Outdoor Activity Inspiration for the Whole Family This Summer
With the warmer weather, the itch to get outside is nearly impossible to ignore. The sunshine, with everything green and growing, and the sheer amount of time available during summer make getting outside and enjoying it a must-do thing.
With so much screen time during the rest of the year that is dedicated to being productive, it can be easy to become a couch or floor potato and delve into screen time that is silly and nonsensical. However, it’s best to get away from it all and explore outside. Finding sources for family-oriented activities can be challenging, but here are some of the most popular things to check out and inspire summer family activities:
Camping: Camping is seen as the ultimate way to get away. Reconnecting with a simpler life, and coming down from the constant buzz of luxury and screen time, when everything is just a click away, can do wonders for a family. Connection-wise, there’s nothing better than cramming everyone into a tent. But in reality, spending time together like this can provide a refocus on what is important, like reconnecting with each other and spending some quality time together. There are many guides available on the best camping spots for kids as young as a toddler through adults, as well as gems that are off the beaten path if you’re willing to explore.
Kayaking: Although Kayaking is often seen as an activity for older kids or not even kids at all, it is an exciting activity that can be done with almost all ages, with just a bit of forethought and some organization to keep safety prioritized. The ratio of one experienced paddler to one inexperienced paddler will work perfectly fine. Calmer waters are often better for younger kids, too. Seeking out your local sports store will help you stock up on all of the gear that you need, for every age, and visiting a site like campvec.org/places-to-kayak-near-me can help you find the perfect place for a kayaking day.
Hiking: One of the best ways to explore is to go for a hike. Something magical happens when you get a bit lost among the trees. The difficulty of a hike can be incredibly beneficial health-wise, and there are many things to see that you can’t get to with a car. It has to be on foot. Advancements in exploring technology have created some paths that maintain their natural state while still allowing for even the younger kids to hike. Even if your kids aren’t able to walk, hiking oriented travel packs for kids exist and make hiking possible for everyone. Appreciating natural beauty is something that is often most possible during summer, and should be experienced. Finding inspiration for your next family hike can be as easy as a quick Google search, or even just setting off to explore. There are numerous national parks, and the sheer number of trails to explore is astounding.
Rock Climbing: Just the physical challenge of rock climbing is exciting. If you’ll recall, as a kid, there wasn’t anything you couldn’t do. Being on top of the monkey bars, climbing all over the playground, and being sure to climb the tallest tree were all very common activities. With all of that climbing experience in place, tackling a rock wall should be a no-brainer. With younger kids, there are belay systems that allow them to have the fun of climbing up and rappelling down, while mom and dad keep a safe tension on the ropes. For the entire family, numerous places can cater to rock climbers of most ages, both indoor and out. It is probably best, to begin with, indoor to build up experience with rock walls, but this is an activity to spark a lot of adventure-based experience.
When the traditional constraints of the year lift a little for summertime, there are numerous ways to find inspiration to explore. Starting with the basics, like the outdoor activities above, is sure to spark even more family adventures outdoors.
