Family Fun in Ocean City Maryland

Today I’m going to share with you five of my family’s favorite things to do when visiting Ocean City. And as each of us came up with something different as we all enjoyed individual experiences, activities, and adventures, you’ll have a diverse list of Ocean City attractions that may appeal to you and your family. 

Staying in a Cottage

For me, the number one thing I loved most about Ocean City was the fact that we rented a cottage. I got to open the door and walk straight out onto the beach. So that was definitely the highlight of my entire trip, just being able to enjoy the beauty and the scenery of the ocean. 

Jolly Rogers

When I asked my son, Tucker, what his favorite thing to do in Ocean City is, he said ride the rides at Jolly Rogers. Jolly Rogers is an amusement park in Ocean City. And although Tucker was at first nervous about riding the roller coasters, by the end of the day, he was riding all of them. So not only did he enjoy the experience, but he also overcame his fears. 

Flying Kites

My daughter Parker’s favorite thing to do in Ocean City was flying kites. Flying kites is a popular thing to do in Ocean City. And there are huge stores that sell hundreds and hundreds of different styles of kites. When we were in Maryland, it was quite windy. So the kids got to pick out their special kites and then spend time flying them, which was obviously the activity that stood out most to Parker on our trip. 

Jet skiing

Nick’s favorite part about Ocean City—no surprise to me—was jet skiing. During our time in Maryland, Nick absolutely loved having the opportunity to get on a jet ski. And he also loved watching the kids have fun on them too. Parker especially was so enthusiastic, which made it a really big win. 

Nick did get to rip around by himself. So I think for him, he just really enjoyed being on something motorized out in the ocean—that’s kind of Nick’s style. 

Kayaking

And the final favorite Ocean City activity that we would all agree on—because my whole family loves it—is kayaking. We went kayaking inside the Marsh Bay Area of Ocean City. And it was a really special experience because it was incredibly educational. We learned all about the ecosystem and the environment. And then, on top of that, we saw an eagle. So it was really great for all of us to be out on the water together. Our trip to Ocean City Maryland was filled with family fun!

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If you enjoyed this article and are hungry for more family adventure tips, tricks, reviews, and adventures, head on over to the Great Family Adventure YouTube channel and feel free to sign up for our Hazeadventure.com newsletter.

Clothing: Cotopaxi Fuego Down Kids’ Jacket, Cotopaxi Teca Cálido Reversible Kids’ Jacket, Cotopaxi Fuego Hooded Down Jacket, Cotopaxi Trico Hybrid Women’s Jacket, Do Good Kids’ Trucker Hat, Teca Half-Zip Windbreaker
Kayak: Jackson Kayak TakeTwo
Bikes:  E-Bikes Powered by Bosch – Yuba Spicy Curry, Riese & Muller,
Portable Firepit: Lavabox
Sunglasses: Wiley X

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Over the years, I’ve had experience using three different camera options while adventuring: iPhone, GoPro, and DSLR. In this post, I'll share what I've learnt about choosing the right camera for your family so that you always have something to remind you of those memories in the great outdoors. 

iPhone Camera

The first camera I want to talk about is the iPhone camera. And the reason I want to bring it up is because you will always have it on you. It’s very rare these days for someone not to have their phone in their pocket while adventuring. I find I can take high-quality photos with just my iPhone alone—I’m actually quite shocked at times by how good the photos come out. 

One of the biggest benefits of the iPhone camera is that the big screen really allows you to see what the photo will look like, which is something you don’t really get with other camera options. 

Another benefit is that it's super easy to use. And your photos are stored directly on your phone. It's also nice that you can share them instantly with your friends, family, and social media accounts. 

GoPro Cameras

The second camera I want to talk about for family vacations is actually one that I use to film my Youtube videos. And that is a GoPro. 

I take my GoPro everywhere with me because it's so compact and sturdy. GoPros are childproof, waterproof, and mudproof, meaning I can seriously abuse it while hiking, biking, or kayaking. And I know it's going to last thanks to its incredible durability. 

Although GoPros are known for taking videos, what many people don’t recognize is that they also take really good photographs. My favorite setting—the time-lapse—lets you capture photos with your family while in the moment. And the best part? You don’t even need to be holding the camera yourself! You can set the GoPro down…put it in time-lapse mode…and let it capture the moments without even having to think about it. 

Another thing I love about GoPros is there are many different attachments and accessories to change up the camera perspective. For example, when I'm kayaking, I like to wear the GoPro on my helmet as I go down rapids. But there are also selfie sticks, chest mounts, and floating attachments to give your photos and videos some really unique angles. 

DSLR Cameras

The third camera we often take on family adventures is a DSLR camera. We’ve used a ton of DSLR cameras over the years. However, we’re realizing that we’re using them less and less. And that's mainly because the photo and video quality of our GoPro is just as high as a big bulky DSLR camera. 

With that being said, one of the reasons that you might choose a DSLR camera over your GoPro or iPhone is because of the zoom. If you’re really far away from something, like a bird, for example, then it’s going to be easier to capture it on a DSLR camera with different lenses and zoom capabilities. 

Which Camera is Best for Family Vacations?

The best camera option for family vacations is the one that’s going to give you the best quality photos while also being easy to use. 

At the end of the day, you don’t want to be missing out on those beautiful family moments because you're fiddling with your phone. Don’t be the person with their phone out the whole time. 

