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/

Whether you're looking for something fun or educational for kids to enjoy outdoors, visiting a dude ranch can be a great option. Many towns and cities have at least one ranch, but if yours doesn't, check the neighboring areas. Dude ranches can provide hours of education and fun. Plan to spend at least a few days at a dude ranch, or longer if you can. Many dude ranches are equipped with lodging to make for a fun family vacation and provide easy access to get the most out of your visit. There often is too much to see and do to fit into just one day.

Horseback riding is perhaps one of the most popular activities for kids when visiting a dude ranch. Call ahead to make sure the ranch you are interested in offers horseback riding at your child's skill level. Some even offer classes for beginners that can also include simple hands-on horse care.

Hayrides allow kids a unique adventure and educational opportunity. Campfire cooking can help prepare kids for future camping trips, as well as give them hands-on experience in outdoor survival skills. Fishing is another fun activity for kids that teaches survival skills and is available at many dude ranches.

Cattle roundups can be fun for kids to watch. During the roundup, a parent or guide might explain the purpose behind rounding up the cattle. Children's rodeos are another fun event that often can be found at dude ranches, so don't forget those cowboy boots. You and the kids will need them for many of these experiences. They'll also look great during dancing and other country and western fun that is bound to happen at a dude ranch.

Swimming, hiking, rock climbing and canoeing are other common dude ranch activities for kids. You might also find other activities such as sewing, churning butter, collecting eggs. Many dude ranches even offer hands-on educational and activity classes for kids. The great outdoor activities at a dude ranch can keep kids busy and also provide great exercise. Many lessons and family memories can be had by visiting a dude ranch with kids.

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