Five outdoor playgrounds for families
There’s plenty to engage active families at these al fresco adventure hot spots. Here are five towns to consider:
1. Traverse City, Mich.: Every July, travelers flock to this northern Michigan city to feast on all things cherry. Music, parades, tastings and art are all part of the weeklong National Cherry Festival. Throughout the warmer months, family travelers enjoy the local freshwater lakes and streams, where searching for Petoskey stones, swimming, kayaking and paddling are favorite pastimes.
Visit the diverse ecosystem of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore for miles of trails, shoreline and forested islands. Adults might want to arrange time to visit a handful of the more than 50 wineries in the area. Info: traversecity.com 2. Sun Valley, Idaho.: Adjacent to the vast expanse of the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness, this vibrant high-altitude enclave serves as an ideal base camp for exploring the beauty of the Sawtooth Range and the nearby mountain lakes and trails. Then return to town where activities such as horseback riding, mountain and road biking, fly-fishing, tennis, golf and shopping will keep your clan engaged.
When planning, check dates for outdoor summer concerts, as well as art and music festivals. Don’t miss the weekly ice-skating shows at the Sun Valley Lodge featuring world-class figure skaters and Olympic medalists. Info: sunvalley.com 3. Jackson Hole, Wyo.: As a gateway to two of our most stunning national parks — Grand Teton and Yellowstone — this Wyoming paradise has long been a favorite stop for active travelers.
Lace up your hiking shoes and explore amid the jagged peaks of the magnificent Teton Range, following scenic trails that hug the shores of String, Leigh and Trapper lakes. Spend a sunny afternoon picnicking, wading, floating, fishing or kayaking on the Snake River. Saddle up for a horseback ride and imagine how the early settlers might have felt upon discovering the magical beauty of the region. Info: wyomingtourism.org 4. Steamboat Springs, Colo.: In the late 1880s, fur trappers passing through this Colorado enclave heard an odd noise resembling a steamboat. They were pleasantly surprised to find more than 150 geothermal bubbling springs that today soothe tired muscles after skiing or a long hike.
Choose from a long list of outdoor pursuits that includes rafting, mountain biking, horseback riding and fly-fishing or tubing on the Yampa River. At day’s end, check out the impressive barrel racing and saddle bronc riding at the rodeo, a favorite of locals and visitors alike.
Info: steamboatsprings.com; steamboatflyfisher.com; steamboatchamber.org
5. Grand Marais, Minn.: Located on the shores of Lake Superior, this harborside village blends an artistic, creative vibe with an adventurous spirit. Home to nationally renowned artist schools and galleries, Grand Marais also serves as the gateway to the Gunflint Trail National Scenic Byway and the Boundary Waters Canoe Area.
Hike Pincushion Mountain, set sail on Superior or bike along the shoreline. Plan a side trip down the historic Gunflint Trail, where you’ll have the option to paddle across glacier-carved lakes, hike through ancient forests, fish for walleye and sample Northwoods hospitality.
Info: gunflint.com; visitcookcounty.com