Last Updated on December 26, 2020
6. Outdoor Swimming
If you really want to burn off some energy, then swimming is perfect. In the summer months, steer away from the municipal pool and instead head down to the lake to take a dip in nature. If you’re wondering where the best place to go locally is, then check out the Outdoor Swimming Society website, or Wild Swim. When the weather is hot, all you’ll need to take are your swimsuits, towels and the sunscreen.
Depending how far you plan to venture out in the lake, don’t forget to bring life jackets for the family. Add a picnic, and you have the perfect day out for the whole family.
7. Head to the U-Pick Farm
Do you want to encourage your family to have a healthy diet? Then head to a U-Pick Farm where they can pick some delicious fruits and vegetables. Fresh berries, such as strawberries and raspberries are always a favorite.
You can eat them straight out of the bowl, or even use the fruit to make healthy popsicles with your children. It is a great way of teaching them where their food comes from and the importance of farming in the community.
8. A Scavenger Hunt
A city scavenger hunt is a great adventure for a family. It is a great way of exploring somewhere new by solving a series of puzzles and clues about the buildings and landmarks. It can also make you look at a familiar city in a completely different way. A scavenger hunt is so interesting and engaging that children won’t even notice that they are going for a long walk. Is your family more into a Nature Scavenger Hunt? Listotic has a free printable for you!
9. Games in Your Own Backyard
If the thought of wrangling your kids out in public exhausts you, then plan a backyard game day! You can get some great ideas from our list of 32 Backyard Games. Try backyard Twister, bean bag toss, outdoor Tic-Tac-Toe, and many more ideas! Then, add in a great crockpot recipe from our mindblowing crockpot recipe list, some cool drinks such as Lilly’s Favorite Skinny Cocktail Recipe or one of our healthy smoothie recipes.
10. Canoeing/Kayaking
Canoeing and kayaking is a great time for kids and adults. Check out your local rivers to see if there are any outfitters in your area, then grab a picnic basket and join in the fun! A quick Google Search on “Canoeing near me” is sure to get you a few options.
Getting out in nature and slowing the pace down to the speed of the river is a very relaxing way to get in tune with nature and consequently, regenerate your wholesome self.
11. Family Bike Ride
Taking your bikes out (or renting bikes) can be a great family adventure. From easy city trail riding to rugged mountain trails, you are sure to experience a fun day. Here are The 15 Best Road and Mountain Bike Trails in the U.S according to Daily Burn. Or, check out the TransAmericaTrail spanning the US.
And, of course, I would not be an Iowan if I didn’t mention RAGBRAI – The Register’s (Des Moines Register) Annual Great Bike Ride Across Iowa. This is a 7-day bike ride across the state where over 10,000 bike riders gather and descend on rural communities in Iowa for part of a day and overnight in 7 towns/cities. The daily rides usually run between 45 to 70 miles with an optional century loop on one day.
My husband and I have ridden RAGBRAI with our two sons throughout the years. It is quite a bonding experience. Boy oh boy, did I mention the food? Only the best tenderloins, waffles, cakes, cookies, ribs and more! The rural communities who rarely have much tourism really roll out the red carpet and treat the visitors as their own family. So, not matter if you just want a leisurely day trip or are a serious biker, check it out!
However, make sure you wear helmets and obey traffic signs.
