Take kids on a colorful tour of history with the use of a boat tour. Many cities have them available, some even free of charge. Even if your city does not have a boat tour, you could check with a neighboring city or state. Boat tours are a great outdoor activity for the summer because it keeps kids learning, but also lets them have fun at the same time. Just don't forget to dress everyone for the weather and include some comfy boat shoes. Here are just a few of the interesting boat tours around the U.S.

Sam Houston Boat Tour - Port of Houston Authority
The Port of Houston is one of the busiest in the world. Take the Sam Houston Boat Tour with your kids so that they can see firsthand what happens along the Houston Ship Channel. Though Houston's ship channel is one of the busiest, this public boat tour remains free of charge. Just be sure to make reservations in advance. A beverage is provided, but be sure the kids have eaten, as no food is allowed. Because customs and security measures are strictly enforced, the kids can get a great lesson in what that entails firsthand.

River Tour Blackstone Valley, RI
Kids can board the Blackstone Valley Explorer in Blackstone Valley, Rhode Island. This one-of-a-kind riverboat will take them on a fun and educational tour of the river. Parents may opt to take the kids on the general tour or to utilize the River Classroom Program. This unique program combines boating with hands-on activities and lessons. Both tours are informative and offer beautiful scenery and fun.

Antique Boat Museum in Clayton, NY
The Antique Boat Museum in Clayton, New York offers exploration in education in a variety of ways. Parents will no doubt have the kids first tour the boat museum and participate in hands-on learning. The beautiful St Lawrence River is the perfect setting for such an extensive boat collection. Here kids can not only participate in educational boat tours, but also in a wide variety of activities. Field trips can be customized to fit the needs of each group of kids.

Sources:
http://www.abm.org/
http://www.portofhouston.com/samhou/samhou.html
http://www.rivertourblackstone.com/

Kids bored? Need something the whole family will enjoy doing that you haven't already done a million times? Try river rafting in Colorado and Utah. The kids will be having so much fun, there won't be time to get bored or disagree. There are many family river rafting tours that are geared toward the entire family. So grab your crew, grab your gear, and head to the mountains and rivers of Colorado or Utah.

If your crew is into camping, many family river rafting adventures including camping, hiking, fishing and more for an all-out outdoor adventure. Spend your days and nights in the wilderness, with plenty of time for bonding, laughing, and reflecting. The river rafting experience adds more excitement and adventure to a fun family camping and outdoor experience.

If you're looking for more of a day trip, there are plenty of family river rafting excursions that allow for that as well. Family river rafting in Utah or Colorado can be done in an inflatable kayak, an oarboat, or even paddleboats. There are several ways to enjoy river rafting with the family. For the safest family trip, guided tours are recommended.Guides will be experienced in the area as well as on safety.

Many of the guided river rafting tours will include the watercraft and flotation devices for the whole family. Always check to be sure you are aware of what's included. Flotation devices are a must for anyone participating in a watercraft activity, even superb swimmers. Be sure that everyone knows the proper safety procedures. Guided tours generally include safety instruction, but it's wise to also do safety research beforehand.

Check with the desired venue ahead of time for recommended clothing and supplies. Boat shoes are a must for everyone. A good pair will help prevent slipping and will have a waterproof design for comfort. Other family river rafting supplies might include swimwear, compasses, a nautical watch, lightweight food that requires little to no preparation, plenty of water, appropriate clothing for the weather, and more. Check with the tour coordinators for suggestions appropriate to your exact type of river rafting experience.

Sources:
http://www.griffithexp.com/family-river-rafting.htm
http://www.fourcornersrafting.com/colorado_family_river_rafting.shtml

Oftentimes, when thinking of waters in Upstate New York, many will think of the Niagara Falls, but there are many more natural waters to explore. Meaning "long lake" in one of the Iroquois languages, Skaneateles Lake contains the most clean water of all the Finger Lakes. In fact, this water is so pure that the city of Syracuse, as well as other areas use it unfiltered.

Just in case you are wondering how to say Skaneateles, it is commonly pronounced "skinny atlas," but the correct and preferred pronunciation is "skanny atlas." Regardless of how Skaneateles is pronounced, its pure and beautiful waters are a major attraction to sailors. The calm water flow, as well as the beautiful scenery, adds to the ambiance of a relaxing and scenic sail on the lake.

Rent a boat or bring your own. There are a couple different areas to launch your boat from, including Skaneateles Town Boat Launch and NYS Public Boat Launch. If you are more comfortable with someone else doing the navigation and steering, try the boat cruises. In addition to the boat cruises, try the mailboat. It delivers mail to cottages in the Glen Haven area along Skaneateles Lake, but also carries passengers.

While sailing at Skaneateles Lake, be sure not to miss the many historic landmarks that line the lake. If nature is your thing, Carpenter's Falls can be viewed inside of a nature preserve off the lake. Another great spot is the New Hope Mill.

Before heading out for sailing on Skaneateles Lake, be sure you've got your life vest, sunglasses, windbreaker, and non-skid boat shoes. Some other important items include sunscreen, a sunhat, insect repellent, food and a nautical watch. This is by no means a complete list. Be sure to follow nautical safety precautions.

Also, remember to check the weather before going sailing. Upstate NY can have some pretty cool and windy days. The best time for sailing in Upstate NY is probably summer or late spring. Otherwise, the lake could be frozen or the weather just too cold.

Sources:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skaneateles_Lake

http://www.skaneateles.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=17&Itemid=63