, and don't have the money to go out and buy one, there are lots of great games online. You can use cards or dice that you already have at the house to play many of them.

Don't forget about good old jigsaw puzzles. There are many different kinds available. There are photo mosaic puzzles, shaped puzzles, and even layered puzzles. Puzzles are available for great prices at garage sales, and some libraries even loan them out!

4. Scavenger Hunt

Scavenger hunts can be great fun. They can be done in any location, even in the home with things you already have. When I was little, my mom used to leave clues for me to find that led to different locations or things in the house and sometimes to prizes. She would write a clue on a piece of paper that led me to the location next clue. The final clue would lead me to the end location or item. I remember it being fun and making me think in order to solve the puzzle. Another approach is to create a list of things to find in the house or the neighborhood and have the participants check them off. This is also a great party activity.

5. Plant a Garden

Whether you plant vegetables to use in your kitchen or flowers to brighten your yard, gardening is a great way to pass the time. The fresh air is good for your body, and the oxygen emitted by the plants is good you. There are some great ways to get trees and plants for free, and seeds are relatively cheap and available at stores all over.

6. Volunteer

There are many organizations across the country that need volunteers. Meals on Wheels is a great example. Not only are you helping someone out, but there is an opportunity to meet some interesting people and form new relationships. Hospitals and animal shelters typically have volunteers that help with various tasks as well. If you like to use your hands, Habitat for Humanity is a great place to volunteer. Volunteer Match has listings of organizations that are in need of help, sorted according to your location.

7. Clean and Organize the House

Maybe it's been a while since spring cleaning. What better way to pass the time than to get your home sparkling clean and organized? Dust the shelves. Sweep the floor. Clean under the refrigerator. Some things that we let build up over time can actually be dangerous. The mountain of lint that collects in the dryer vent could catch fire. Newspapers and other items that pile up over time are also hazards, so use your free time to make your home safe and clean.

8. Write a Letter

Do you have family that lives in another state? Maybe there's a friend that you haven't spoken with in a while. Take this time to sit down and write a letter. Everyone loves to get mail - especially when it's not a bill. If you can't think of anyone to write to, find a pen pal. Interpals and PenPal World have listing of people looking for pen pals.

9. Read a Book

There's nothing like curling up on the couch with a good book. Most of us tend to get stuck in a rut, watching tv or getting on the computer to while away the time. Instead, we should be reading and expanding our minds. Reading broadens our horizons and allows us to use our imaginations. I have a list of books just waiting to be read. Memberships at the local library are usually free, and often libraries in smaller towns are linked to larger libraries to allow citizens access to books that may not be available in the smaller towns.

10. Take Up A Hobby

Find something that interests you and pursue it. Whether it is a craft, a sport or just an activity, there are many opportunities to learn something new. Many people try a new activity and turn it into a career. Photography and cake decorating are just a couple of the hobbies with potential to turn into more. Other hobbies such as building models or flying model airplanes can be great fun and lead to new friendships.

There are many ways to pass the time that will enrich your life and lead to new friendships and experiences. Instead of being bored this summer, find a cure for your boredom and try something new.