Take a Hike with a Tyke

Being outdoors with your kids is a bonding experience.

There are challenges at every step of the way.

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Biking

Places to Ride. Check into whether your neighborhood has a bike-path or a "rail-trail." (Contact the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy, a national organization that turns abandoned railway corridors into recreational paths 800-888-7747.) These rail trails are great for biking (as well as long walks, jogging, and in-line-skating). Another benefit is safety: Most of them are off-limits to motorized vehicles. Also try your local department of transportation. Some municipalities close sections of parks roads or even public highways during the summer for recreational use.

Sitting Pretty. Baby seats take a little getting used to (for the pilot, not the passenger), so you'll want to make sure you're very secure on your bike before strapping in your precious cargo. To get used to how it feels toting some extra weight around, you might want to load up the baby seat with something other than the baby the first time you take it out for a swing. Your best bet for equipping yourself properly is a reputable bike shop. The staff tends to be avid cyclists and they know their gear. Look at this as your opportunity to get some exercise and your child's chance to get some fresh air and a free ride.

Take a Ride on the Wild Side. If you really want to get away from the traffic, try mountain bikes. Mountain bikes (as opposed to the more traditional touring bikes) have exploded in popularity in the last 10 years. The reason: Upright handle bars and padded seats make them far more comfortable to ride, and their big, fat tires let you go off-road onto dirt paths and trails. Mountain bikes have truly intergenerational appeal. Their fans range from trend-conscious teenagers (and pre-teens) to older folks who appreciate a little comfort.

Safety. First things first. No one (this includes you, Dad!) gets on a bike without a helmet. Second, even if you plan to stay on bike paths, you'll need to teach your kids some rules about traffic and intersections. Everyone crosses together.

Troubleshooting. A bike ride can take you a surprising distance, even with kids along. But bikes can break down. A class in safety and maintenance will tell you what equipment and tools you need to bring along, and will teach you how to solve common on-road problems like changing a tire and fixing a broken chain.

Watersports

Boating and Canoeing. Here's a perfect prescription for a hot summer day: Try canoeing or boating on a lake. Parks with lakes often have canoes and rowboats for rent. If you've got very young children (or children who can't sit still), opt for a rowboat. It's more stable. Canoes are a little tipsier, but they go faster, and your kids can help paddle. (Even so, expect to do most of the work solo!)

Whitewater Fun! If you live anywhere near a free flowing river, there's probably a canoeing or rafting outfitter in your area. A river trip is nature's version of an amusement park ride, and even a short trip can be a highlight of your child's summer (and maybe yours, too). A professional guide will provide transportation, equipment and instructions. You bring your sense of adventure. Trips can range from a few hours to a few weeks. You'll need to ask about age limits, because these trips are too rough for very young children.

Tubing. Tubing down a slow-flowing river is another ideal way to while away a summer afternoon. One mom offers this description of the perfect Saturday afternoon with her 10-year-old son: "Karl and I left our bikes at one end of the river. Then we drove a few miles upstream, hopped in our tubes, and floated down to our bikes. When we got there, we swapped the tubes for the bikes and rode back up to the car."

Staying Safe. Like bicycle helmets, the rule is simple: Everyone wears life-jackets, all the time.

Staying Warm. Even on a hot summer day, hypothermia is something that experienced boaters always think about. Kids love to splash around and get wet, but continual exposure to cold water can draw heat away from their bodies. Make sure you've got extra warm clothing in the car, and throw a couple of warm layers of clothing into the boat, too. You can keep them dry by using a closed heavy-duty garbage bag. Never ignore prolonged shivering. It's a clear sign that it's time to go in.