Where to take the family this summer?

Advice
#1

I have been kayaking on my own for a while. Now i’m looking to get the family involved. Does anyone have any suggestions where I could take the family, rent some canoes and spend a day on the water. Also some nearby fun for the kids like putt-putt and a movie theatre etc. I live in central Ohio and was hoping to find some excellent smooth water within a neigboring state. Any advice would be great.

#2

Michigan
There are some great places in Michigan. Depends on how far you want to drive. Sleeping Bear Dunes is one of my favorite areas. You can take the kids canoeing on the Platte River. It is slow, shallow, clean, clear, and warm. It empties into Lake Michigan. You can even get some kayaking in for yourself. There are stores that rent kayaks and lots of places to paddle. There are campgrounds, hotels, putt putt, and even a drive in movie theater near by. Probally 4 or so hours from the Michigan line depending on where you come from. Feel free to e-mail me if you want more info on the area.

#3

Ditto that on NW lower Michigan
I was in the sleeping bear dunes area for 14 days a few years ago. The Platte is a nice mellow float with some good fishing as well. There are also numerous lakes in the area with clear water that makes for some great sight casting.



There are number of other attractions in the area.



One night we went to one of the Indian casinos for an outdoor blues festival. I’m not sure if it was the weather, but there were only a few hundred people. I was front row watching BB King jam on stage. I will never forget that one.

#4

If you are on your way south anyway…
this is near Chattanooga if you take I-24.



http://www.sequatchie.com/canoe.htm



Its an easy canoe trip. I wouldn’t make a special trip for it though.

#5

There’s a town near Silver Lake on the
weat side of MI (below Pentwater)that rents dunebuggies. Looked like fun. You should be able to google it.



We enjoy the MI rivers, but go off season.

#6

Assateague Island VA
Nice paddling. Wild ponies on the island. Birds everywhere. Two miniature golf courses. One theater.



I’ve got some pictures on a web site if you’re interested.