What to do in Vancouver: Stay Active Over Summer Vacation
When you think of summertime, you likely think of warm days and time spent outside. With a spectacular natural setting, spending time in nature seems like the natural answer for what to do in Vancouver when the days are long and the weather is hot. However, summer can present some special challenges when it comes to staying active. For one thing, the weather here can be more than a little bit damp at any time of year. For another, with the kids out of school and many children’s classes and programs shut down, everyone’s out of routine. The regular activities that are part of your daily life from September to June may fall by the wayside.
So, what’s the answer? How do you stay active in Vancouver over summer vacation? We have a few suggestions.
What to do in Vancouver: Four Steps to an Active Summer
1. Create a New Routine
Summer is only a few months long, but that doesn’t mean routines need to completely fall by the wayside. Maybe you’re not walking or cycling to and from school each day, but during the summer you can build other activities into your daily life. Consider taking a walk as a family after dinner each day, scheduling nature walks, visiting an outdoor pool, or cycling to the library or community centre for story times or drop-in playtime. If the weather doesn’t cooperate the rest of the year you still get outside because you have to – so don’t let a little rain stop you just because we’re having a wet day in June. The more that you make activity into a habit, the more likely you are to do it, no matter the season.
2. Explore Your City
How many neighbourhoods, attractions, parks, and other local sights have you been meaning to take in, but haven’t found the time for? There’s a reason tourists flock from all over the world to visit Vancouver every year. Our city is a gem, and there’s so much to see and do here, especially during the summer. Schedule time to take in all those spots that you just haven’t gotten around to seeing. A day spent exploring often includes lots of walking and other activity, so you’re getting some exercise as you staycation, and build memories to last your family a lifetime. Exploring your own backyard is what to do in Vancouver this summer.
3. Plan Activity Into Family Vacations
Summer is a time to get away, for many Vancouver families. Whether you’re camping nearby, heading to a far-flung locale, or taking a road trip to your family reunion, plan some time for daily activity into your travels. Many hotels have fitness rooms and pools, perfect for getting in a little exercise on the road. When you’re planning your days, give a cycling tour equal billing with a visit to a museum. Sightseeing on foot is a great way to take in a new place while staying active. And if you’re spending a lot of time in the car, periodic stops to let the kids stretch their legs and burn off excess energy will keep everyone smiling.
4. Day Camps and Classes
It’s true that many of our regular activities take a break over summer vacation – but others kick into high gear at this time of year. If you’re spending most of your summer sitting at a desk, then signing your kids (and maybe even yourself) up for some active camps and classes may be a good idea. Your kids can try beach volleyball, learn to ride a bike, take swimming lessons, do gymnastics, take their soccer skills to the next level … the options are endless. And for Vancouver moms, summer is a great time to try an outdoor boot camp class, finally learn how to kayak, or join a local sports league. If you sign up for a group activity, you’re more likely to do it, making for a more active summer.
What about you – how do you stay active over the summer months?
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