Family-friendly activities for a weekend trip to the shore

Weekend excursions to a shoreline are a summertime tradition in many families. Oceans and lakes are sights to behold at all times of the year, but the warm air of summertime makes the months of July and August a particularly popular and fun time to spend a weekend by the water.

Swimming is a go-to activity when spending time by the water in summertime. Swimming also is family-friendly, making a dip in a lake or ocean an ideal way to pass the time during a weekend trip to the shore. But oceanfront and lakeside communities offer a wide range of other family-friendly activities that parents and children can enjoy during their next weekend getaway.

· Fishing boat excursion: Renting a boat or booking a fishing trip through a commercial vessel can make for a unique and fun way to spend a summer day or night. Seasoned boaters can rent their own boat, while those with little or no experience can leave the boating to the captain of a commercial vessel. While there's no guarantee everyone aboard will catch a fish, many commercial fishermen will do their best to ensure everyone goes home having caught a fish.

· Water sports: Families that love to get out and about can look to an assortment of water sports to stay entertained during their next trip to the shore. Jet skis, kayaks, canoes, paddleboards, and even surfing sessions can be booked at many waterfront destinations in the summertime. Rentals tend to be available for anyone without their own gear, but book early to ensure you won't miss out on a chance to navigate the waters in style.

· Mini golf: Perhaps no summertime activity is more family-friendly than mini golf. Families need not be near the water to enjoy mini golf, but courses are staples of lakeside and oceanfront communities.

· Whale watching: This activity is exclusive to travelers visiting oceanfront locales, but whale watching ventures are wildly popular and a great way for families to get a sense of the scale of nature. Many whale watching excursions are between two and three hours in length, and vessels will transport passengers well out off the shoreline. Whales might be the focal point of these trips, but it's possible passengers will see additional marine life, including dolphins, on such excursions.

There's no shortage of family-friendly activities to enjoy when spending a summer weekend at a lakeside or oceanfront destination.