Fun Things to Do On Weekends

By Debbie Hanson

Dec 09, 2019

List of fun things to do on weekends with the family that range from paddling to stargazing to geocaching. Ideas for weekend fun, education, adventure

When family schedules start to get a little too hectic, make it a priority to get outdoors for some weekend fun. In other words, change the pace by breathing in some fresh air, learning more about nature, and making new memories outdoors. If you are looking for ideas to help you plan some fun things to do on weekends with your favorite people, here are five suggestions:

1. Go for a paddle

If you don't own a canoe or kayak, don't worry; there are plenty of places that offer paddlecraft rentals to help with your weekend plans. Many states have peaceful and scenic paddling trails, such as the Calusa Blueway Paddling Trail in Southwest Florida. You can often pick up paddling trail maps and get additional information at local area outfitters or marinas.

2. Ask Alexa where to go fishing

Use the Take Me Fishing skill for Amazon Alexa to get ideas on where to go fishing near you. If you're new to fishing and could use a few handy tips on how to get started, read some fishing tips for beginners before you go. When you use the Take Me Fishing skill, Alexa can tell you about local waterways that might also be good places for extended fun weekend getaways.

3. Plan a geocaching adventure

If you haven't heard of or tried geocaching, put it on your list of weekend fun ideas. Geocaching is an exciting modern-day treasure hunt. Caches are hidden by fellow geocachers who assemble a variety of trinkets and a logbook with a pen or pencil. This stash is then stuffed into a weatherproof box and hidden in a location that you and your family have to find using GPS and a set of specific coordinates.

4. Go camping

One of the best things to do with kids on weekends is plan a camping trip. You can camp at a nearby state park (check the state park's website to see if you need advance campsite reservations) or just pitch a tent in your own backyard. Kids love the excitement that comes along with sleeping outdoors, regardless of how near or far you are from home.

5. Set up a stargazing session

Plan fun weekend getaways to select stargazing spots out in the country. Pack up a pile of blankets and drive far enough from the city lights so that you have a clear view of the sky. You should definitely bring along a star chart to learn about which constellations are visible in your area during this time of year.

Whether you are looking for fun things to do this weekend or fun things to do on weekends in the near future, use this list and make plans to get outside!

Debbie Hanson
Debbie Hanson
Debbie Hanson is an award-winning outdoor writer, women’s sport fishing advocate, IGFA world record holder, and freshwater guide living in Southwest Florida. Hanson’s written work has appeared in publications such as Florida Game & Fish Magazine, BoatUS Magazine, and USA Today Hunt & Fish. To learn more about her work, visit shefishes2.com or follow her on Instagram @shefishes2.