You want to be able to take the picture but still enjoy what you’re doing and everything around you. The only way to do that is to have something easy to use. 

My iPhone is always in my pocket. And my GoPro can take on abuse, water, and mud—something you really need when you have kids—so knowing I don’t have to worry about it really allows me to enjoy the moment. Of course, each family is different. Find what works best for you and get out there and make some memories with your kids!

Follow our Adventures and Subscribe

If you enjoyed this article and are hungry for more family adventure tips, tricks, reviews, and adventures, head on over to the Great Family Adventure YouTube channel and feel free to sign up for our Hazeadventure.com newsletter.

Kayaks: Jackson Kayak Dynamic Duo, Jackson Kayak Rockstar
Life Vests: NRS Zen PFD
Backpack: Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack
Clothing: Cotopaxi Fuego Down Kids’ Jacket, Cotopaxi Teca Cálido Reversible Kids’ Jacket, Cotopaxi Fuego Hooded Down Jacket, Cotopaxi Trico Hybrid Women’s Jacket, Do Good Kids’ Trucker Hat
Camera: GoPro Hero 10 Black
Sunglasses: Wiley X

The post Best Cameras for Family Vacations appeared first on Hazeadventure.

E-Bike Classes

The questions people often ask are do I want an e-bike? Is an e-bike worth investing in? Can my e-bike go everywhere? What states allow e-bikes on their trails?

There are three different classes for e-bikes, however, the majority fall into one class. I used a class one e-bike, and what makes it a class one is the fact that it doesn’t go over 20 miles an hour, and there is no throttle. 

A common misconception with e-bikes is that there is a button you press to make the bike go. But that isn’t the case. With e-bikes, the amount of power you put into the pedals is how much power you’re going to get out of the bike. 

A lot of trails across the US allow class one e-bikes. Bikes that fall under class two and class three are usually not allowed. Class two and class three bikes have a throttle which means they can then go much faster. 

When purchasing an e-bike, it’s important to know what type of class. Then know which trails you can bike on. 

Cargo E-Bikes VS Mountain E-Bikes

My family’s really lucky as we have one cargo e-bike and one mountain e-bike. Of the two, the mountain e-bike is definitely Nick’s baby, as he loves to go mountain biking and uses it way more than I do. 

The cargo bike is the one that I take the kids out on when we go grocery shopping or to get ice cream. I’ll often choose the cargo bike over hopping in the car as I get the pleasure and the dopamine hit that you get from being outside and moving your body.

Why an E-Bike?

Before our e-bikes, I would never go to the top of the mountain to bike down. But now, I have that extra boost that allows me to get outdoors and breathe in the fresh air. Whether you’re feeling tired, sick, or just not up to the fitness level of your fellow bikers, e-bikes get you out enjoying the experience taking some of the required effort of biking away from you. 

E-Bikes Powered by Bosch

There are a lot of different companies out there with their own e-bike variations. But for us, we’ve opted to use bikes powered by Bosch.

Bosch is a huge company, and I bet so many things in your house are powered by them without you even realizing it. Bosch’s level of innovation, expertise, and the amount of detail they put into their products is very high. We knew that when investing in e-bikes powered by Bosch that we were investing in something high quality, sustainable and safe to use. 

Tips for Mountain Biking

Here are a couple of little pointers if you’re getting into mountain biking:

Go with a group

• It is always good to go with a group as it makes you feel more safe. Some people like to head out on their own—which is totally fine— but for me, I like to enjoy beautiful places
  with those that I love. 

Relax while riding

• Often, when we get on bikes, we’re really tense. One of my biggest pointers is to just relax. Try to have as much fun as possible while you’re riding by loosening yourself up and forgetting about everything that is bothering you. 

Choose shorter distances

• When you’re first starting out, choose shorter distances and get yourself to a point where you feel comfortable. Don’t feel discouraged if you have to walk certain parts of the trail, as your safety and mental well-being are more important. Set achievable small goals and enjoy your time outside. 

Choose the right bike

• I can’t express enough the difference the right bike can make. For me, when I first got into mountain biking, I had a frame that was a little too big, and it really altered my ability to ride. Then, when I got a frame that was right for me, it clicked, and I felt much more comfortable as the bike was more manageable. Make sure when you’re bike shopping, whether that be for a traditional mountain bike or an e-bike, that you go into a store and have a professional help you choose the right sized bike for you. 

Be prepared

• My final pointer for getting into mountain biking is to always be prepared. Take along snacks, water, a charged phone, and other safety pieces that can help you along the way.

Bikes:  E-Bikes Powered by Bosch – Yuba Spicy Curry, Riese & Muller, Bulls Mountain Bike
Camera: GoPro Mini
Sunglasses: Wiley X

Follow our Adventures and Subscribe

If you enjoyed this article and are hungry for more family adventure tips, tricks, reviews, and adventures, head on over to the Great Family Adventure YouTube channel and feel free to sign up for our Hazeadventure.com newsletter.

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Our mission at Great Family Adventure is to encourage, inspire, and empower people to get outside. As a family-based platform, we think it’s important for us to continue exploring outdoors with kids.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed and you’re struggling to get your kids out of the house, here are some great tips and tricks that should help. 

Get Involved in Unstructured Play

I recently found out that the average kid spends three to four minutes a day in unstructured playtime outside, and to me, that’s just mind-boggling. I grew up in the outdoors, and for my kids, I try really hard to get them to spend at least an hour a day outside doing unstructured play. 

