Five Fantastic Summer Activities

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Summer is here! Although I am quite convinced Michigan has forgotten summer altogether, there are plenty of other places around the world that are wonderfully toasty right now. We will be taking a break from this cool Michigan summer for a warmer destination in a few weeks, but until then, I have all these summer-centered activities to keep me warm. 

Skim Boarding

Skim boarding is a bit like surfing, except you are being propelled towards the water by your own energy. In this activity, you throw a thin, fiber glass, board over the water so it glides across the top. Then, you run and jump on it. Most people are already running by the time they throw there board down.

As you can imagine, there is a lot of running, coordination, and balance involved. But, there is also quite a bit of fun! To start, try skimming over the water that is only about five inches high, once you have mastered that, you will be skimming over waves in no time. If you try your hand at skim boarding for just one hour, you will be burning upwards of 400 calories!

Botanical Gardens

Spring and summer are great times to visit your local botanical gardens. Botanical gardens tend to have most of there plants blooming in the late spring and early summer months. This is also a great way to relax and see some plants that are not indigenous to our back yards. Our local botanical garden has a complete atrium of orchids, it is beautiful! Michigan also has an incredible botanical garden in Ada. The Frederik Meijer Botanical Garden in Ada, Michigan includes an English garden, a huge atrium with tropical plants, wetlands, and an outdoor concert area.

Rollerblading

Rollerblading is coming back in a big way, and it is no wonder. For one, this activity is super fun and can be done with the whole family, and two, you are getting a massive leg, back, and core workout while you do it. Most walking and cycling paths allow rollerbladers, so you will also be able to see some beautiful nature paths along the way. If you are going on any trips this summer, bring your rollerblades along; they are much easier to pack than a bike and will get you seeing places that you may have missed otherwise. You can also count this sightseeing activity as a pretty great workout since you will be burning about 400 calories in one hour!

Canoeing

I know that we have talked about kayaking in the past, but we have not talked much about canoeing. With all of the rain most areas have seen this year, canoeing down a river is going to be extra fun! Most canoe rental facilities charge extremely low prices for canoe rentals and most canoes can fit up to three people. This makes canoeing an extremely budget friendly, fun, family activity.  

If you are going on any trips this year, I would highly recommend checking out some canoe or kayak rental areas. This sport is a fantastic upper arm workout and gives some amazing views that you may not be able to get from land.

Theme Parks

With all of the new expansions both Disney and Universal Studios have made throughout the year, it would be silly to not add them onto the list. I have heard fantastic things about the new Transformers ride at Universal Studios Hollywood and Orlando. Plus, Disney has opened two new areas in both Disneyland and Disney World Resort. Do not think theme parks are out of the question if you are visiting other countries either. Disney has recently finished expansions of there parks in Tokyo, Paris, and China. All of these parks are well worth the visit, no matter how busy.