Full disclosure: I never went camping as a kid. Not once. Just didn't come from a very tent-pitching, fire-starting kind of family, I guess. But now that I have two kids of my own, I'm determined to introduce them to the joys of vacationing in the great outdoors. The hiking! The fishing! The marshmallows!

The only problem is deciding which amazing family-friendly campsite to visit first -- there are so many stellar spots across the country. At least I've got them narrowed down a little bit!

These are the top 8 super cool campgrounds on my list ...

Finding fun activities to do with your kids in the summer isn't tough, but after a few weeks of visiting amusement parks, going to movies, and paying admission to zoos & museums, keeping your little ones entertained can get a bit pricey.

But there really are plenty of things you can do with your children that are not only enjoyable -- but also inexpensive and easy to manage, especially on those days when you feel like you don't have much energy left.

Every year it seems like the summer takes forever to arrive. It's January and we're freezing and summer seems so far away. And then it's here!

Soon we're inundated with plans and obligations and those simple days we wanted are few and far between. It's only mid-July, though! Before the summer gets too far along, make your summer bucket list and make sure you do them all so when the leaves begin to change, you are sure you experienced all summer has to offer.

Here is my 25 simple summer pleasures bucket list:

I woke up this morning and realized we are already well into July and started panicking. This is hands down my favorite season -- and the favorite of just about every kid in America. But there is so much to do in the summer, and so little time to do it.

We've got swimming in the creek and running in the sprinkler checked off. We've got a long weekend planned, an outdoor concert booked ... what else? Oh, right! Fishing! We haven't done that yet.

If you're wrinkling up your nose and shuddering at the fishing trip idea, you need to stop a moment and reconsider this. Even if it's just one day out on the local lake or river, fishing trips make for great family bonding. Behold:

Grandparents are great, aren't they? They dote on your kids, always show up with fun stuff to play with, and babysit allowing you to have a night out. Sometimes they even want to take your kids on a vacation, which could allow you to have a vacation of your own.

While some granddads and grannies are more adventurous, some may not want to journey too far from home-base with the kids, so I put together ideas big and small, yet would still create lasting memories.

Check out the list of great trips the grandparents can take with your kids ... and see if it gives you any ideas.

Happy Fourth of July, friendsicles! Here's to a mid work-week respite and to lighting things on fire in our backyards. Independence Day not only signifies the birth of our nation, but the birth of summer, as well. Since most public schools end in late June, the Fourth sort of rings in the start of a warm season filled with pool time, barbecues, and amusement parks.

If you're not familiar with some of our country's great theme parks, I kindly suggest you put down that hot dog and beer long enough to read our top 10 list. Check out which amusement park is near you and plan a family trip -- it's what the Founding Fathers would want, after all.

Babies and the beach -- it sounds adorable and it also sounds like a recipe for disaster. The sun, the sand blowing all over the place, children running around not paying attention to where they're going. But it can be a fun and safe adventure with just a few precautions. Here are some important safety tips for babies at the beach.

The only thing I hate more than afternoon at the theater is an afternoon at an an all too family-friendly picnic. I get that when there are kids around you have to be conscious about what kind of language you use and what kind of music you play, but honestly, the nursery rhyme songs on repeat make me want to kill myself.

So in light of the fact that the fourth of July is coming up and you and I will be attending some BBQs where kids are around, I've come up with a child-friendly playlist that'll please everyone of all ages. Everybody wins.