The reason why unstructured play is so great for kids is that it develops creativity within them. When kids are bored, they have to use other parts of their brains to come up with ideas and things to do, so even when you’re outside, and you’re saying you’re going for a hike or a bike, try not to set destinations so your kids can enjoy the moment and become creative in their surroundings. 

If you’re overwhelmed at the idea of trying to get your kids involved in unstructured outdoor play for an hour a day, start off small. Set aside 10 minutes and work up to 15 minutes, and so on. Like many things, it gets easier the more of a habit it becomes, so definitely consider unstructured play as part of your day, as it makes everyone happier and more excited to eventually get outside. 

Don’t Overthink the Weather

It’s easy to get the thoughts in your mind of what if it rains and what is the weather? But if you’re simply at home and in your own area, you can easily throw on coats and jackets so the kids can get out the door to discover things on your own street. 

If you don’t have access to a park or greenspace close to home, then consider making it a plan for sometime in the week to travel somewhere where your kids can explore and take part in unstructured play.

I’ve found over the years that the best way to get outside is to just start small. It doesn’t have to be hard, and by starting small, you’re developing positive habits, and you’ll already be above the average by spending just 10 minutes outdoors. 

Take Snacks and Water

I always take a snack and water with me everywhere we go because sometimes adventures take a lot longer than you first anticipate. Your kids can easily get carried away when they’re outside, and if they’re really enjoying their time and discovering new things, it’s best to be prepared by carrying snacks and water along the journey with you. 

Don’t Underestimate Your Surroundings

Another tip for getting your kids outdoors is to not underestimate what's around you. So often, you’ll drive by the same area and not slow down or appreciate the little things in that region. By going for a walk, or just by going for a bike ride somewhere, your kids will find more beauty in the places you usually drive straight past. 

Once you start to explore by foot, you’ll begin to notice things that you’ve never noticed before. So, no matter where you are, whether it's a Walmart parking lot or a beautiful stretch of woods, commit to actually getting outside to go on a walk or a leisurely bike ride. 

Give Your Trip Outdoors a Reason

One more pointer when you’re trying to get your kids outdoors is to think about the reason why you’re doing it in the first place. Often, we’re trying to get to a specific place, like a waterfall or other point of interest. I've found, however, that when we do that, it puts a lot of pressure on the kids. 

When I get my family outside, my main goal is for my kids to simply enjoy being in the outdoors. So, if I’m hustling my kids through the experience, we’re missing out on a lot of opportunities for them to connect with nature. 

I encourage you to rethink the motivation behind your time outdoors, and to relieve the pressure you put on yourself and your kids. That pressure will get in the way of your kids enjoying their time outdoors. Instead, try saying to your kids “we don’t know how far we’re going today, we’ll just go as far as we want”. That way, everyone in the family will be more relaxed and able to focus on simply enjoying their time outdoors. It's my belief that this approach will help encourage everyone to want to get out and explore the outdoors more often.

If you liked this article, check out some of the Top 5 Family Things to Do to get more specific on adventure fun!

Backpack: Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack
Clothing: Cotopaxi Fuego Down Kids' Jacket, Cotopaxi Teca Cálido Reversible Kids' Jacket, Cotopaxi Fuego Hooded Down Jacket, Cotopaxi Trico Hybrid Women's Jacket, Do Good Kids' Trucker Hat
Food: BeanVIVO Baja Black Beans
Camera: GoPro Hero 10 Black
Sunglasses: Wiley X

The post Exploring Outdoors with Kids appeared first on Hazeadventure.

One of the most frequently asked questions that I get is how do your kids handle being in the car for so long? Now, it isn't easy, but there are ways to make car journeys more enjoyable, so let’s get into it. 

Plot Your Trip on a Map

One of the first things I like to do when heading out on a road trip is put the destination into Google Maps on my computer. The reason I do this is because that way, I can really see the path that we are taking, the states we pass through, and the different amenities in the area.

With phones, the screen is small, and it doesn’t give you the same information as a computer does, so putting your destination into Google Maps on your computer really brings up everything you need. You could also consider buying a map so you can see all the towns between you and your destination. 

Sometimes, when you’re driving, and you haven’t set a goal for getting somewhere before lunch, for example, it can be a lot more taxing. For my family, we like to look at the destinations along the way, plan our trip, and see if there is something we can do to break up the journey.

On a map, you can look for Walmarts with parking lots you can sleep in, Targets for snacks and other items, or even Starbucks for a much-needed cup of coffee. Do the research beforehand and find things that the kids will enjoy, like playgrounds or things just off the highway. That way, your kids can burn off some energy, stretch their legs, and get a break from their car seat.

Screen Time

Something I do allow in the car is screen time, however, we have rules set in place. My kids typically get more screen time in the car, which makes them excited for long journeys, but they do have to earn this time.

My son, Tucker, for example, can read, so he has to read for the same amount of time that he has on the screen. If it is a longer drive, then we mix up the things he has to do, like writing something in his journal or drawing a picture, so he has a balance between something engaging and his screen.

Play Games

You can’t go on a road trip and not play road trip games, so we like to look up different games we can play as a family to help pass the time. One game we like to play is name the animal, which is a yes or no question-based game. It’s pretty simple, someone thinks of an animal, and the other players have to ask different yes or no questions to try and figure out the animal. 

