| Canoeing is a wonderful family vacation idea. It can be | | | | A great idea is to bring a camera along to photograph |
| a real family-type adventure that is challenging yet not | | | | wildlife. Keep in mind that you should always keep a |
| too difficult. Besides being a distinctly fun activity, it is | | | | respectful distance. But you can still get a good |
| also a form of travel. With a canoe you have the | | | | close-up shot with a telephoto lens. A water resistant |
| means to safely access wilderness areas that | | | | camera is recommended and be sure to wear it on a |
| otherwise might not be possible for a family. In more | | | | short strap. You don't want to drop the camera into |
| touristy places you have the means to slip off across | | | | the water! |
| the river or lake for more private family fun. | | | | Always keep safety in mind. Bring life jackets for |
| If you have your own canoe, great. It is easily carried | | | | everyone. Anyone who can't swim should wear one |
| on your car to where you will be using it. Or you can | | | | while in the canoe. Go over the rules before boarding |
| rent a canoe for long excursions or for as little as a | | | | the canoe. Standing up or switching places should |
| few hours. This is a very flexible way to travel and | | | | never be done while the canoe is in the water. Leaning |
| explore. | | | | over the side is a no-no because it can tip the canoe |
| Canoeing as a family is a slow paced activity which | | | | and someone could fall out. Do a little research on |
| provides the opportunity to really get close to nature. | | | | boating safety so you can prepare yourself and the |
| The kids are involved not just as spectators but as an | | | | family to stay safe. |
| active part of the effort. This can be an exceptionally | | | | Show the kids who are old enough to paddle how to |
| rewarding and confidence building experience for them. | | | | handle the paddle. Go over the basics of how to steer |
| Paddling a canoe is fun but potentially boring for the | | | | the canoe. |
| kids. There are plenty of ways to keep there interest | | | | One of the great things about a family canoeing |
| up. Paddling close to shore gives everyone a chance | | | | vacation is that it naturally combines with camping and |
| to watch for birds and animals. Find a beach or large | | | | fishing, which are always popular with kids. |
| rock to stop at and go for a swim. Children too young | | | | Your canoe can take you to your campsite along the |
| to paddle can have fun pretending to paddle with small | | | | shore of a lake or river. Canoe, explore and fish during |
| toy paddles. If you have two canoes you can race | | | | the day then relax beside the campfire in the evening. |
| them. Navigate around and between rocks to create a | | | | Nothing beats the taste of hot dogs and |
| sense of excitement. Make up stories about what's in | | | | marshmallows personally toasted over a campfire. |
| the trees on the shore or what's around the next bend. | | | | |