KEEP THE KIDS BUSY

Bring plenty of things for kids to do for the times when they aren't paddling. A bucket and shovel, coloring books, and drawing pads with pencils can engage kids for hours. For added laughs, bring some inflatable float toys you can tie to the back of the canoe.

KEEP A TRIP JOURNAL

On a canoe trip to a new spot, pretend that your family is recording a great expedition, in the spirit of Lewis and Clark, and imagine that you've discovered the place. Have people take turns recording their feelings, plus the weather and wildlife sightings.

STRETCH YOUR LEGS

Pick a canoe route that lets you combine paddling with a short exploratory hike to a waterfall, scenic vista, or other local landmark. To unwind from paddling, you might take a brief fishing expedition or skip rocks together along a beach. Bring licorice, crackers, and fruit to keep the troops fortified.

MAKE FEATHERED FRIENDS

Rivers and lakes are prime environments for beginning bird watchers. Bring binoculars and a bird book, and have the kids keep a list of all the birds you see during the trip. Ducks, geese, herons, sandpipers, ospreys, bald eagles, and many other species live in waterside habitats.

MAKE UP STORIES

As you paddle, take turns weaving a tale. The inspiration for your story can be a landmark with an interesting name (such as Bull Mountain). Or, to keep up the paddling rhythm, sing songs in the tradition of the French Canadian voyageurs.

GET WATERLOGGED

Kids love to race sticks and small logs down moving water. When you take a break, get a competition going along safe stretches of water or in side channels. Or, try log riding. Find a driftwood log big enough to stay afloat with a kid on top. Move it to some safe, quiet water for paddling around in, and children will stay busy for hours.



Please keep in mind that phone numbers, addresses, and prices are subject to change. Updated August 2005.