Take the Time to Relax and Pause

While out on the road, allow yourself and your kids time to pause and relax. We do this because when we’re constantly thinking about moving ahead, it can get challenging to take that moment to pause. 

Once you get to your destination, there will be a whole new hustle that you have to think about, so make sure you’re giving yourself time to relax. Enjoy the drive, enjoy your lunch, have an extra cup of coffee if you have to, and just chill. 

Plan Ahead

Stops on road trips are inevitable because you’re going to have to stop for food or the toilet at some point throughout your journey. To cut down on random stops, however, you can plan ahead. 

We like to pack toy bags for the kids, so they always have something to play with. We have their water bottles and snacks in the car. And Nick and I also tend to pack our own snack bags and water bottles to make sure that we don’t have to pull over because we’re hungry or thirsty. 

In terms of bathroom breaks, we make sure everyone goes whenever we stop at a gas station. In doing this, you can cut down on so many random bathroom break stops, so definitely consider preparing yourself before you set off on the road. 

If you liked this post covering activities for adventurous families, check out the post on our Family Adventure in Niagara Falls Ontario!

Clothing: Cotopaxi Kids Teca Half-Zip Windbreaker, Cotopaxi Fuego Hooded Down Jacket
Camera: GoPro Hero 11

The post Road Tripping with Kids appeared first on Hazeadventure.

Tent

First things first is a tent as it’s one of the main necessities when you go camping. Your tent is going to keep you sheltered, so it’s definitely the first thing you always need to bring with you on your camping adventure. 

Bedding

Number two is bedding. I tend to go a little bit more elaborate on the bedding because adventures in the outdoors are hard. Especially if you’re not getting a good night's rest. So be sure to bring stuff that’s going to make you and your family comfortable while sleeping.

Flashlight

Flashlights are really important, and we usually bring both a lantern and headlamps. That is, unless we’re packing light, then we skip the lantern altogether. The kids really enjoy having their own headlamps, so try to make sure that everyone in your family has at least one headlamp or light so you’re not fighting over them.

Food

Food is obviously something you want to take with you on every adventure. You’re going to need to replenish your energy with good healthy food while camping. But you also want the kids to be excited, so consider bringing special treats. For us, it’s always s’mores because that’s a classic camping treat.

You may get sticky if you’re going to bring s’mores. But baby wipes are the answer to that problem, which brings me on to number five. 

Toilet Paper

You’re going to need toilet paper and a bathroom plan, depending on where you’re camping. If you don't have a bathroom, it’s pack in, pack out, so be sure to think about how your family is going to approach using the bathroom. Doggy bags really aren’t a bad option. And there are also different types of groovers and styles of bathroom setups that you can Google and check out online.

For our family, we use campsites that have bathrooms and amenities. Or when we’re in the great outdoors, then we’ve got a groover. So some people use doggy bags, and others have full bucket systems, it really is up to you. 

Just remember, don’t forget the toilet paper. On our recent camping trip, we forgot to bring toilet paper, and it really wasn’t very fun. Bring yourself a few rolls, as it’s one of those things you don’t think about until you’ve forgotten it.

Lighter

A lighter is one of those things you’re going to use a couple of times throughout the trip. We use ours for starting our campfire and for our camp stove, so pack yourself one or two. 

A tip I’ve learned along the way is to keep your lighters in a dry bag if you’ll be camping near water or if it's likely to rain. Nothing sucks more than getting to a campsite and realizing your lighter is flooded, so bring your lighter, and keep it dry.

Baby Wipes

I know I mentioned baby wipes earlier for if you get sticky from s’mores, but you’d be surprised how often you’re using baby wipes throughout your entire camping trip. Since bathing isn’t really a thing, baby wipes help you feel like the kids are a little fresher when they go to sleep or a little fresher when they wake up in the morning. Ultimately consider bringing some baby wipes as your cleaning mechanism for you and the kids. 

Chairs

After being on several camping trips without them, I’ve realized just how important chairs can be. You think you never need them, and you’ll just sit on the ground. But when you’re adventuring all day, there is something really nice about flopping into a camp chair and just being able to relax. Whether they’re big ones or little ones, one or two lightweight camping chairs are going to make a big difference to your camping adventure.

Something to keep in mind, however, is that if you only bring two, you’re going to have to share them. I only brought two on the last trip when there were three of us, and I never got to sit in a chair because the kids wanted them the whole time. So, if you have the availability to bring a chair for each person, definitely consider doing that. Otherwise, the parents don’t get to sit in the chair that much.

Melatonin

This one could be something that is controversial, but there are versions of children’s melatonin for a good night's sleep. I’ve noticed it makes a really big difference for my children when we are camping, for example. When we are camping, we either stay up really late, or it can be light out when I want the kids to go to sleep. And trust me, getting your kids to sleep when you’re out on an adventure can be challenging. So, I consider giving my kids at least one gummy melatonin before they go to bed. 

The children’s versions are out there, so do some research and check it out. But it’s really helped me on my adventures to ensure my kids get a good night's sleep. 

On top of melatonin for the kids, I always bring adult melatonin or Advil PM for me. I have really bad shoulders when we’re camping, and the kids are usually sleeping on them, so I wake up with a lot of pain. This is why when I’m camping, and only when I’m camping, I will take melatonin to help alleviate inflammation. And to ensure I get a good night’s rest, of course. 

