Fall is a perfect time for kids to be active outdoors. Even though the temperature has started to drop, there still can be plenty of warm days. Windy weather that can accompany fall is a natural invitation to fly kites. Rather than buying kites for the kids, make it more fun and build and fly kites together. Kids love both crafts and kite flying. So this should be a double winner with most.

This project and activity can be done with parents, grandparents, teachers, babysitters, and more. Any adult who works with children may find this beneficial to them. Kite building guides and instructions can easily be found by doing a simple internet search. Supplies to build and fly kites can easily be found at most large craft and hobby stores. There's another fun activity kids love: shopping for project supplies. Let the kids pick out their plans and supplies (within your pre-set budget, of course).

Once the guides have been found and the supplies purchased, adults can help the children build the kites. The backyard or neighborhood park may be the best place for building, as there will be plenty of room. This especially is true the more people there are participating in the activity. Adults may decide to simply instruct and let the kids do the rest or to join in on the construction of the kite. When the kites are finished, they may need to dry, depending on materials. If so, kite building and kite flying might be separated into two different days. Just be sure the children know ahead of time to avoid surprising them with that news when they least want to hear it. If no drying or other waiting is necessary, go ahead and fly your kites!

When kite flying time has arrived, be sure the children have on comfortable footwear suitable for running. This fun outdoor activity involves plenty of that and a grassy open area is best for flying kites. This leaves plenty of comfortable running space and also helps prevent kites from getting snagged on things like tree branches. Safety first, of course!

Sources:
http://www.kitebuilder.com
http://www.blueskylark.org/zoo/class.html

Most kids love to build things. They also like to participate in contests. This summer outdoor activity combines both and is simple and fun. Building their own sailboat and then watching their creation in action can make a child feel good about him or herself. It also is fun, provides fitness, and exercises creativity and thinking skills.

Toy sailboats can be designed by the child and parent. Another choice is to search the internet for free toy boat building instructions. Many hobby and toy stores also sell ready-made kits that simply need to be assembled. Judging by the child's age and experience, parents can decide which is best.

For more fun, the project can be made into an event with family and friends. Set up a building area in the local park or your own backyard. Each child should have the necessary supplies to complete his or her boat building project. Parents can decide whether all the kids will do the same project or whether they will each choose their own way to build their boats. Be sure to have snacks and refreshments, as the kids will be working hard.

Once the boats are built, they can be taken to a local pond, creek, or stream where the kids are allowed to race the boats. Determine a starting and finishing point. Be sure to watch which way the water current is flowing. That is the direction the boats will need to go. Determine a signal to start. When the kids see or hear that signal, they must drop their boats into the water at the starting point.

The kids will enjoy running alongside the water bank to keep up with their boats. Don't forget that kids should have appropriate footwear when running. You may see them cheering on their on boat, hoping it will beat the rest to the finish line. This provides great exercise and healthy competition. One or more kids may get disappointed if they don't win. It's all part of learning and growing. Prizes or award ribbons can be given to the winners for first, second, and third place.

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

After a long, cold winter indoors, the appearance of springtime means that many families are ready to turn off the tube and head outdoors. But if your family isn't interested in hiking or cycling or the kids are just a bit too young for a weekend camping trip, it can be difficult to find outdoor activities that can interest everyone. Spending a family day at a zoo or a nearby animal park, however, can appeal to a variety of ages, interest levels and the kid inside of all of us.

Consider the nearest zoo, as well as those further away. This can be especially helpful if you are taking older children along, too. Larger zoos may be more crowded but can offer a wider range of animals and activities for children of all ages. Similarly, if your family regularly heads to the National Zoo in Washington, D.C., you might want to consider a change of venue and hit the Maryland Zoo in Baltimore or the Catoctin Wildlife Preserve and Zoo instead.

Pack your own Snacks, Drinks and Lunches
Many zoos will allow you to bring in your own food and drink and provide picnic tables for just such a purpose. Throw it all in a waterproof tote bag and head out the door.

Ignore the Weather Forecast
One of the most maddening things about trips to outdoor venues such as zoos is that you are dependent on the weather. But that doesn't need to be the case. Most zoos are still open when it rains. You might not be able to have your picnic lunch outside, but you'll still be able to see many of the zoos inhabitants. Wear your rain boots, splash in a puddle or two, and the zoo trip has taken on a whole new dimension!

Bring Along the Camera and a Guidebook
Not only can a day trip to the zoo provide some outside entertainment for the family, but it can also be educational. Bring along the camera, purchase a guidebook and document all of the animals that you see along the way. Make a photo book of your trip to the zoo and write what you learned about the animals or information about how they behaved. This activity is a great idea for homeschoolers, too!

Spending a family day at the zoo is fun, educational and a great way to get the whole family up and moving once the weather starts to cooperate this spring.