Guest Post :: Family Fun Outing

Today we welcome Rachael McAdams to the blog! Rachael is new to the SAHM community, new to the blog world, but has been writing for years. When Rachael isn't writing, she's normally chasing around her twin daughters, whipping up healthy meals, and trying to maintain a healthy active lifestyle. You can find her on Twitter.

Four Unexpected Fun Family Outings

There is something special about going on a family outing. Of course, like many others, when I was a kid there were times I felt like I was being forced. However, now when I look back on those trips or talk with my other family members who were along for the ride, we remember those trips fondly. Here are four unexpected fun family outings I guarantee your family will just love!

Be a local tourist!

How often do you check out what is right in your own backyard? For me living in New York City, there are so many great things to see that you take for granted when you live here. People from all over the world come here to see what is right here for us all the time! So why not just take your family to a local hotel and be a tourist for a few days right in your area? For me, I love walking through the historic South Street Seaport during the summer. Last time I was there I took a great photo of the Brooklyn Bridge and was able to upload it to TinyPrints.com and use it to make an iPhone case. I get compliments on it all the time; people think it is a professionally-taken shot! No matter what your age, going to FAO Schwarz is always so much fun! Make sure you pack a camera and take plenty of photos. This will be a chance to rediscover what makes your hometown so unique!

History class

We’ve all taken family vacations where our parents tried to squeeze in some education. Well, why not build an entire vacation around learning about a significant historical area? Gettysburg is an incredibly important part of America’s history. It is the site of one of the most important battles of the US Civil War and the largest land battle ever fought in North America. This year marks the 150^th anniversary of the battle so this would be a perfect time to see this historic area and learn about everything that happened there. Events are planned throughout the year to commemorate this anniversary, so no matter when you plan to travel, you’ll definitely have some wonderful – as well as educational – experiences. There is even an iPhone app that will guide you on a historic walking tour so you are sure not to miss anything. When you stand at the battlefield and just think about the significance of this ground and those who perished – it leaves you feeling multiple emotions. But most of all, it left me proud to be experiencing my country’s history firsthand. I think it is certainly a trip that your family will talk about for years to come.

Road trip!

Have you ever taken a road trip on the spur of the moment? If you haven’t, give it a try! Have everyone put an idea of somewhere to go for a long weekend in a hat and let one person pick. Then off you go! Make some minor ground rules – such as picking a location within 200 miles or a three-hour drive so the trip can be easily managed within two or three days. These trips are always great because you never know what you will discover along the way! When I was in college, a few of my dorm-mates and I decided on a Friday afternoon to just hop in the car and see how far we could get in three hours. No other plans were set; we just threw together a bag and started the clock. Three hours later we were in Cape May, New Jersey! It was in the fall, so it was a little cool, but it was still warm enough to enjoy going outside for a walk on the beach. We did a tour of all the different Victorian-era homes and ate at the Carriage House Cafe & Tearoom on the Emlen Physick Estate. We stayed at a really nice little bed and breakfast and then headed back to school Sunday night. It was a great trip!

Try something new

Have you ever gone tent camping? What about parasailing? Sailing a schooner? Throw caution to the wind and plan a quick getaway around something you’ve never done before. Jump out of your comfort zone and try something new! If you have always wanted to try sailing, then take your family to try the Community Sailing Schools at Mystic Seaport. Ever wanted to get a bird’s eye view of Lake George? Then try parasailing! The whole point is to try something you’ve never done before. It will be something you all get to experience as a group for the first time. All you need is a sense of adventure!

Thanks so much for sharing these great ideas Rachael!