Warmer weather means there are so many fun things to do outside!
Who doesn’t love all there is to do during the summer months? Here in the northeast many of us hole ourselves up during the winter waiting for warmer weather and the joy that comes with summertime activities. I am beginning to actively put together my plan for our family fun this summer, but plan or no plan, things are getting busier and every weekend we are out and about doing something together as a family.
For some people, springtime brings motorized bikes and long drives on curvy roads or dirt courses with mud pits. Last weekend, my 7-year-old daughter participated in an informal gathering of trail riding for dirt bikes. The owner of the property had five acres of trails for large dirt bikes and a small trail for peewee riders. He also had a very small course for non-motorized strider bikes for the really young kids that my 4-year-old son was able to ride on. It was a day of gear, dirt, and a few crashes.
Warmer months also mean physical activities to raise money for a cause. A few weekends ago I participated in my first ever 5K. I’ve also seen lots of bicyclists donning their numbers as they ride for a cause with the beautiful view of a crystal blue lake behind them.
The marinas are beginning to fill up again and I’ve seen many boats being trailered to the lake. Who doesn’t love a weekend full of boat rides, jet skis, and swimming in the refreshing waters of the Finger Lakes?
When I was younger, though we rode all year through, the warmer months brought a reprieve from suffering through a cold saddle while out horseback riding. For equestrians, spring and summer mean trail rides, fox hunts, 3-day events, and driving. Horse enthusiasts also enjoy thoroughbred racing at the Finger Lakes Gaming and Racetrack.
Lastly, I am planning a summer camping trip this year on Lake Ontario for the kids and I. In the past I have not been sure how my son would fare camping and sleeping in a tent, but I feel this year he is big enough that we will give it a try. If roughing it is not your thing, many of the region’s beautiful state parks and campgrounds have RV hook-ups and amenities for comfort.
There are so many things to do in the Finger Lakes Region during the warmer months, from shopping at outdoor festivals to wine touring to hiking, this area has it all. The worst part of course is having to decide which things to miss this year because there just isn’t time to do it all.
Story and photo by Gabrielle L. Wheeler
