When you're home with the kids a lot, it can be hard to keep them occupied and entertained. Sure, they'd happily watch TV or play on the computer all day, but that's not what you want for your children.

I find it very helpful to keep a variety of ideas in mind to keep my children busy. So much depends on their age and interests, but there are some things that can be adapted easily to the various ages.

Sone of my favorite ideas is finding friends for your children to play with. It sounds obvious, but it seems to be so easily missed. And if you have to get things done, you can talk to your fellow parents about trading times so that you have some peace and quiet some times, and a house full of kids entertaining each other at other times.

Age appropriate crafts are also a great resource. Some will require assistance while other crafts can be done with no help. My daughter loves that I let her get into her craft supplies with minimal supervision. She comes up with some great ideas that are completely unexpected.

I don't approve of overscheduling a child, but the occasional class is a great way to entertain a child.

Not every activity idea I give will give you more time to get things done directly, but indirectly they can help. The busier you help your children stay (without hovering and telling them exactly how to do it), the more they learn to entertain themselves.

Just about no matter where you live, there are things you can do that will be fun for your children. Playgrounds, museums, amusement parks... you're limited only by what's in the area and your budget.

Budget doesn't necessarily play a role when it comes to visiting museums, however. Check your local museums' websites to see if they offer any free admission days.

I live in the San Diego area, for example, and many of the museums in Balboa Park have one free Tuesday each month.