Drinks

Drinks can be fun, depending on what kind of drinks you want to bring. Even when it's hot out, I really appreciate a good cup of coffee or hot chocolate for the kids. If you’re going camping, just know that a warm drink after an adventure can be really nice and relaxing. It’s also a great way to wake up in the morning with a warm cup of coffee or tea. 

It’s no secret that sometimes camping can be cold, so having that warm drink can really help bring you out of your sleeping mode.

Wrap Up

So yeah, those are my top 10 things for camping. It’s different for every person and every family, so think about what will make you and your family comfortable while out on a trip. If you love good coffee when camping, check out Eric Hanson's article “Best Camping Coffee Maker”.

Check out our last Top 5 post: Top 5 National Parks for Families!

Camera: GoPro Hero 10

The post Family Camping Essentials appeared first on Hazeadventure.

Columbus Georgia Lodging

We travel full time in our Truck Trailer combo, and Columbus has great RV Parks and options just outside of town.  The two RV Parks that are closest to downtown are Lake Pines and Camp David. As kayakers they have an option for parking along the river at the Piggly Wiggly on 13^th St. Piggly Wiggly living isn’t for everyone but it’s amazing that the community has made the whitewater park so accessible.

For most I would highly recommend one of the dozen hotels right down-town, the Hampton, Marriott, Indigo, all are great options with varying price points. Most have pools and other great amenities. If you want to go the Airbnb route- there are a ton as it’s a college town and a military town, so lots of visitors and a ton of options within walking distance to the main street: Broadway.

Food in Columbus

I cant do a trip report without mentioning food… Food is a big part of our “vacations” and trips as I truly enjoy exploring new restaurants. Broadway has a ton of restaurant options, from Greek, Pizza, Mexican, Sushi, you name it. Our personal favorites as a family are:

Simple Greek- Light and easy to build your own bowl so the kids can personalize.

Banks Food Hall: the Poke Bowls are next level in the Food Hall and I could eat there every day if possible. The food hall also has a unique hot dog stand with odd variations of hot dogs including a BLT Hot Dog. The Mexican place is delicious very fresh and has the best nachos. The Ice Cream place mixes soft serve and sorbets so the kids asked for Ice Cream non stop, but Mom and Dad had problems saying No as we really enjoyed it as well.

Farm to Table

11^th and Bay: Farm to Table (mostly local ingredients) This is a good date night or dressy dinner place. It has the very best Table Biscuits, Scallop and cut in house steaks. I would say more about the menu but as its local they have to change it often to match what’s in season.

Pizza

Your Pie: Build your own Pizza place, I have to mention it because it has gluten free crusts and dairy free cheese- so for me this was a huge win!

Dessert and Snacks

Veri Best Donuts- Do I need to say more? They have the most unique donuts, from Cinnamon Crunch or Fruity Pebbles ones, to Croissant Donuts? So much yum!

A Classic: The Dinglewood Pharmacy

Dinglewood Pharmacy: Yes it’s a pharmacy but it’s also a historical diner that is still serving food that the whole family will love, BLT’s Chicken Fingers, burgers and more. What makes this place special is the Scrambled Dog, served since the beginning, it has been served to celebrities including Prince Charles. The Scrambled Dog is a hot dog, with chili, oyster crackers and pickles. But don’t stop there- you can customize your Scrambled Dog with fritos, hot peppers, cheese and more. I was shocked (and a little scared) when I saw people creating their scrambled dogs but it was shockingly yummy…

Biscuits

Iron Bank: If you love biscuits, go to Iron Bank and get the Sweet Potato Biscuit or Herb. Both are absolutely delicious. They have great coffee, beer, sandwiches, salads and pastries. They also have pies and cobblers almost every day and I love to support them as they are very kind to the local homeless population.

Smoothies

Ride On Smoothies: Need some super greens or fresh pressed juice? They have a wide range of fresh juice and smoothies including Acai Bowls. I am an avid juice and wheatgrass drinker so I appreciated the clean juice after donuts and scrambled dogs.

Beer Tasting

Maltitude:  Beer tasting anyone? A beer shop with a serious selection! You can order glasses on tap, or simply shop. We ended up trying beers as unique as a Pickle Beer, and yes it tasted like pickle juice and beer in one glass!

Columbus Family Activities

Rush South Whitewater Park: If you want to go Whitewater Kayaking, this Whitewater Park is World Class! So much so that they are hosting the World Championships for Freestyle Kayaking in October, 2023. If you don’t kayak, you can raft, ducky or more by checking out Whitewater Express who offers a wide variety of activities. You can also rent flatwater kayaks for below the whitewater or take a Fly Fishing lesson.

Museums

Columbus State University Coca-Cola Space Science Center

Say that 5 times fast! This place is GREAT for any kid that shows any interest in space, otherwise it’s a great educational center that has a ton of interactive shows, games and staff. My kids arrived with dozens of questions and left with a much more in depth understanding on not only what’s going on in Space, but travel and exploration of it as well.

Columbus Collective Museum

If you want to see 7 Museums under 1 roof, go check this place out. It has a full antique shop vibe (and it is an antique shop too). Our kids enjoyed making the Phonograph work, and the Lunch Box Museum. The Lunch Box Museum was a highlight for me as it has over 2,500 boxes and it was VERY cool to see what we popular throughout certain years.

