5 Fun Ideas for Great Outdoors Month 2009

In celebration of Great Outdoors Month 2009, take your family outdoors and try a few new fun activities in some of the most beautiful forests, parks, refuges, and waters in all the world, right here in the USA.

Hike or Bike a Trail
Check out one of the thousands of great hiking or biking trails in our great country. There are trails of many different levels and distances for walking, hiking, or biking. A great place to start looking for parks and trails online is through the National Park Service at www.nps.gov Check out the local mountains or waterfalls near you.

Go Boating or Sailing
Take in the scenery by the water. Go boating with family and friends or charter a sailboat or yacht. See if you can get a glimpse of some sea turtles, whales, or the vast variety of sea birds as you enjoy the beautiful waters with your family. Don't forget to pack some sunscreen to protect your skin from the sun reflecting off the water.

Pitch a Tent
Camping is an adventure that every girl and boy should get to experience at least one in their life. Some research shows that families that camp together are closer and handle life challenges better. Camping builds teamwork and endurance. It allows you to hear all the sounds of the forest and take a walk on the wild side. Roast some weenies and make some smoores, then let the crickets lull you to sleep under the moon and stars.

Go on a Fishing Trip
A fishing trip can be so much fun, relaxing for adults and exciting for kids. Fishing is a cheap hobby, the gear can be found very reasonable if you shop wisely. Children like to ball up bread and catch sunfish while spouses can complete to see who can reel in the big one or catch the most. A fishing trip can be an hour long trip to the lake, bay, or ocean or it can be a week long trip to the Florida Keys.

Walk the Beach
There are very few places that scream "summer fun" like the beach. Whether you walk the beach and collect shells, chase the hermit crabs, or boogie board in the surf, the beach is a favorite destination for most children and families. Other fun things to do at the beach include para-sailing, surfing, bicycling, volleyball, frisbee, bird watching, and making sand castles.

Go Rafting or Swimming in Natural Springs
If you are not close to a beach or even if you are, the freshwater springs are another great place to explore. There are cold springs that are always 72 degrees and hot springs depending on where you live. Rafting can be a fun adventure for families to enjoy together. All rafting is not fast, look for a slow and easy rafting path where you can sit on a big float with the kids and leisurely take in the scenery and fish up close and personal.

National Park Service - Experience Your America, nps.gov