“Paddling” used to mean you were in trouble with your folks. Now a paddling adventure is something to look forward to! Kayaking and canoeing are excellent outdoor activities for the whole family. The youngest kids can sit back and enjoy the ride, while older children can learn the basics of paddling and steering under mom and dad’s watchful eye. Paddling with the kids can instill a love of the outdoors in your child before they’re even out of diapers. Canoeing especially is a fun pursuit with no experience necessary.
There is a lengthy list of places you can go paddling with the kids in the US Moss Bay in Seattle, Washington offers many kid friendly opportunities and even has summer day camps. These fill up early, so plan ahead for 2017. Kids ages 6 to 12 can enjoy paddling and sailing lessons on Lake Union, as well as swimming and lounging on the beach with the family.
Heading to Houston this summer? Float down the Buffalo Bayou, a meandering and gentle stretch of river that passes right through the scenic downtown waterfront park district.
For a more rural expedition, Otter Springs in North Florida offers camping, cabin rentals, and paddling down the historic Suwannee River. Located about two hours northwest of Orlando, this rustic setting will show you a side of Florida you may have never even imagined.
New Yorkers and other vacationers can head upstate to the Catskills, a much-revered summer getaway for folks in this part of the nation. Check out Colgate Lake at the foot of the Blackhead Mountains. Abundant wildlife and a ban on motorized watercraft make this a serene setting for families and wildlife lovers. Upstate New York has many freshwater rivers and lakes to explore.
Of course, always wear a personal flotation device and make sure your children’s devices fit properly. Teaching your child about safety early on will make them more safety-conscientious throughout their lives. Whether you’re an avid kayaker or only venture out once a year for that summer vacation, paddling with the kids is a fun and refreshing experience for the whole family.
Featured Image from Joshua Sukoff/Unsplash
