Taking your kids to the waterfront is an exciting way to get them outside and active.
Here are some fun activities and water sports kids can try.
Autumn may be here, but the heat hasn’t died down yet – and many families have already begun planning their winter getaways for later this year. Kids love the beach, pools, and other waterfront features just as much as adults, and it’s an excellent opportunity to get your kids active. If they’re looking for something new the next time they’re on the water, here are some fun activities and water sports kids can try.
Kayaking
Kayaking is both relaxing and a great aerobic exercise. Kids love the opportunity to feel like they’re in control of their own boat, so allowing them to pilot their own kayak is incredibly exciting. Kayak rentals are typically easy to find, and child-sized kayaks are almost always offered because kayaking is a fun activity a family can enjoy together.
Nature Hunts
Lakes, oceans, and other aquatic environments feature all sorts of extraordinary life that you won’t find on dry land. Encourage your kids to explore and experience nature in new ways that are exciting because of how alien these environments can feel. Nature hunts can include observing wildlife like fish, admiring fauna like coral, or just finding and keeping a cool rock formed by the erosion of waves. The sense of discovery will come, and plenty of fun with it.
Skimboarding and Surfing
Some more classic water activities are skimboarding and surfing. Skimboarding is an activity where you use a short, wide board to slide along the surf right on the water’s edge. This is a relatively low-risk activity if your kids aren’t strong swimmers. You could try introducing them to surfing if they are stronger swimmers, provided they have the patience to find some gnarly waves.
Wing Foiling
Similar to surfing but far less common is wing foiling. While it requires more gear than other activities, wing foiling is a fun water sport kids can try that allows them more freedom on the open water. As for what’s involved, your child will use a pair of wings to catch the wind – propelling them along the water without worrying about catching a wave. Meanwhile, a foil under the board helps make the experience more stable and easier to balance as they seamlessly glide across the water.