End of Summer Activities That Get the Whole Family Out of the House

 Summer is almost over, but that doesn't mean it's time to pack it up and stay inside for the rest of the year. If you're looking for some great ways to get outside with your family to enjoy the last days of summer, here are a few activities you'll definitely want to try.

Hiking

A goof hiking excursion can be fun for the entire family. Not only does a single mile of hiking burn almost 500 calories, but this is an excellent opportunity to help your kids learn about nature. You don't have to bring a lesson plan to turn a hike into an educational experience, either. Instead, consider asking your kids to tell you what they see. If they see something new, you can help them identify what they saw. In addition, this is a great way for the whole family to appreciate the beauty of nature. Maybe the trail you're on goes past a waterfall or a natural rock formation. The reasons to take the family on a hike are nearly endless. But before you set out on your outdoor excursion, make sure you're prepared. If you're not sure exactly how to prep for a family hike, here are a few essentials to remember:

• Wear weather-appropriate clothing.

• Sunscreen is a must.

• Pack a first aid kit.

• Bring plenty of portable snacks.

• Pack a few bottles of water for each person on the hike.

• Make sure everyone has a jacket or sweater to wear.

• Come prepared with bug spray.

With a little bit of preparation and a weekend afternoon, you can make a family hike the event of the summer. If you're feeling really ambitious, consider packing a whole picnic and then hiking to a secluded picnicking spot on one of your favorite trails. This is a great opportunity for the whole family to get active and get outside to enjoy summer's end.

Fishing

Fishing is as much a lesson in appreciating nature as it is a lesson in patience. If your kids are early risers, a morning fishing trip might be the perfect opportunity to get them outside and enjoying a new hobby. When there are almost 11.6 million youth participants between the ages of six and 17 in fishing, it seems like a no-brainer to introduce your kids to what can be a very relaxing way to pass the time. This activity may be a little bit more of an investment than a simple hike, but it's a great way to get your kids out by the water and learning about fishing and the fish themselves while you're there. You'll need to make sure your kids have appropriately-sized fishing rods and that they know not to touch any fishing hooks. Kids can learn all sorts of fun things while they're out fishing with the family. Some of these things include:

• How to bait a hook.

• What bait works best for fishing.

• How to cast a fishing line.

• What kinds of fish live nearby.

For younger kids, fishing might take a little bit more practice. It's a sport that requires lots of patience, after all! But making a day of a fishing adventure with a picnic and some fun lawn games can help enhance the experience for everyone. And your kids just may walk away with a newfound hobby for next summer!

Park Picnic

You can pack a picnic and take it almost anywhere, but nothing quite compares to having a picnic in the wide-open space of a local park. Not only does this give your kids a chance to blow off a little steam, but it also presents an opportunity to play a few family sports. For example, if your kids like baseball, consider bringing a few balls and a bat to practice within the park. Unfortunately, this is mostly a summer activity, as shaved bats don't really do well in temperatures under 60 degrees Fahrenheit. But there are plenty of other activities you could bring along, as well. A few badminton rackets and a birdie or even just a beach ball to toss around could make for some great family fun while you're picnicking. Even if you don't bring any gear to play with, just being outside to enjoy the fresh air with your family can be a lovely way to spend a summer evening.

Even though summer is nearly at an end, spending quality outdoor time with your family doesn't have to stop! These three activities can be excellent options if you're looking to get everyone outside and enjoying the nice weather for a little bit. Bid summer farewell in style!