Surf’s up, SoCal
In Southern California, surfing isn’t just a subculture; it’s a way of life. Schools field surf teams, specially-designed parks foster practice, and even ‘sharks’ in suits catch waves before and after work.
Beach breaks along the greater San Diego coastline are perfect for mastering the stand-up technique. A 2-hour beginner lesson is highly recommended to understand ocean wave mechanics and learn the basics. Most instructors offer group lessons, allowing families to tally wipeouts and wager on who will catch the first wave.
Although the learning curve may appear steep, embracing the experience is essential: watching dolphins crest in the distance, pelicans skimming the surface, and your kids paddling hard for a wave creates lasting moments.
After surfing, visit locally crafted boards at Surfy Surfy or Bing Surfboards in Encinitas. Enjoy a family outing at Moonlight Beach while searching tidepools for starfish and octopuses at Swami. Over in La Jolla, Birch Aquarium at Scripps boasts beautiful ocean views and interactive exhibits perfect for appreciating marine life.
Wrangling in Wyoming
In certain regions of the American West, vibrant hillsides are adorned with wildflowers while red rocks echo with hoofbeats. Wyoming, highlighted by towns like Dubois (claiming to be ‘where real cowboys work and play’), offers authentic cowboy experiences amid the beauty of the wild.
If you’re seeking an exhilarating ranch adventure, driving cattle through mountain meadows requires grit and horsemanship, yet fosters thrills and meaningful interactions. Shared hard rides and meals in humbling landscapes lead to companionship and storytelling.
Beyond Dubois, the Wind River Valley is filled with geological and cultural marvels. Yellowstone National Park, National Bighorn Sheep Interpretive Center, and Dubois Historical Museum captivate young minds with tales of petroglyphs, geysers, and other remnants of ancient history.
Encourage your kids to join in on the ‘mutton busting’ (sheep riding) competition at Dubois’ summer rodeo or get them twirling and heel-toeing at the Tuesday night square dance hosted by the local Episcopal Church.
Snow sports in New Hampshire
When learning to ski or snowboard, mountain size is less important than the time spent on the slopes. The accessibility of the runs around North Conway, New Hampshire provides an ideal hub for beginners while boasting quaint New England charm.
Day one may be rife with crossed skis, crashes, and sore bottoms. However, perseverance is key—after a couple of lessons aimed at refining turning and stopping techniques, most individuals feel comfortable gliding down cat tracks and beginner runs independently. Once you master it, you’ve really got it!
For true snow enthusiasts, the adventures extend beyond skiing. Discover nearby resorts while nursing weary muscles. Find exhilaration on a coaster ride at Cranmore. Snuggle under wool blankets during a sleigh ride at King Pine. Speed through wooded trails on a snowmobile at Bretton Woods, or enjoy your pace while snowshoeing and cross-country skiing at Whitaker Woods.
Set sail: Inner & Outer Banks, North Carolina
Few experiences are as gratifying as feeling the wind fill a sail or watching a sailboat come to life. This sensation is amplified when it’s your own crew running the show. Coastal North Carolina, with its tranquil inlets and rugged islands, draws adventurers eager to harness the wind or find secluded beaches accessible only via water.
Towns like ‘Little’ Washington, New Bern, and Oriental offer sailing programs for children as young as 6 or 7, teaching them the ropes in Optis or Sunfish. These small, easily beach-launched boats are perfect for beginners to hone their skills together, making sailing an achievable family activity.
For those seeking a deeper sailing experience, consider chartering a boat with a captain to spend your days and nights swaying on the water. Young sailors can learn knot-tying and sailing terminology, enhancing their maritime knowledge.
On dry land, North Carolina cherishes its rich maritime heritage. The Roanoke, Pine Knoll, and Fort Fisher Aquariums feature exhibits detailing shipwrecks, legendary pirates, and hurricanes. In addition, Washington’s Estuarium displays antique fishing vessels, while Beaufort’s Maritime Museum provides wooden boat building classes, along with the town’s annual Pirate Invasion festival! Arrr!
Paddling Idaho
Water shapes the landscape of Idaho, meandering through canyons and valleys. Establish your home base in Boise, Garden Valley, Donnelly-Cascade, or McCall for easy access to thrilling whitewater experiences.
Winding alongside the Payette River, Highway 55 boasts multiple put-ins suitable for runs ranging from Class II novice waves to Class V expert rapids.
Several outfitters are available to guide families along the Cabarton, Main, Lower Main, South Fork, and Canyon river runs. After learning to navigate with a raft guide, challenge yourself further by kayaking solo in either an inflatable or hard-shell kayak.
On off-days, enjoy picnics along sandy banks while observing experts tackle class V rapids on the North Fork. Alternatively, plan your visit to align with the North Fork Championship and enjoy a fun-filled weekend camping, cheering for competitors, and joining in celebrations. Don’t miss out on Kelly’s Whitewater Park in Cascade and Boise Whitewater Park, exciting venues for catching boaters in thrilling action.
Choose your own adventure
Learning new skills often involves a series of mistakes, yet when frustration threatens to impede the fun, look towards your kids. Their infectious enthusiasm and ability to embrace failure will inspire you to hop back into the saddle, on the slopes, or in a kayak. These unique regional American pastimes from coast to coast promise to create treasured family memories.