Biking in Columbus Georgia

Riverwalk

The Dragonfly Trail System connects miles of River Walk and down town Columbus to give you a safe biking route for you and your littles. We enjoyed biking up and down the walk, but I also appreciated the walk for my morning walks- with a quick stop at Iron Bank for coffee : )

Sunset happens to hit the walk just right so if you prefer to walk in the afternoon- you’ll get beautiful evening lighting over the water.

Standing Boy Park

This is a short drive away but has to be mentioned. It has EPIC mountain biking trails and running trails. I went there as often as I could as there are easy to hard trails for miles and a ton of wildlife. Twice now I have seen wild armadillos!

Ziplining and High Ropes

Whitewater Express also offers Ziplining (it’s the only zip-line that crosses states) and a High Ropes course. Our kids were nervous to approach the Zipline this trip but we are excited to make it happen when we come back. The High Ropes course is step by step so it was great for the whole family and comfort levels. This was one of our favorite Columbus family activities!

Other Activities to Try

Rocket Fizz: This is an activity and food in one. If you love different specialty chocolates or candy, you must go. Fair warning they do have massive lollypops that cost $50, so be warned. My kids spent almost an hour choosing which candy they wanted.

Playground: Outside of WW Express or the Banks Food Hall is an epic playground. In the summer time it also has a splash pad.

Yoga: Multiple Yoga Studios including River Flow – sometimes Mom or Dad may need some solo bendy time and this studio is in a gorgeous location:

Best Time to Visit Columbus Georgia

You can visit Columbus, GA all year round, for water Columbus family activities I recommend March- November. But otherwise the town is well set up to be a year round destination. It is also worth checking out which months they have their weekly farmers markets, concerts, and other fun events!

If you liked this post covering activities for adventurous families, check out the post on our Family Adventure in Niagara Falls Ontario!

Fire pit: The Lavabox Tacana Twosome
Bikes:  Bosch e-Bikes: Yuba Spicy Curry (Cargo)
Clothing: Cotopaxi Desert View Organic T-shirt, Cotopaxi Kids Teca Cálido Reversible Jacket
Camera: GoPro Hero 11
Kayaks: Jackson Fun Kids Kayak, Jackson Kayak Rockstar
Life Vest: NRS Zen PFD
Sunglasses: Wiley X

The post Family Activities in Columbus, Georgia appeared first on Hazeadventure.

Beaches in Florida are amazing!

One of the top things to do in Florida with kids is to visit the beach. You just can’t ignore the beaches in Florida as there are so many different styles and types of beaches all across the state.

If you’re planning on visiting Florida, you definitely need to do some research. The beaches are beautiful and amazing and they’ll most likely be one of your kids' highlights. My kids no matter what we do, no matter how amazing it always seems to be, talk the most about going to the beach.

One of my personal favorite things to do in Florida with kids is to go hunting for seashells. If you didn’t already know, because I didn’t, Fort Myers is actually the capital of seashells throughout the world. I didn’t even know a seashell capital existed until doing a little bit of research, but when you’re there you’re literally walking on some of the most beautiful shells I’ve ever seen. Seashell hunting is something the whole family can do, so when visiting Florida, check out Sanibel Island in Fort Myers.

Visit the Florida Springs

Another of the things to do in Florida with kids is to check out the springs. There are so many independent springs to choose from all across Florida, and all are different and unique. On one of my family's first trips to Florida, we got hooked on the springs. And now we don’t visit Florida without exploring one. 

In the springs you can see manatees, go kayaking, or go SUP boarding. There are all kinds of attractions at each of the springs, as they’re each set up differently. I recommend doing your research to figure out which ones allow you to take your own personal watercraft. And also which ones allow you to paddle next to manatees. 

Our friend Ken Whiting has a great article on How to Get Your Kids Into Paddling. Check it out!

Eat, Eat, and Eat

The third of my favorite things to do in Florida with kids is eat. Now, I know that sounds silly, but the promise of food at the end of the day really adds to the adventure. When my family is out hiking or paddling, I’ll entice the kids to push harder or walk further by saying “Don’t forget, we’re going to this really awesome restaurant later, so if you want to be able to get ice cream, let’s push through this hike.” It tends to work quite well. 

Florida in general has some really good food, even if you're not a seafood person. There are tons of varieties, including Mexican, and mom and pop style places, I was pleasantly surprised. You can even get gator bites and unique dishes to add to the element of adventure. 

Be a Tourist

The last recommendation of things to do in Florida with kids is to just be a tourist. I’ve talked about the beach, and the springs, and although I love being outdoors, it’s okay to be a tourist. When you have small kids, they tend to remember the big balloons and all the colors. And although there are definitely some tourist traps, tourist attractions are really fun for the kids.

The trick for enjoying yourself with these tourist attractions is to just remember that it’s just for the day. You’ll be surprised how much fun you can have. For me, I’m not a big fan of paying to do putt-putt, for example, but when I act excited and the kids are excited, we end up having a great family day out. 

When I talk about a tourist trap I mean like putt-putt golf, theme parks, and splash pads. These things aren’t the most things engaged with the outdoors, but you are still enjoying the outdoors with an added element of excitement for the kids.

One thing my kids did In Florida was feed baby alligators, which was really fun. It was just one minute of the trip, and it wasn’t a big part of our vacation, but the kids talk about it all the time. Don’t undervalue all these little things, because, in the end, it might just be what the kids talk about to all their friends.

