The Best Summer Outings For The Whole Family

Parents around the country are already plotting their summer outings and vacations with a vengeance. Why? Because they've been patiently awaiting the moment this winter weather ends for too long.

I won’t lie, I’ve thought about moving to LA a few times this year because the cold was bringing me down. Between my pale, dry skin and getting cabin fever with an active toddler when it’s 13 degrees outside, I almost booked some one-way tickets.

But who am I kidding? I can’t live out there. I’m not the Hollywood type. And if I had to put sunscreen on my fussy Woody Allen-like toddler all year round, we might all lose it.

In any case, now that the temperatures are warming up, my imagination is going wild with summer outing ideas for the family. Here are some of the best activities and destinations topping my list:

Horses and Hay Rides

What kid doesn’t love getting on a sweet horse or pony and taking it for a slow ride? Well, actually my child got pretty upset at a recent birthday party that had pony rides in the backyard. But oh well— every other kid I know loves horses. Search for nearby farms or horse farms where your little ones can pet horses, go on rides or even take lessons. And get bonus points if the farms offer hay rides too!

Water Parks and Pools

Now that the sun is coming out, you’ll want to map out all the water parks in your area and plan to visit them all. Splashing, sliding and cooling off is just what the doctor ordered after this cold winter. And if water parks are too crowded and busy for you, find a nice pool in your area. We have a great community pool in our area and we hope to get passes again this year (well, only if I can get that sunscreen on my son).

Beach Time

After the running around is over, find a nice beach where you can plan an exciting all-day picnic. Or if you can get away for a week, find a beach house you can rent. Make sure to bring a ton of beach toys and snacks (and a few beers for you and your partner, too). Again, my son isn't too keen on sand —I know you're not surprised — but most children can spend hours digging, building castles and collecting sea shells!

Boat Rides

Not to milk this water theme here, but a nice boat ride along a river is calming, fun and entertaining for everyone. Even if you just get on a ferry in your area for an hour or 30 minutes, your kids will enjoy the ride. You can also find boat rides that offer tours like whale watching. Some boats rides like this one will even get you fishing and allow you take home the fish you catch!

Carnivals

I'm a sucker for a lively carnival. I love the excitement, the weird carnies, the rides — and yes, that cotton candy. Thank goodness my boy has my love for carnivals too. He loves the rides for little ones, either in the form of trains, cars or horses (the fake kind). If you’re not big into crowds, find smaller carnivals that set up at a local church. There should still be kettle corn and cotton candy, and that’s really all that matters.

Music Festivals

If you’re a music lover, find a family-friendly music festival you can all go to. The Clearwater Festival is a big one in my area. They have activities for kids and families, as well as amazing music and even a dance tent. Some festivals will even let you camp there, which is a bit too adventurous for our style, but it may be your thing!

Medieval Fairs

Our 3-year-old loves getting dressed up, telling fantastical stories and sword fighting, so I'm sure he will go crazy at a Medieval Fair. There's one an hour from us called the Renaissance Fair each year. Of course, I might have to wear one of those bustier dresses too, and not sure how I feel about that.

Today, it’s going to be 50 degrees and I can't wait to hang in the park with my son and get some sun on our faces. Yes, we survived another cold winter. Hurray! Now, let’s get ready for those summer adventures to begin, shall we?