TICK, TOCK! There’s less than a month of summer left. But a few more trips to the park is definitely not the answer. Why not get your kids involved in something a little more, well, adventurous?Here, five activities that fit the bill -without a lot of traveling.
(1) Mmmmm, Rubber Donut
Phoenicia, NY
Best for: Ages 12+
There’s an inner tube with your name on it just waiting to be taken out for a spin down the 5-mile stretch of current that is the Esopus Creek (it cuts right through the heart of the Catskills).
The rapids aren’t exactly level IV (kids just need to know how to swim), but even so, there are two courses to choose from, one for first-timers, the other for more experienced tubers, each taking about two hours to negotiate.
INFO: towntinker.com
(2) Find porpoise
Baltimore, MD
Best for: Ages 8+
In the mood for dolphins?You don’t have to go to Florida (or the tuna aisle at your local supermarket, for that matter).
Our National Aquarium (yes, it’s in Baltimore), also known as the home of an awesome indoor rainforest – has launched a Sea World-esque dolphin encounter program, running on multiple dates this month.
For $195, you’ll enjoy priority seating through “Play!The Dolphin Show,”followed by two hours of one-on-one time with the friendly bottlenosers under close supervision of a special dolphin trainer.
If you’d rather watch and not touch, a $69 observer fare is available, too.
INFO: aqua.org
(3) On the hunt
Alexandria, VA
Best for: Ages 8-11
Trick your kids into learning something as they scour colonial Alexandria, just across the Potomac River from our nation’s capital.
Thrill to the search of the city’s many historic sites!
Feel the excitement of treading where dead prezes once trod! (You get the picture.)
Each hunt is a self-guided tour that lasts just short of an hour and costs $12 a pop.
A slightly more interesting pirate-themed hunt is also available, but then again, they’re here to learn, aren’t they?
INFO: alexcolonialtours.com
(4) Fast times among the ruins
Woodstock, NY
Best for: Ages 5+
Jimi won’t be back for an encore any time soon, but there’s plenty of other reasons to get high in Woodstock.
Climbing mountains is one of them. (What did you think we were going to say?)
Located just outside of town, Overlook Mountain is a steep but easy ascent along an old carriage road, which leads to the abandoned mountain house hotel you see near the top.
Now only a concrete shell of its former self, the ruins are a hit with kids, though we certainly wouldn’t encourage actually letting them inside (ahem!).
Also a good incentive to complete the hike (5 miles roundtrip)is the chance to climb the lookout tower at the summit.
A scramble up this old thing is sure to please the little thrillseeker in your life.
INFO: The trailhead is located at the top of Meads Mountain Road outside of Woodstock, across from the Buddhist monastery.
(5) Unplugged (well, sort of)
Mount Joy, PA
Best for: Ages 5+
Give the Nintendo Wii a few days off, kids – it’s Amish country time!
Good news, though, the Green Acres Farm B&B has plenty of electricity flowing through its 150 acres.
Children are welcome to dress up in Amish garb, ride the haywagons, gather eggs, feed the donkeys and sheep, jump on the trampoline, or just gain a few pounds eating those country breakfasts.
Parents are encouraged to bring a book and just relax underneath a tree. Rooms are $110/night.
INFO::thegreenacresfarm.com