Public school parents, check your calendars.

Remember that list of things you meant to do with your kids this summer? If you haven't crossed them all off yet, you're running out of time. For students at more than half the public schools across the state, summer vacation will be over before next weekend, and the rest just have an extra few days of reprieve.

So somewhere in between shopping for school supplies and finishing up projects you've been meaning to take care of, find some time to have fun as a family and maybe even give your kids something to talk about when they're asked how they spent their vacation.

If the weather's fine, pack a picnic and decide where you're going to eat it — maybe on the lawn at the zoo or aquarium, at a park or botanical garden or when you feel like taking a break on that hiking trail you've been meaning to try out. Just watch out for sandy sandwiches if you decide to bring your lunch to the beach.

Or if the heat is making you wilt, you could strap on some ice skates or bowling shoes, play indoor miniature golf, wander through art galleries or find the giant animatronic insects at Bishop Museum or Pearlridge Center.

Movies are also an option: Disney's "G-Force" opened yesterday in theaters all over the island and you can find more information on free family film events at Makiki District Park and the University of Hawai'i in the articles at left.

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Visit www.HawaiiMomsLikeMe.com if you’re looking for a way to close out the summer or have an idea to share.