How to Make the Most of the Labor Day Holiday

by Michele Cheplic | More from this Blogger

01 Sep 2009 09:30 PM

Labor Day marks the unofficial end of summer. It also means no more biking until sunset, no more eating leftover smores for breakfast and no more midnight dips in the kiddie pool.

If summer 2009 was one to remember, then why not send it off in style by having one last hurrah in the great outdoors.

The following family-friendly outdoor activities are sure to grab your kids' attention and make their last weekend of summer one to cherish for years to come:

CAMPING

Many state and national parks are offering ranger-led tours geared toward grade-schoolers during the long holiday weekend. Look for Junior Ranger programs and activity guides at national parks across the country. The programs allow youngsters to complete a set of activities during their park visit under the direction of an adult ranger. Participants receive an official Junior Ranger badge or patch and a certificate. If you are not planning to camp at a national park this weekend, then make some fun of your own by planning a nature scavenger hunt at a local park or around your neighborhood.

HORSEBACK RIDING

If you are looking for an activity the entire family can participate in, then consider riding horses or mules at a local park or ranch. Several state and national parks are offering sensational savings on trail rides this weekend, including Grand Canyon National Park, Palo Duro Canyon State Park and Glacier National Park.

TIDEPOOLING

This is a great activity for kids of all ages. Tidepooling simply involves searching for crustaceans (such as crabs and starfish) in any substantial body of water. Some fantastic national parks for tidepooling are Acadia National Park in Maine, Cabrillo National Monument in California and Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park in Hawaii.

CAVING

Caving is an ideal activity for curious tweens and teens. A guide leads you through narrow, dark passages, where flashlights reveal unusual insects and rock formations. Ranger-led cave exploration tours are available at Mammoth Cave National Park in Kentucky and Wind Cave National Park in South Dakota.

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Learn more about Michele Cheplic

Michele Cheplic was born and raised in Hilo, Hawaii, but now lives in Wisconsin. Michele graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in Journalism.

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