Four Outstanding Outdoor Activities Your Family Will Love

(ARA) – This summer, with more people spending vacation time close to home, there's renewed interest in family activities in the great outdoors. Whether it's hiking, biking or trying something completely new, Mother Nature can bring a family together like few other things can.

Here are some outdoor activities that are sure to get your family pumped up:

1. Hike or climb with a guide.
With a bit of Internet research it's easy to find a local hiking trail and make a day of it, but have you ever thought about taking it to the next level and using a guide? Guides can be a great way to get to those little-known places that can be hidden gems. You'll hit some trails you might not normally attempt and guides can provide you with plenty of information about the local fauna and flora.

Want a bit more adventure? Sign the family up to learn how to rock climb. Guides take groups out and provide climbing instruction and safety equipment. You and your family will learn about climbing techniques and then take a stab at the beginner level. This is a great way to learn teamwork and strengthen the family spirit.

2. Have a cruising adventure.
Few things get people more excited about being outdoors than zooming through the woods on a side-by-side utility vehicle. Make a day of it by packing a lunch and hitting the trails.

Side-by-sides, like the Polaris RANGER RZR, are perfect for family fun because of their ability to hold multiple passengers. Unlike ATVs where a person must straddle the seat, side-by-sides have the driver and passenger sit next to each other so it feels more like a car. The RANGER RZR is a 50-inch trail capable vehicle that holds two people and has many advantages such as automatic transmission for easy driving, independent rear suspension for a smooth ride, and four-wheel drive to conquer all types of terrain.

Check with your local and state regulations before hitting the trails with a side-by-side, be sure your driver is at least 16 years of age and passenger is 12 years old or older, and always wear appropriate safety gear including a helmet, goggles, and long sleeves and pants to ensure a safe and enjoyable ride.

3. Camp the day away.
Camping is no longer a cliché summer activity. Increased interest at state and national parks could be due to the affordability of campsites for families who want a quick vacation without the expense. Never taken the family camping before? Try a one or two-day trip just to get your feet wet.

Some gear is necessary, whether you have your own or borrow it from another nature lover. Make sure you pack a tent (with assembly instructions), sleeping bags, campfire food, eating utensils and some bug spray just in case. Firewood for a bonfire should be available for purchase at the park. Many modern campsites do have running water for dishes and showering, but you'll probably want to pack drinking water just to be safe.

4. Rent a canoe for a day trip.
Whether you're floating along a beautiful river or exploring the different inlets of your favorite local lake, canoeing can show you nature in a new and fun way.

Canoe rentals are usually pretty affordable and often come with lifejackets for the trip. Some places will even bring you up river so you can have an easy journey downstream back to you car. Take the kids, bring a picnic lunch and pick your favorite spot along your journey for a break. It's an easy way to spend some quality time with your family while being surrounded by our natural environment.

Courtesy of ARAcontent