Summer is a wonderful season as you can finally get out of the house and enjoy the backyard. However, coming up with new experiences can be a challenge. You’re probably pressed for time or have already gone to all of the amazing kid-friendly destinations in your area. What can you do? Well here are tips for five authentic family experiences to create the best summer ever. 
- Can You Canoe?
Spending a week on the water can create memories for that will last a lifetime. One way to do this is to take a canoe trip. Not only do you get to spend your days on the waters of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Lake District, but you can roast marshmallows over a campfire while singing songs at night. Granted, a leisurely canoe trip might not be for everyone, but if you love being outdoors and you want to share the beauty of the natural world with your family, then this is a great low-cost option for an authentic family experience this summer. If you don’t own a canoe, then you can rent one for your trip and in some cases, the place where you rent your canoe will be where you will disembark. Beyond this, you will also want to plan what supplies you will need for your trip and also if you need to get a permit for camping at any public campgrounds along the way. In addition, you will also want to check out the rules governing cooking by open flame at the campgrounds you plan on visiting. But don’t let this get in your way, grab a canoe and your family and make memories that will last forever.
- Caravan Adventures
Do something adventurous and have a family break in a caravan. There are so many caravan parks to choose from across the country and it can be an amazing experience. You’ll bond over being in a small (ish) space and usually, you’ll be near some epic places to explore. Whether you buy your own as an investment or just rent one out for the holidays, it’s usually much more affordable than a hotel. Freedom, fun and budget-friendly. What more could you want?
- Moving Down the Road
We’ve all been on road trips and the idea of being cooped in the family car for a week might not seem appealing. But there is another way – renting an RV or a travel trailer. Both are great options to hit the open road while bringing the comforts of home with you. One of the perks of seeing the country in this way is that you can go at your own pace, taking side rides to visit sites that are off the beaten path. One thing to keep in mind is that if you decide to purchase a travel trailer, even a second-hand unit, that you will want to reach out to travel trailer warranty companies to get the best on protecting your unit for this summer and for summers to come. While you probably won’t have a breakdown, being protected will ensure that your road trip doesn’t end up being delayed by mechanical issues.
- All Aboard
Another great way to see the country, or even between countries, is to get on the train. Some even have sleeper compartments so that you and your family can spend the night being rocked to sleep by the gentle motion of the train as it makes its way down the tracks. Similar to a road trip, taking the train means that you don’t need to go through the hassle of check-in and security at the airport. Another perk is that many cities have their train stations in the center of town. This means that you can find a hotel nearby for an overnight stay and just walk to and from the station to your hotel; providing an opportunity to stretch your legs after a few hours on the train.
- Join an Archeological Dig
If you have a budding scientist in your family, then joining an archeological dig might just be the authentic family experience you are looking for. Getting involved in an ongoing excavation is as simple as reaching out to your local university or historical society. These groups often rely on volunteers to help them with projects and as such your offer to get your family involved will be welcomed. Just remember to dress accordingly as you’ll probably working with groups to either pick through remains or to clean and catalog the items that have been found. If you can’t find a group that is active in your area, then don’t worry as you can just plan a family trip to a local park or nature area to search for fossils on your own. Again, the idea is to find an activity that the entire family can do together as the experiences will last a lifetime.
- Give Back
There is nothing stopping you from doing some good when having a family experience and one of the best ways to do this is to give back to your community. By giving back you are not only teaching your kids the value of service but you’re helping to make the world a better place and this is all the reward you will need.
