By Laura Bohnert
The summer is just around the corner. Within no time, the kids will be out of school, and you will be looking for family-friendly activities that will keep everyone active and entertained—and stave off the boredom. While we tend to think of malls, theme parks, and movie theatres when we think about family-friendly entertainment options, the great outdoors has a lot of activities to offer—and these can do more than simply provide short-term entertainment. They can provide valuable family time, and can also provide strong learning opportunities for kids and adults alike.
Here is a list of summer activities that can help keep you and the kids busy this summer.
Swimming
Nothing says summer like a trip to the beach. For the true beach experience, Allan Beach Resort is a nearby destination that is gaining in popularity but for swimming experiences that are a bit closer to home, be sure to visit the Blue Ridge recreation area, 20 minutes outside of Whitecourt, or Carson-Pegasus Provincial Park. And, don’t forget to grab your tubes and head to the Whitecourt River Slides at Rotary Park, too.
Bird watching
If you are looking for something a little different and a bit more educational, try birding. Whitecourt is home to some unique and even endangered species of birds including loons, grebes, Great Horned owls, woodpeckers, goshawks, Boreal chickadees, White-winged crossbills, and more. See if you and the kids can spot them all over the course of the summer.
Wildlife viewing
Of course, Whitecourt isn’t just unique for its species of birds; it also has a unique population of wildlife including deer, moose, black bears, beavers, Snowshoe hares, porcupines, coyotes, and even lynx. See what wildlife you can learn about and safely view this summer.
Fishing
Or, grab some gear and head to Carson-Pegasus Provincial Park for a bit of fishing.
Boating
Kayaking, canoeing, and power boating are other great ways to enjoy Whitecourt’s great outdoors this summer. Pack a picnic lunch and head out for a day on the water. Boat launches and boat rentals are available at Carson-Pegasus Provincial Park.
Hiking
Carson-Pegasus Provincial Park has a number of great hiking trails to enjoy if you are ready to tie on those hiking boots.
Camping
And, if you are looking to extend your stay so you can try everything and get the full outdoor experience, grab a tent, head to Carson-Pegasus Provincial Park, and grab a campsite.
Don’t forget about everything the great outdoors has to offer when you are looking for some fun activities to do in Whitecourt this summer.
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