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Best Lakeside Activities
It’s that time of year, the lazy, hazy days of summer. What better place to enjoy these hot summer days than by the water or at the cottage? Feeling bored of the same routine of sitting and suntanning? Maybe you are looking for some fun activities for the kids while you can relax with a cocktail. Whatever your reasoning is, we have some awesome lakeside activities to share with you! There is something on this list for everyone, young and old! Are you ready to throw your swimsuit on and make the most of these hot temperatures?
Read on for some of the best lakeside activities for enjoying a bright summer day!
1. Go Paddleboarding or Kayaking
2. Splurge on a Huge Water Floatie
Okay, we know, these floaties can be a little over the top. But just think of how much fun you’ll have enjoying a float in the sun in a giant flamingo, swan or unicorn?! These giant floaties aren’t a cheap option, but they certainly do make a statement! Why not splurge a little this summer and get one of these awesome inflatable toys. Your lakefront will be the place to be and the talk of the town!
3. Learn to Waterski or Wakeboard
Feeling adventurous this season? Why not get out on the water and try to learn a new sport! Learning to waterski or wakeboard is such a fun activity to learn. If you are feeling like it’s a little bit too extreme for you, then try being pulled behind a boat in a tube instead. This is a lot tamer, and still a ton of fun and can be enjoyed with friends!
4. Have a Bonfire by the Lake
Bonfires are always fun no matter where they are located. But there is something truly special about sitting around a bonfire, watching the sunset over the lake. Grab some sticks and marshmallows and make a party out of it! Don’t have a fire pit by the water just yet? You can make one yourself by following our step-by-step guide for building your own fire pit!
5. Dine Al Fresco
We all gotta eat at some point in time, why not enjoy your meal outdoors! Dining outside is just so much more delightful! Who wants to come indoors after a wonderful day in the sun. Well, you really don’t have to! Try a BBQ dinner and bring it down to the dock or at a picnic table on the lawn. Breaking bread with friends and family with a beautiful view of the outdoors and water is one of our favourite lakeside activities!
6. Stargaze
Once the sun goes down, it is time to enjoy nature in the evening light – or lack thereof. Try setting up a couple of loungers or zero gravity chairs or even a blanket on the grass. You may also want a separate blanket to drape over the top of you depending on how cool the night air is. Look up into the stars and see how many constellations you can name. You may even see a couple of shooting stars… be sure to make a wish!
7. Sleep Under the Stars
Speaking of the stars, why not try camping out and sleeping underneath them! Sure, you have a nice warm cottage with comfortable beds inside, but there really is no better way to connect with nature than to spend a night in it! Break out the tent and sleeping bags and set up a campsite in your own yard! Enjoy the sounds of crickets and frogs as you lay your head down to sleep. Enjoying a rest by the water is one of life’s greatest lakeside activities!
8. Go for a Nature Walk (& Try Nature Bingo!)
As you have probably noticed, this blog is all about connecting with nature. Here is a great way to do so! Go for a little walk and enjoy the fresh air. If walking is a little too “boring” for the kids, then why not try “Nature Bingo”! This game can be a ton of fun for adults as well. Click this link for a free printable bingo board for you and your family. Check off the items as you walk! If you win a line, maybe a fun reward would be a trip to the ice cream store afterward!
9. Try Some Outdoor Painting
This is one of those fun lakeside activities for anyone in the family! Plus, you can hang your work of art in the cottage for all of your guests to marvel at later on! Grab a cheap canvas from the dollar store and set it up on an easel or even up against a rock. Make sure to get some biodegradable paint to use so you don’t harm the ground with it. If you want to get really crafty, try filling a water gun with paint and spraying it at the canvas! This can create some truly interesting art pieces as well as fond memories!
10. Play an Outdoor Game
A sure way to get the family involved in a social activity is to break out an outdoor game. There are tons of fun outdoor games that you can either buy or DIY! If you are looking to spruce up an afternoon with some fun and lots of laughs, then an outdoor game is definitely for you! Check out our blog post with a great list of outdoor games to choose from! Playing an outdoor game is a wonderful lakeside activity, but be sure not to drop your game pieces into the lake!
11. Plant a Garden
Planting a garden is a ton of fun because you get to enjoy watching your plants grow every time you come to the cottage! There might be different flowers popping up each time depending on how you set your garden up. Maybe you would like to start a little vegetable garden as well, fresh veggies at the cottage are an awesome addition to your outdoor meals! Remember that little critters are always roaming around by the lake, so be sure to have proper barricades and deterrents in place.
12. Paint Rocks
Here is another great activity for the whole family. Go for a walk around your property… or keep an eye out on your nature walk! And scope out some paint-worthy rocks. The best rocks for painting are typically flat and smooth. This will make it easier to paint. Many people like round rocks for painting, but you can do whatever shape or size you like! Next, break out the biodegradable paint and enjoy an afternoon making your creations come to life! It’ll be so fun to see what everyone comes up with. For a little bit of inspiration, check out this article!
13. Build a Gazebo or Pergola
Having a gazebo or pergola is a great addition to any home or cottage. It is the perfect spot to enjoy some shade, get away from the bugs or even enjoy a rainy afternoon! Building one of these structures is a pretty big project to take on, so make sure you have the time and the resources for it. It is probably not the best to start working on a gazebo or pergola near the end of the summer season. You will probably want to get to work on it near the beginning to make sure you don’t run out of time. Check out our great blog post on building your own gazebo on a budget!
14. Throw Water Balloons
Pick up some water balloons from the dollar store and start a friendly water balloon fight! This is the perfect lakeside activity because there is no doubt that you’re going to get wet. It is probably a good idea to suit up in a bathing suit before starting this messy activity. Be sure to have towels on hand and if you don’t avoid the aftermath, be sure to stay far away!
15. Make Your Own Slip n' Slide
This activity is almost like the previous one, meaning that you are sure to get wet! Water balloons and slip n’ slides are both great lakeside activities for a hot summer day. If you have a hill on your property, then you might be able to make your own DIY slip n’ slide! These slides can be so much fun for the entire family! For a list of instructions on how to create your own, refer to this article!
16. Create a Rope Swing
All you need is a sturdy rope and a tree for this exciting lakeside activity! Be sure to choose a tree that is in good health and not old and dying. Toss your rope up and over a branch and be sure to secure it nice and tight! Now, it’s time to let the games begin! Your kids are going to love swinging and jumping into the water on their new rope swing! You might even enjoy it too!
In conclusion, we hope you enjoyed these 16 lakeside activities. Summer is never quite long enough, so we hope that you are able to make the most of it! Spending time with family and friends in the outdoors by the water is sure to create precious memories that you can cherish forever!
Ready to make the plunge and purchase your first cottage? We suggest speaking with your mortgage broker to ask some questions about how much money you need for your down payment and if you can afford to own a second dwelling. Once you have been pre-approved, give us a call, we would love to help you find your dream cottage!
Not able to purchase a cottage but looking for some exciting things to do this summer in Ottawa? In addition to this post, you may want to check out Ottawa’s best beaches, our safe & fun summer bucket list, Ottawa’s best patios, and 10 day trips from Ottawa!