Somehow, it's already the end of June, but with it still being pre-Fourth of July, we've got plenty of time left to enjoy the best season of the year: SUMMER. Some might complain that summer is a total bummer, because the temps can just get too darn hot. But to me, nothing's better than grilling up a storm, throwing an after-sunset pool party, having a bonfire on the beach, or even just hiding in the A/C with loved ones during a heat wave?

And no matter what you're doing, you totally need a playlist of sexy summer tunes. After all, the most entertaining summer flicks (think Now & Then, Dazed & Confused) wouldn't have been the same without their incredible soundtracks! Here, twelve cool -- both classic and current -- tracks to queue up on a hot summer night ...

You don't need a pool to make a splash in your backyard this summer.

Believe it or not, there are a ton of outdoor activities that will inspire your tech-addicted kids to ditch their beloved iPad, PlayStation, or Xbox and actually have some fun in the sun. And pretty much all you need is a hose, a bucket and a bag of ice cubes.

Here are the 10 best water games to help you have a blast -- and cool off too! -- with the entire family.

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We gave moms the Sony Handycam® camcorder and asked them to capture and share a special moment with their families.

It's the first official day of summer. Schools have shut, or are soon shutting, mosquitoes have hatched, and the list of things we must do before it gets cold again starts to wrap itself around our beings like a whiny kid with sunburn. There's the beach trip, the river tubing, the lemonade stand, the outdoor concerts, and the backyard barbecues. For some reason, most of the year's super fun events can turn themselves into a to-do list of agonizing stress. Here's where I come in.

I won't be able to flip your burgers or wipe the ketchup off Junior's hands before he gets his paws on your iPad, but I can help with the playlist. Fret no more about a crowd-pleasing collaboration of great tunes, I've got you covered with these 20 must-play summer songs.

Everyone has a must-pack list for road trips. Generally, those packing lists include things like games for the car, playing cards, books, sunscreen, enough H2O for everyone ... that sort of stuff. On the top of the list, though? Hands down: snacks.

We all know how much kids love things like bags of gummies and portable yogurt for the car ride, but why not get a little bit more creative with your on-the-go nibbles? What the heck, why not upgrade your car chow?

Check out these 5 snacks both kids and parents will enjoy for your next roadtrip:

Somehow, we are already into the middle of June, so if you haven't already planned a pool party or begun planning a pool party or already attended at least one, you better get on it! Summer's not gonna be here forever, people. We have to seize the warmest days of the year!

Now, no matter who you're throwin' said pool party for -- tots or your closest circle of friends -- you're going to need a soundtrack of fun, fitting poolside tunes. Here, 10 tracks you can't miss when building the ultimate pool party playlist!

Does somebody have a summer birthday? Kids' birthdays in the summer are the best: Just throw everyone at the park and let them entertain themselves, sit back, serve yourself a little rose from your cleverly-disguised wine box ...

Oh, but this is about the kids. In my neighborhood parents always serve the same little juice boxes at every birthday party. Elsewhere it's those big bottles of soda. Either way: Sugar bonanza. And why not? It's a party, not breakfast.

BUT -- I'm starting to see a lot of lower-sugar, natural, good-for-you drinks that look so fun and tasty I doubt kids will miss the sugar.

Summer days are driftin' away. Things have changed since I was a kid. I remember waking up at age 13 -- usually around noon -- and padding over in my pajamas to the Nintendo, where I spent the next six hours (until The Brady Bunch came on) playing video games. No one batted an eye as I whiled my youth away jumping on turtles and shooting bad guys.

These days, parents are different. We're expected to find enriching experiences for our young ones, and gaming is so engrossing that you could spend 40 hours on a game and still come away unsatisfied. So I talked with Gadget Mom at Gadget Dad HQ and asked her what our little ones have been playing most and how she's been doling out the game time.

She was happy to share her insight ...