11 Outdoor Activities Every Family Should Try on Vacation
Vacations with the family are about creating memories, and what better way to make memories than playing outdoors together? Outdoor activities are a break from screens, a breath of fresh air, and a great opportunity to stretch your legs outside and explore.
If you’re ready to hit the road for a family vacation, then get ready to pack your bags with more than just swimsuits and snacks, because these 11 outdoor activities are going to add a whole new layer of adventure!
Hiking
One of the simplest and most rewarding family activities you can do is hiking. You can pick a trail in a park, forest, or mountain, and with a lot of paths to choose from, you can select a path to suit everyone’s fitness level. Along the way kids love spotting animals, unusual plants and interesting rocks. Make sure to have lots of water and snacks on hand, as well as a couple of stories to tell the younger ones on the trail.
Camping
With camping, you can get away from the daily routine and spend quality family time under the stars. Set up a tent, circle around the campfire, and roast marshmallows while telling stories. Sleeping in a tent to the sounds of nature and waking to the songs of birds is a terrific way for your children to enjoy nature and learn basic outdoor skills.
Kayaking or Canoeing
Fun water-based activities the whole family can enjoy are kayaking and canoeing. Even if you’re a newbie to paddling, there are many lakes and rivers where you can rent kayaks and canoes. Seeing fish or birds as you glide across the water is refreshing, exciting, and relaxing. Paddling together through calm water can develop teamwork and bonding.
Fishing
An outdoor activity that kids of all ages can try is fishing. Luckily, many spots have rental gear so you don’t have to worry about packing everything. It’s thrilling teaching kids to cast, reel, and (hopefully) catch their first fish. It’s also a great way to teach patience (and you could get a fresh fish for dinner if you’re lucky).
Picnicking
There’s nothing like a good old-fashioned picnic. Find a scenic spot with a view, lay down a blanket, and unpack your family lunch. After eating, you can play games together and get to know each other better. Picnicking is a delicious break from the daily grind and a simple pleasure that lets everyone get out, breathe fresh air, and soak up the scenery.
Rock Climbing
For families, rock climbing may sound terrifying, but there are plenty of beginner friendly options. Climbing walls (or guided climbing with all the safety gear you need) are available in many parks and outdoor centers. It’s a great way to build confidence in all of your family members, and to encourage each of them to try something new. You never know, your little one might just be a brave and agile one!
Biking
Biking is a fantastic way to cover more ground on your vacation. Bike rentals are available at many of the more popular tourist spots and include kid-sized bikes or trailers for smaller children. Riding together as a family helps you move, see beautiful landscapes, and enjoy scenic routes. Pack helmets and lots of water though.
Snorkeling
If you are going to the coast with your family, snorkeling is a great way to see the life beneath the water. Colorful fish, coral, and underwater landscapes will amaze the kids. Shallow areas on many beaches are ideal for beginners, and even snorkel gear can be hired. Floating among sea creatures is sure to make memories you won’t forget.
Wildlife Watching
Take along a pair of binoculars and see animals in their habitats. There is always wildlife to be seen, whether you’re in the mountains, the forests, or near a lake. Depending on where you are, you may see birds, deer, squirrels, and even dolphins. Not only is this activity fun, but kids learn about different species and ecosystems.
Beachcombing
Beachcombing means searching the sand on a beach for seashells, beach glass, or driftwood. Kids love collecting these “treasure” and proudly show them to you! What could be better than a beach stroll while listening to the waves, and maybe even returning with a few unique souvenirs?
Stargazing
What better way to end the day than stargazing? Choose a clear, dark patch of sky and marvel at the sky lit up with stars. You can identify constellations, planets, or perhaps even a shooting star or two with apps or guides. Stargazing is a wonderful way to awaken wonder and awe, that can lead to conversations and help fire up young minds to dream big.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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Even if you’ve been on a safari in the past, an African photo safari is something you want to experience or at the very list add to the top of your bucket list.
But first, what is a photo safari? The phrase “photo safari” is not a common sentence structure but its meaning can be deduced easily. An African photo safari in general context means going on an adventure with the sole purpose of taking high-quality pictures.
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