You are probably as ready to get the kids out of the house as they are to get out of it! Here are a few tips to keep them in the game … and out of the emergency room.

According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, basketball is the most treacherous summer recreational activity, followed by bike riding, baseball, and -- pay attention, soccer moms -- soccer.

The Academy says last summer's Olympics inspired millions of children to take up sports in their backyard or at the park. These activities help develop youths' muscles and coordination, but also can result in injury. Young athletes are more susceptible to injury because children's bones, muscles, tendons and ligaments are still growing.

Important: Don't let your kids play hurt. Playing through pain may be okay for big leaguers, but pain is the body's signal that something needs to be fixed. Prevent injuries by ensuring your kids are in shape -- especially if the only exercise they've gotten all winter is the video game variety -- and that they stay alert, know the rules, and wear protective equipment.

Most of the 5.5 million summer injuries recorded last year were sprains, strains, cuts, bruises, fractures and dislocations, but others required long-term medical care. Among the "top 10" summer sports -- rounded out by softball, trampolines, inline skating, horseback riding, weightlifting, and volleyball -- total medical and legal costs reached $84.7 billion last year.

Special note to parents: Don't be lured into a false sense of confidence by the more leisurely sports. The Academy reports that hospitals, doctors' offices, clinics, and emergency rooms treated 131,975 golf-related injuries and 78,102 tennis-related injuries in 1999.