How to Enjoy a Day at the Lake

Summer time is here and most people are looking forward to spending time outdoors. Often this takes people to the lake. Spending a day at the lake can be relaxing and fun for the whole family.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Picnic Lunch
• Raft
• Chairs
• Blanket
• Sunscreen
• Flying disc
• Towels
• Fishing Pole

1. 
   Beach Towel

   Pack up the beach towels, flying disc, inflatable raft, and outdoor chairs that you’ll need for the trip, along with the picnic lunch. Don’t forget the sunscreen. It’s very important to keep everyone safe while you are enjoying the day!

2. 
   Reapply Sunscreen Often

   Start the day out with some swimming. Pick your spot on the beach and set your things out then hit the water. Playing water with a flying disc is fun and will add to the calories burned from the swimming for those that are interested in adding activity to the day. Plying with flying disc is also an activity that children enjoy, so it will give your child a good summer memory. Remember to reapply sunscreen often while in the water.

3. Enjoy the picnic lunch when you take a break from swimming. Most lakes provide benches for eating, but if not use the blanket to set up on. Remember to wait at least 30 minutes before reentering the water after eating.

4. 
   Inflatable Raft

   Blow the raft up and take it out for a leisurely trip around the lake after you get done swimming. Make sure someone in the raft knows the way back. It’s also a good idea to have more than one person who can man the oars while on the trip. Rowing a boat is hard work!

5. Go fishing when you return from your rafting trip. By this time you will need a rest. What better way to relax at the lake than fishing? Fishing will give you time to unwind and reminisce about the day. It also provides bragging rights to whoever catches the biggest fish.

6. 
   Sunset Over Lake

   Watch the sun go down over the lake. Once all of the activities are done, and it’s time to go home, take a minute and sit and enjoy nature’s picture show. Watching the sun go down over the water is the perfect ending to an enjoyable day at the lake.

Tips & Warnings

• Don’t forget to bring the camera along to get some family pictures
• Bring enough sunscreen so everyone can reapply frequently throughout the day
• A beach ball is another good item for water fun
• Remember to clean everything up at your beach site before leaving
• Bring the dog along to enjoy the fun too
• Always wear life jackets when on the raft
• Always have an experienced swimmer on the raft

[sunnflr]

on 7/12/2008 Thank you both very much.

vallain, I actually wrote an article on incorporating education and hiking. It was one of the first articles I wrote when starting all this.

[vallain]

on 7/12/2008 It's a good time to take a nature walk with the kids too. Point out feathers, pine cones, wildflowers, etc. to get them tuned into nature. 5 stars.

[acole]

on 7/10/2008 I have been spending time outdoors and am looking forward to more! Thanks for the great article!