5 Last Minute Summer Activities for Fitness Focused Families

The summer may be winding down, but that fact doesn't mean that the activity levels have to dwindle. There are many last minute activities that can be part of your family's life when you match up local events to your personal likes and dislikes. When you have a fitness-focused family, concentrate on these top five activities that will leave your summer full of memories for the rest of your life.

One Last Mountain Trip

The surrounding mountains may beckon you to explore their contours so heed the call in the fading light of the summer. Many mountains are only a few short hours away. Pack up the car with every essential, such as picnic supplies and recreational items, so that everyone has a good time. You might hike along marked trails or relax by a babbling brook. Water sports are often part of a mountain retreat, which allows you to rent equipment as necessary. Staying active is incredibly easy with so many pastimes available in mountainous areas.

Biking at Favorite Parks

If you don't have the time to head up to the mountains, look for a park that's nearby. Ride over or bring your bikes because so much more can be seen from the seat of your bicycle. The entire family can ride along to see the scenery. Feed ducks, explore hidden areas behind trees and set up a private picnic for everyone. You won't notice that exercise is part of the day. Biking is a great workout for your cardiovascular system and legs. If you tend to stand up as you bike, you'll also give those arms a workout. 

Impromptu Sports Games

Relatively large families can create their own sports competitions at the park or in the backyard. Choose a sport that everyone enjoys, including volleyball, baseball or soccer. Go over the game rules, especially if there are any changes to note. Create teams, and start up this last-minute activity. You might make a habit of these competitions each week until the fall. The group setting encourages healthy relationships while everyone receives a solid workout. 

Take the sports games to the park or beach too. A change in landscape forms a challenge for everyone playing the game. Contours across the ground make you work harder for that goal or play every time.

Fishing Out on the Water

Fishing is both a skill and sport that can be thrilling out on the water. Rent a boat so that you can head out to the middle of a lake or deeper into the ocean. Both kids and adults benefit from fishing because it takes some energy to cast and pull the line through the water. The real effort occurs when a fish is on the line. Everyone can pull that heavy fish out of the water. Depending on the region, you'll see and catch various fish species. 

As an alternative, remain on shore for some fly fishing. Casting a long line into the water is both fun and fitness-oriented. The kids can help with the lures and bait too. Being outdoors is one of the best ways to stay fit as you focus on the task at hand.

Refining Those Sports Skills

The children or grandchildren may participate in sports at their schools in the fall. Take the last few days of summer to practice those sports skills. Throw a ball, run a mile and refine those skills so that tryouts are a breeze. Fitness-focused families can achieve almost any health goals when a group effort is put forth each minute.

After taking part in those last-minute activities, grade them as a group. Pick out the events that were the best or not so exciting. Make a list of the activities that you'd like to try again in the coming year. These experiences can be prioritized next year as you add to the list of family-focused fitness excitement.