The Zoo

Nothing beats a trip to the zoo for the animal loving family.  There are so many to choose from.  It doesn't matter if you go across the country, or across town.  The zoo is always fun and educational.  There is something that everyone will enjoy.

If you go to a large zoo, such as The Henry Dorly Zoo in Omaha, Nebraska, you can make a few days of fun.  Larger zoos often have more shows, animals, and activities to choose from.  There is always something going on.

For a one day thing, I suggest a smaller local zoo, such as Blank Park in Des Moines, Iowa.  You can see everything in one day and still participate in the activities such as feeding some animals, seeing a sea lion show, and the bird show.

Almost all zoos have an interactive petting zoo and either camel and/or elephant rides.  These things allow you to get up close and personal with the animals and their caretakers. 

If you love animals, don't forget to go to the zoo.  It really makes a great family day (and wears the little ones out).

The Cookout

Everyone likes and needs to eat.  That's why the tradition of a cookout is so popular.  It doesn't require a lot of travel time or extra effort.  Just a grill, some meat, and friends and/or family.  A cookout isn't limited to just one or two occasions either.  You can cook out for holidays, birthdays, graduations, when people visit, or just about anytime. 

A cookout is a great way to get family and friends together whether it's a special occasion, or just a day in the middle of the week.  No matter what the occasion, or where you are, a cookout is always fun.

Theme Parks

A great, fun way to spend a day, weekend, or even a week!  And half the fun is getting to whichever destination you choose.  There are so many different parks to choose from, all over the world!  There are so many different rides, games, and attractions to see and play and do!  There are water parks, parks for coaster enthusiasts, themes for little kids and families galore.
 
Staying in hotels after you get there and on the way is a vacation in itself.  Pools, play grounds, hot tubs, room service, anything you can think of to make your stay as carefree and relaxing for you as possible.  So pick your park, plan your trip, and have a safe, and fun time.

Traveling

The family road trip or vacation is always a fun and relaxing tradition.  You get a chance to spend time together, see new things, go new places, or go places that you love to visit.  You don't even have to go far away from home if you choose not to.  The choices you have for places to go are completely endless and boundless.

State and National Parks are a great way to bond and spend time with yourselves and with nature.  You can ride horses, swim, view special sights, go off the beaten path and make wonderful discoveries.

Landmarks are always fun to see, like Mt. Rushmore, or the Statue of Liberty.  The Grand Canyon can be absolutly beautiful.  You can even go back in time to the old west and visist ranches and ghost towns.  Go on a cattle drive or just get a hotel with a pool and a great view.

It doesn't matter where you go, really, just as long as everyone has fun and enjoys the time together.  Even if you only go 10 miles from home.

Hunting and Fishing

There is something about being in the great outdoors that is tremendously appealing for a lot of us.  The thrill of that 12 point buck or that 50+ pound catfish is absolutely enthralling.  You can feed your family or even go for sport.  However, you must follow the rules and regulations in order to keep everything in balance and not have a negative impact on nature.

Fathers and sons go out early in the morning and by the end of that day, the boy may pass a right of age into early manhood by his family's standards and traditions.

Hunting and fishing are also a great way to spend quality time outdoors, and away from the headaches of everyday stresses.  Get out in the air and just enjoy being you and let your love of nature flow and just go with it.

You can get all your equipment at sporting good stores, or special outdoor shops.  From guns and fishing poles, to the right clothing, you can find it all and really make your hunting and/or fishing trip fun and successful.

So go get your fishing license and/or hunting license, and get outside to the more rugged side of things.

Camping

Get the whole family out for a weekend in the woods or by the lake.  Make it an annual tradition to go camping.  It's great for leaving stress, anxiety and worries behind.  Go swimming and grill out for a change.  Walk the trails, build a fire, and just relax and enjoy life for a bit.  Just get away from it all.  You don't have to go far, there are campgrounds almost everywhere.  You can even camp in your own field or backyard. 

Animals like to go camping too. You can take your dogs, and some places have camp sites for equestrians (horse people).  Even horses like a change of scenery sometimes.  And you will love seeing sights you can't always get to in a car or see from the road.
 
Camping is something a family can enjoy anytime and in a lot of different places.  It's a great time for bonding and catching up with each other, and just to have fun together. If you find a place or two you really like, make it a tradition to always go every year or so.   So go grab a tent or get the camper/RV ready.  Grab the burgers and hot dogs, and the family and get away from it all!   

Farming

Everywhere you go you go, no matter what state or region, you see family farms.  Farming has been around since before the Indians showed the Pilgrims how to plant corn and other crops. This tradition of raising both crops and animals has been passed down from generation to generation over the years. Farming has always been in the background of food and livestock production of all kinds and may well be one of the oldest, time-tested American Traditions.

Many kids, wether from the country, or in towns and cities have many opportunities to learn about farming and agriculture as well as basic animal care.  Programs like 4-H and the FFA Chapters are found in most communities and schools.  These and similar programs teach the kids about different aspects of the agricultural industry from farming, to showing and caring for livestock.  Also, a lot of great living and social skills can also be learned from these programs.

You can support your local farmers and and the agricultural industry by doing just a few things like buying local and attending your local farmers market.
 
So next time you get behind a tractor, combine, or other farm equipment, be nice and remember, he may be trying to get that sweet corn, the beans, or even those fresh veggies ready for you.  Give him all the space and time he needs.  He is doing one of the hardest, oldest jobs in the book, and he is doing it for all of us.  He is The American Farmer.