Do Your Research

Florida can be overwhelming as there are so many things to do with kids, so be sure to do your research. If there’s something that you particularly enjoy or you’re looking forward to, do your research first. Figure out where is the best seafood, where is the best seashell hunting, and where are the best family-friendly beaches. It’ll really help you narrow down your list of where you want to go. 

Some Recommended Florida Tours:
Snorkeling with Manatees: Manatee Snorkeling Tour
Kayak Tours – Mangroves and Manatees

Camera: GoPro Hero 11
Sunglasses: Wiley X
Life Vest: NRS Zen PFD

The post Things to do in Florida with Kids appeared first on Hazeadventure.

This article includes all the reasons why I think multi-day rafting trips are an amazing experience for families. I think it will change your opinion entirely. Out of all the adventures, the best family adventure vacations has to be rafting down the river as a family.

Rafting Brings Families Together

When you’re rafting, you don’t have a lot of things with you. That ultimately forces you to work together, play together, and ultimately strengthen your skills as a team. On the water, you need to come up with solutions to problems. Instead of picking up your phone and typing or speaking questions to Google, you have to figure it out. Being out in the open really changes the vibe of the family. I think multi-day rafting trips are the best example of bringing your family together. 

Rafting Isn’t as Hard as it Seems

Now, I know the idea of taking a multi-day rafting trip can be intimidating. There are so many resources out there to help you along. Start Googling or looking into outfitters that provide rafting equipment or guides that can take you. I’m sure, regardless of your skill level or experience, you’ll find a rafting trip that works for you. 

Immersed in Nature

The best family adventure vacations are when our kids are immersed in nature. Kids nowadays don’t spend enough time outdoors. There is nothing better than watching my kids engage with nature from sun up to sun down. When out on a multi-day rafting trip, they’re fully immersed in being outside. I think nature is one of life’s best teachers. 

Forest Fires

On the last two multi-day rafting trips that we’ve done, we’ve dealt with major forest fires. On our most recent trip, we encountered rattlesnakes and bears. There really is no better way to teach your kids about the impacts of environmental change than by actually experiencing it and basically seeing the hillside on fire.

When it came to learning to be aware of the rattlesnakes and bears, it really helped my kids be aware that we’re not alone and everything’s not about us. They have this opportunity while rafting to see some of the animals in their natural element. Instead of watching the animal in a video. 

Groover is your bathroom

If you don’t know what a groover is, the groover is the name for the bathroom while you’re rafting. While trying to use the groover on a western trip, sure enough, there was a bear. We were prepared and aware and my kids then found this respect for wildlife that they didn’t have before.

Your Kids Will Appreciate the Small Stuff

When rafting, you need to set up everything. From your bathroom and your cooking water to your tent or your sleeping shelter. All the things that you need to survive as a human. You set up yourself, and with necessities not being easily accessible or right in front of you, it takes effort to cook a simple meal or even go to bed at night. 

Disconnecting the kids from home

A lot of kids, including mine, are used to their home where everything is on hand, so disconnecting them from all that and showing them what you need to do for basic survival really makes them appreciate the little things. 

Rafting Boosts Creativity

Without access to toys on the water, creativity really does blossom. Your kids will start to think up fun games to play. Ways to interact with the water, and how to interact with each other. It doesn’t mean there aren’t going to be times when they feel frustration, but at the same time, watching that engagement and interaction that they have with one another while rafting is something that I haven’t found anywhere else. 

Best family adventure vacations

Multi-day rafting trips will always be at the top of my best family adventure vacations simply for the bond and connection it creates for the family. Be sure to follow us on YouTube. Check our social media at Great Family Adventure and comment down below what other tips and tricks you’d like to know to help get your family enjoying the great outdoors.

Dry bags: NRS Outfitter Dry Bag
Waterproof Camera: GoPro Hero 11
Sunglasses: Wiley X
Kayaks: Jackson Fun Kids Kayak

Try Rafting! Here are some awesome rafting trips you can book:

• Rogue River Multi-day Trip
• Glenwood Springs – Single Day Rafting Trip
• Moab Half Day Rafting Trip

The post Rafting: One of the Best Family Adventure Vacations appeared first on Hazeadventure.

Today, I’m sharing with you my top five national parks for families. Some of which you may have already expected and others that you might not have even heard of. 

Sequoia National Forest

Number one on our list of top 5 family-friendly national parks is one of our absolute favorites, Sequoia National Forest in California. Sequoia has some of the biggest trees in the world. Not only are they some of the biggest, but they’re also some of the oldest. 

Names of the Trees

When we visited Sequoia, my kids really enjoyed getting to know the names and the history behind the magnificent trees. My oldest Tucker was even able to point out the General Sherman, the largest known living single-stem tree on Earth. 

Land of Giants

Just being surrounded by the trees themselves was quite magical on its own. So instead of just walking through the forest and seeing the occasional big tree, in Sequoia, you’re surrounded by giants from the second you enter the park. 

History of the Trees

The Sequoia National Park does a really good job of explaining the history of the trees. They talk about the obstacles the trees have had to overcome to turn into the beautiful, magical forest that we see today. Another thing that’s nice about Sequoia National Forest is that it's very compact. So if you want to get in there and not hike too far, you totally can because you can just picnic and base yourself around some of the most famous big trees without having to move too far.

Yellowstone National Park

Our second favorite national park for families is Yellowstone. I know it’s a little cliche for some people, but at the same time, 2022 was our first visit to Yellowstone as a family, and it was totally worth the wait.

