Roody

On occasion I have the chance to ride with a friend's youngsters. We have fun, but I'd like some suggestions for cycling activites that would make it even "funner."

Any thoughts?

wahoonc

With my kids it was any ride that ended up at a park or ice cream store... or better yet BOTH

Aaron

idontgetit

My kids like to ride the train. Here in Calgary we have light rail that's part of the transit system. Riding to the train, then going for a train ride can bring all sorts of otherwise distant destinations into reach.

freediver

Lots of (healthy) snacks and books. Also helps to have any kind of coloring books or games to play while bouncing along. My son thought that I should hook up a DVD player in the Burley on our ride back from the zoo yesterday, but my wife and I were certain that would not happen.

Today it was a ride to a park, a beach, and then for ice cream at the little shop across from the beach.

It really helps to have the xtracycle so I can pack all of their normal cloths and diapers, but also any sand toys, blankets, swimming gear and even a cooler of food on ice. The more you can make it seem like home, or a ride in a minivan- which I don't have- the better off you are.

Jon

rockmom

Freediver,

I'm on the eastside, is the zoo easy to get to from the bike path? We're planning a lazy loop around Lake Monona and are looking for fun stopping spots for the kids.

gwd

A fresbee doesn't take up much space in the panniers. Smaller kids like chasing bubbles.

freediver

Rockmom,

I'm on the east side as well- about a mile from the east Ymca. I think that round trip to the zoo was about 20 miles. Once you get on the commuter path, or Monona bike path, follow it around to Olin park and then pick up the path that takes you straight west, past the Goodman pool, and right to Vilas park. We hit the zoo, park, and beach all at once when we go there- at least until Lake Wingra gets all scummed up.

Today we met some freinds over at the Monona dream park, which was way too crowded and hot, and then skipped on over to Monona bait and ice cream. The beach there was much cooler and quieter. The added bonus of the ice cream shop being right across the street is too good to pass up.

Another favorite is to hit the farmers market in the morning and then head on over to the childern's museum- we are members so the more we go the more we save. In the cooler months we'll stop off for lunch on state strret and in the summer we'll come back around and go for a swim at BB Clark beach.

I can't imagine a nicer city for biking kids around in, and doing things in, during the summer time. Winter makes it all a bit tricker.

Jon

Roody

Lots of good ideas so far. Thanks!

I thought of an idea but i haven't had the chance to kid test it yet. This would be for older kids who can ride on windy days....

Bike sailing! You find a straight trail on a windy day, put your back to the wind then stand up and sail. With a 20 mile wind you can go a very long way without pedaling. I went about 1/4 mile at almost 10 mph the other day. I remember doing this on my bike when I was a kid and loving it. Who can go the fastest...the slowest...the farthest?

kjohnnytarr

Fishing!

Any place with a view!

Outdoor concerts!

Roody

I just went to a free concert put on by the Detroit Symphony Orchestra on the lawn of the State Capitol here in Lansing. It was a fantastic concert. I stood right behind the violins--so close I could read their sheet music. This was really a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

There were a lot of kids at the concert and a lot of people on bikes (like I was, of course). Bikes make a great seat for outdoor concerts.

gwd

There are so many free events here and with the traffic bikes are the best way to go even if you are car dependent. At 4th of July there are numerous things going on and with a bike you can check them all out where with a car and walking you can only get to a few.

freediver

Sticking with the concert ideas; Rockmom, have you ridden down to Concerts on the Square or checked out some of the kids concerts at Olbirch gardens? Much easier to bike than to drive to those events.

Another fun thing to do in Madiosn is to bike down to Rutabaga's on Thursday nights and join in one of their paddles. I have a couple of dive kayaks but choose to rent one of their tandem kayaks, or a canoe, to take my whole family out in. I think the rental cost is $8.44 for the night, and that way I don't have to worry about dragging my boats, paddles, and life jackets with me.

Jon