This past weekend we did many fun outdoor adventures with our kids. Saturday, my fiancé and I took them kayaking. We rented two double kayaks and two singles. Our ten- and eleven-year-olds got their own kayaks to try for the first time, and our youngest went with each of us in the doubles.

We set off a little ways down the river until we reached the dam and then backtracked to the lake. We rented the boats for an hour. The kids did so well. The oldest two took to it like professionals and raced each other around.

My youngest son paddled along with me and next time wants a solo kayak to try. Just near the end when we reached the lake, it started to sprinkle rain. We rushed back, not wanting to get caught in a thunderstorm out on the water. The kids really enjoyed our excursion. They tried something new and spent time out in nature. I love it when we do fun family activities together.

Monday was a holiday here, so I stayed home from work with the kids. It was a gorgeous, sunny day. We set off at 10am to drive to Mont Pinnacle. The parking lot for the trailhead was packed. I had to wait for someone to leave so I could park. There were many people and dogs on the main trail but the kids chose the most difficult trail so we had it mostly to ourselves. It was a strenuous hike up boulders, and at times; you needed to use your hands to climb. The kids loved that part.

The view at the summit was beautiful but there were many people picnicking on the wide flat rock with the view. We snapped a few photos and headed back down. It only took us one hour and twenty minutes to climb up and down the difficult trail. There was a loop option, but we wanted to get down quickly to get on to our second adventure of the day.

Within a five-minute drive there was a beach at Lac Lyster. We pulled in there while there were still a few open parking spots. They filled up quickly as the afternoon wore on. The kids and I had a picnic lunch on the grass and then they braved the icy water.

I did not go swimming; I enjoyed some peace and quiet with my novel on shore. Reading is my very favourite thing to do at the beach. The kids swam, lied in the sun to warm up, played at the nearby park, coloured, and built sandcastles. We spent the entire afternoon there. It was amazing.

For the final treat of the day, I stopped and bought us all ice creams. We got home 7.5 hours after leaving the house in the morning. Such a great fun filled outdoor day!

Do you have any nice local beaches where you live? What is your favourite outdoor activity to do with your family?

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