Experience Gifts - Get your Teen Outdoors

by Rebecca
(Kentucky)

Yes, you could give your teen a CD or video game, but studies show that young people are not spending enough time in the outdoors. You can give your teen a unique gift that will provide not only enjoyable memories but also a new experience in the outdoors that may lead to a life-long interest in outdoor activities.

Think back to your own childhood. Perhaps some of your best memories are those where you were outside: fishing or camping trips, just playing in the sunshine in the woods or fields.

Here are some great ideas to get your teens outside and enjoying life off the couch. You can provide an experience with the whole family or give your teen and one or two of their friends an opportunity to try something new and exciting.

Many areas of the country have rivers that are navigable by canoes or kayaks. Search the internet or local phone book for the nearest canoe livery and give your teen a canoe trip. For beginners, pick a shorter trip. Canoe liveries can suggest the best trip for the experience level your teen has. You can make it a family outing or drive your teen and his friends to the livery, let them enjoy their adventure while you relax at a nearby restaurant or explore a small town in the vicinity.

If boating isn't the perfect idea, then see if there is a high ropes adventure near you. What a thrill and accomplishment for your teen to be guided through the treetops by experienced guides. Safety is of the utmost importance during these adventures, so even though you may feel frightened you are in experienced hands and equipped with all the most reliable safety equipment.

These are just two examples of outdoor experience gifts that teens enjoy and will thank you over and over for.