It’s the season your kids have been waiting for, so how will you maximize the long lazy days of summer with your family? Celebrate the carefree season to its fullest with these outdoor activities and adventures your whole family will enjoy.
Back to nature
Trail blazing - Head to a local, provincial or national park and make a day of nature hiking. Before you go, make a list of things for your family to find and identify, such as woodpecker holes, a mule deer hoof print or a moose hoof print. Carry a backpack with binoculars, sunscreen, visors or sunglasses, and plenty of water and snacks. Don’t forget your hiking shoes and a lightweight jacket in case the shade becomes cool.
Ride ‘em, cowboy - You don’t have to be a horse owner to enjoy the pleasure of riding one of these majestic beings. Visit your nearby horse rental stables and catch the sunset on horseback. Before your ride, make sure your child is provided a helmet for their safety.
Z is for zoo - Summer wouldn’t be summer without a trip to the zoo! Visit the wild at the zoo that has created natural, spacious settings for their animals, and teach your children the importance of these habitats. Check their schedule for animal presentations and behind-the-scenes programs.
The strawberry patch - Perk up those taste buds ‘cause strawberries are now in season. Round up the family and head to a U-Pick Berry Farm for a day of fruit-filled fun. When you get the strawberries home, work together rinsing, removing stems and preparing them for shortcake, smoothies and fresh strawberry pie.
Water; water everywhere
A trip downstream - Canoeing is a fun-filled family adventure for all ages. Look for canoe rentals on a clear river or lake and take a cool dip when the day heats up. Carry belongings such as wallets, keys and snacks in a waterproof bag that floats since tips are not only common (although can easily be avoided if caution is exercised), but can be half of the fun. Give kids plenty of opportunities to paddle and steer.
Ride the waves - So you don’t have an ocean nearby? Don’t despair. You can likely find plenty of wave action at a wave pool in your own community or nearby. These pools often supply tubes and rafts for riding the waves. Call in advance to find out. If they don’t supply tubes and rafts, ask if you can bring your own.
Back yard water blast - Plenty of cool fun can be had right in your own back yard. Make it a family tradition to have an annual water spree. Fill water balloons and play a game of catch, hook up the sprinklers for a cool game of tag, load up the squirt guns and super soakers, and make sure everyone stays drenched. Then take a refreshing break in the wading pool.
Putt around the lake - You don’t have to live on a lake or even own a boat to enjoy this luxury. Contact a nearby sports rental store to book a boat for a cruise around a lake.
Your own back yard
Under the stars - Take full advantage of the peaceful summer nights and camp out in your back yard. Kick off the evening by watching the sun set, then build a bonfire (if it’s permitted in your area), roast marshmallows and gaze at the stars. Bring out your guide to the stars and see what you can spot: the Little Dipper, Hercules or Sagittarius.
Croquet champs - Set up this outdoor game that the whole family can play. Then hold a summer’s end family croquet match. Give a certain challenge to each family member based on their most recent scores for a game that’s fair to all.
Up, up and away - Is the wind hampering your fun? It won’t be for long. Make the most of that breeze, and get your kite up in the air.
Step right up - Organize a back yard carnival to raise funds for your favorite charity. The whole family will have a ball putting on this event. Hang posters in local businesses, and submit a press release to your local radio station and newspaper. Ask friends and neighbors to help man the booth, and set up games such as a bean bag toss or number wheel, a baked goods stand, fortune telling, face painting and refreshments.
Green thumbs - Make summer gardening a family affair. Ask each member to choose a favorite vegetable to plant. If you’re getting a late start, look for starter plants that have already sprouted. Work together to get the garden ready and plant it, then give each person their own responsibility for keeping it up: watering, pulling weeds, picking ripe produce, cleaning it and preparing it to eat or store.
Swiss family who? What’s a back yard without a hideout or special place to kick back? Little ones will thrill at building a tree house or fort. Older kids will look forward to a covered hangout, such as a gazebo, for visiting with friends. Whatever you build, have the whole family pitch in. Small children can feel a part of the project by carrying small materials, dispensing nails and occasionally swinging the hammer.
Out and about
Dancin’ in the streets - Summer abounds with festivals along riverfronts and in the streets. Enjoy live music, new foods, magic acts, and arts and crafts.
Batter up - Family fun centres offer a variety of recreation for the whole family. Get ready to practice your batting swing, holler ‘fore,”’speed around the race track or have some wacky golfin’ fun.
Recycled treasures - Join the craze and spend the day rummaging for treasures. This is a great way for kids to get the most out of their limited earnings and to teach them the importance of recycling and how to get the best value for their money.
Summer sights - Places and things to see in the summer are abundant from checking out the big city with its tall skyscrapers, old architecture, and murals and art displays, to viewing the wonders of nature from hoodoos to mountains to waterfalls.
Performing arts in the park - Unwind listening to a summer concert in the park or taking in a movie under the stars.
Big wheels and small - Paved trails are popping up everywhere: in parks, along riverbanks and even through town. Pull out your bikes and roller blades, and take advantage of these smooth paths. For a better workout and to keep everyone moving at an equal pace, have small children ride bikes while older ones and parents push off on their blades. Remember: helmets on heads!
Coasters, cars and Ferris wheels - A trip to a theme park can be the highlight of the season. If your children are at different ride levels, invite another family or two with children similar in age to your own. Then divide up so everyone can get the most out of the day. Meet up for lunch and dinner to swap kids, so all adults get time with each age group.
Park play - Take your little ones for a picnic and an afternoon at the park. Scout your area for an updated park with a large, enclosed fort-style playground. Bring along a playmate for your child, and they’ll be content for some time. Don’t forget to bring your reading to catch up on.
Kimberly writes for parenting and women’s magazines across the US and other publications.
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