For many families, summer means backyard barbecues, trips to the beach or lake, and a break from school schedules and homework. But when your kids are home all day it can also mean higher electric bills.

If nobody’s home during the day most of the year, you may notice an increase in energy usage because of more frequent cooking, the thermostat running longer as kids run in and out throughout the day, or more frequent television watching. Help reduce this increase by involving your kids in saving energy this summer. Here are a few ideas to make it fun:

• Make it a game. Who can turn off all the lights the fastest? Who can find the most chargers that need to be unplugged?
• Unplug electronics. Reading books will help children retain what they learned over the school year while saving you money on your electric bill. Offer a small reward for the most books read each week to help your kids get excited about reading.
• Skip cooking and have a picnic lunch. Too hot to eat outside? No problem, turn off the lights, open the curtains and throw a blanket on the living room floor and have an indoor picnic with natural light.
• Get outdoors. Playing outside will provide great exercise while giving your electric bill a break. Visit the beach or lake for a swim or take a bike ride through the neighborhood.

Lots of small changes can add up to big savings. Not only can these tips help create fun memories for your kids, but you will also be teaching them energy saving lessons that will stick with them into adulthood.