Wildlife Viewing for Kids

Before visiting, I did not anticipate seeing nearly as much wildlife as we ended up seeing. Even from the beginning, before we even crossed into Yellowstone National Park, we saw so many animals. This made the kids want to look out for them for the entire duration of the trip. 

If you wanted to go check out the geyser and some of the other springs, such as a Grand Prismatic Spring, it’s not a far walk at all. It’s definitely worth it. Before you go check out the geyser, be sure that you check with the park the times that they anticipate the geyser to blow. It goes about every two hours. It’s not the best spot to go and chill at for two hours because there is so much more in Yellowstone to do, so schedule and plan your day around it. 

Grand Prismatic Spring

I also think it’s really important to check out the Grand Prismatic Spring. It truly does have all the colors of the rainbow. Even on a cloudy, sunny day, it is a beauty to withhold. So definitely make sure you put that on your plan because, in my opinion, you cannot visit Yellowstone without checking out the Grand Prismatic. 

Great Biking

If you enjoy a bike ride, then you’ll be happy to know that Yellowstone also has great bike paths throughout the entire park. When my kids get a little older, we’ll definitely be going back to do a lot of exploring via the bike path.

Mesa Verde National Park

Our third favorite national park for families is Mesa Verde in Colorado. The personal reason is that I remember visiting it as a small child myself, so it really was exciting for me to bring my kids back there. 

Structure and Important History

Mesa Verde is a structure, and Native American history is everywhere. If you’re teaching your kids, homeschooling your kids, or if you just want your kids to see how people lived centuries ago, you should definitely go check out Mesa Verde because it’s the most intact, inspiring, and truly eye-opening experience for children and for adults as well.

If you’re going to Mesa Verde and you want to visit the structures themselves and walk around them, be sure to plan your guide and your trip early in the morning. There are only certain hours that they allow you to visit the structures. You’re going to want to make sure you get there early so that way you don’t miss out on the opportunity to hike around them.

A Bit of a Drive

One thing I will say is that visiting Mesa Verde requires a lot of driving from location to location. There are a lot of different angles to actually view the dwellings. It’s a big loop, so when you’re driving in, and you first cross the gate to the park, be prepared for an additional 30-45 minutes worth of driving.

Arches National Park

Number four on our family’s favorite national parks list is Arches. I don’t know if many of you have been to Arches in Utah, but Arches is super cool because it’s how I imagine what it’s like being on Mars. There’s beautiful red rock everywhere you look, and the arches themselves are truly amazing. 

Moonscapes

There is a lot of hiking at Arches. I’ve done the park three times with my kids now, and they really love it as they always say, “this is what it feels like to be on the moon.” I mean, it really does feel like you’re in a whole new world. 

If you’re visiting Arches, then one thing you need to be prepared that it gets very hot, so if you’re going, be sure to really pay attention to the weather, and if it is going to be hot, go early in the morning as it makes a big difference. 

Lots of Water and Snacks

One other thing to keep in mind when it comes to Arches is to make sure you bring lots of water and snacks. Because once you’re in there, you’re completely on your own. There aren’t many service stations. So be sure to pack tons of snacks and water because you may just want to keep on hiking. 

Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park

The final of our top five national parks is a little different, and it’s in Hawaii. This one is more recent for our family. We visited this past winter, but it’s the Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. The reason we went is that, well, what kid doesn’t want to check out lava? And when we visited, that’s exactly what happened.

A Unique Family Adventure

When we went to the Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, it was absolutely incredible. We went in the late afternoon. By doing that, it allowed us to actually see the lava at night time. Once it gets dark and everyone has their lights off, the amount of red glow that comes out of the lava field itself is really neat. 

Late at Night Made it Special

The thing my kids probably loved the most about the Hawai’i Volcanoes we were doing it late at night, way past their bedtime, which made them even more excited to go check it out.

Emily’s Tips for Visiting National Parks with Families

A couple of things to remember. When you’re visiting any national park be prepared and understand the rules. A lot of times, the rules can be confusing. There are certain things you really don’t want your kids touching or playing with. Don't get too close to wild animals!

Preserve History and Nature

Remember that there’s a lot of history and nature that needs to be preserved. Make sure you have a sit down with your kids beforehand and explain to them the rules and the proper national park etiquette. 

Snacks and Water for the Kids

Another thing to remember is to bring snacks and water. The lines to the snack bars can be long. The items are usually overpriced, so if you have a dehydrated or hungry kid, it’s really not fun waiting in line. Pack a cooler with everything you need for the day. Make sure that you’re ready to go at any given point so that way you’ve got everything you need to have an awesome day when visiting the national parks.

Make it Fun and a Game

Finally, think about setting up a game for the kids. Instead of being like, “look, isn’t everything around us so beautiful,” it’s more like, “let’s see how many trees we can find that look like this,” or, “let’s see if someone can find a heart-shaped knot in the tree.” Make it exciting, make it fun, and ultimately, make them engage with the outdoors around them.

 Sunglasses: Wiley X

So, there you have it, those are my top five national parks for families. I have some personal favorites too. I think these are the five national parks where we had the most family fun. They either have minimal hiking, or the hiking is totally made worth it because of the unique experiences. It is worth checking out these top 5 national parks for families! Sign up to our newsletter to get more family adventure news in your inbox.

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