I have a fun summer challenge for you this year: Pack up the car, load up the kids and pets, and head out to Kananaskis or Banff for a day trip! But here’s the catch, choose somewhere you’ve never been before; visit a new picnic site, explore a new corner of Kananaskis, or go off the beaten path and choose a new road you’ve never driven. This summer, venture beyond Elbow Falls. I chose the following 10 destinations for their proximity to Calgary (most are within an hour of the city), and because each one offers you more than just a ‘pretty picnic spot.’ Rent a stand-up paddle board or kayak, go for a swim, find a hidden rope swing, or hike a new trail. Each destination has something fun waiting for you!
There is a plethora of things you can do before taking your kids camping to maximize your chances of a successful trip. You can choose a campsite that’s relatively close to home, invite other families (read: other kids to entertain your own kids), and bring a solid supply of junk food, to name a few strategies.
If your family has a long history of camping and is totally outdoor-savvy, then read no further. But if your children haven’t been camping before and you’d like to take them, there are some important points to take into consideration. There are so many good reasons to get out into nature: learning about the flora and fauna of an area, relaxing in the company of your family, and building healthier bodies and minds. Camping is a great thing to do.
My family goes into full ‘weekend warrior’ mode during May and June as we count down the days until school lets out for summer and we can go on vacation. While my family patiently waits for the last day of classes, we pack our weekends full of fun hikes, bike rides, and camping trips to hold us over.
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