5 End-Of-Summer Adventures For The Whole Family
With the end of summer in sight, there is no time like now for the whole family to take full advantage of the outdoors. While some might head out to see the latest blockbuster, others might choose to stay in, pull out the Monopoly board, and order Chinese takeout. Taking a family of five to the movies or dinner quickly adds up. Before the kids head back to school, make plans for a day of adventure with family and friends. It doesn't have to cost a lot!
A family adventure doesn't require days of planning and a wad of cash. Instead of renting a movie to enjoy after dinner, pitch a tent in the backyard and enjoy mac 'n cheese and s'mores under the stars. If kicking around the soccer ball on Saturday afternoon is getting a little dull, there is no need to pay for access to the rock wall or golf course. Instead, mix up the activity by packing a snack and going for a hike instead. If weekend afternoons are quality naptime, gather your early risers before the sun comes up for sunrise yoga followed by a make-your-own yogurt parfait bar.
Backyard Camping Night:
Nothing is quite as memorable as hosting a fun campout night at home with friends and their kids. Pull out the sleeping bags, make a fire pit, and grab the flashlights — the tent is optional (just be sure to choose a clear night, and turn off the sprinklers). Kids can get a feel for camping outdoors in the comfort of their familiar backyard, while parents can reminisce back to their own days at summer camp.
When planning a camping night menu, be inspired by campout classics like this kid-friendly mac and cheese that can be made over the fire. And a campout isn't complete without everyone's favorite treat: s'mores. Pick up marshmallows and sharpen some sticks for roasting the traditional favorite. For something more unusual, try one of these recipes — or s'more bars that can be made a day in advance.
Sunrise Hiking Trip
There is no better way to start the day off right than with a fun-filled hike at sunrise with friends, complete with a delicious breakfast at the top. Choose a trail that is navigable in the early morning light and plan to summit just as the sun is coming up. Trails.com has hundreds of routes to choose from.
No one likes to get up early, especially on a summer weekend morning. Yet, the temperature will be cooler for the hike up — and pack a healthy and hearty breakfast packed to enjoy at the top. Fill up a thermos with hot coffee, and pack a loaf or two of nutty banana walnut bread, with some cream cheese for spreading. And pack each hiker their own bag of trail mix for snacking on the way back down.
Group Bike Rides
Who can resist pizza? Add in the sweet and savory flavors of what some call the best meal of the day and the pie is sure to delight young kids.
Making breakfast pizzas is easy. Begin with store-bought dough (it's easier with a crowd to feed) and set out the toppings for kids to create their own masterpieces. For those who like something savory, try this recipe (leave off the jalapeños for mild palates). If waffles are more your style in the morning, this pizza smeared with sweet mascarpone and berries is delicious.
While the kids cook in the kitchen, load up the bikes, helmets, and lots of water. Search the web for family-friendly bike routes near you; good resources include Pedaling.com and REI's Family Adventure.
Exercise in the Park
The idea here is to take advantage of the free, fun classes offered at parks around the country (check with your local Parks Department for information). If the nearby park doesn't have an exercise class (or fitness trail), try some exercises on your own, or grab some racquets or a basketball for some fun on the courts or playground.
Before you head out, fuel up with healthy fruit parfaits. Set out plain or vanilla-flavored yogurt, a crunchy granola, fresh like berries and sliced bananas, and some honey for drizzling and then let everyone create their own breakfast treat. Bring along yoga mats or towels for stretching in the grass, sunglasses, sunscreen, and water to stay hydrated. Packing up other equipment like jump ropes, Frisbees, and exercise bands is up to you. Then spend the rest of the morning enjoying the fresh air while playing at the playground.
Canoeing Adventure
If it's too hot on land, spend the afternoon canoeing on a nearby lake or pond with friends, followed by a refreshing swim and snack. There are many rec and parks departments that offer canoe rentals by the day, just search online. Then read these tips for proper canoeing techniques and helpful tips before you head out for adventure.
Put the bathing suits on, grab the life jackets, and strap on some waterproof shoes or sandals. To ensure everyone is comfortable on the water, pack a bag with necessities like insect repellent, baseball caps, and sunscreen. Assemble a lunch that is easy to carry and that your paddlers will enjoy, like toasted ham, cheese, and apple sandwiches and carrots with hummus for dipping. Add a couple bottles of sparkling water and grape juice (and cups for drinking) for a healthy alternative to conventional grape and orange sodas. These sweet and delicious gooey granola bars are the perfect treat to enjoy on the car ride home.