Paddle Boats – Inexpensive Summer Fun

Summer is the perfect time for nature study trips that might be difficult to fit into the regular school schedule.  Things like all day hikes at a nature preserve, days spent exploring the beach, and observing the middle of the pond from the view of a paddle boat.

Paddle boating at Jacobson Park in Lexington was a great experience last week as we took about an hour out of our busy day of running errands to check out the view of a pond that we don’t normally see.  Here, two people can ride per boat for only $3.00 for 30 minutes.  It was $6.00 well spent!

Mahayla and Caleb were much faster than Eli and me, but I was paddling by myself and it was at least 90 degrees outside with nearly 100% humidity!

In fact, it was so hot and steamy because a giant storm was headed our way.  The picture doesn’t look like much, but just trust me – the storm it brought was a doosey!

Parking paddle boats is harder than it looks.  At least it was for me.  My kids just zoomed right into their spot without a hitch.  The lifeguard stood on the dock waiting for me (for some time), while he almost didn’t make it to the kids’ boat before they were out and taking off their life jackets.

Ducks and geese love this pond and there were hundreds of them in many varieties.  We rarely make it to this park in time to watch mamas nest on eggs or babies learning the ropes.

What’s on my summer nature to-do list?

  • The beach at Fort Boonesborough
  • Paddleboats
  • Salato Wildlife Center
  • McConnell Springs
  • Natural Bridge
  • The Arboretum
  • Buckley’s Wildlife Sanctuary
  • Raven Run Nature Sanctuary
  • Cincinnati Zoo
  • Virginia Beach

5 Comments

  1. Looks like you had a great afternoon. I remember that storm. It was crazy. We were stuck in Kroger for about 15 minutes. It was great to see you and the kids the other day. We missed you guys this week.

    Kim
    .-= Kim´s last blog ..The Roller Coaster is Almost Over =-.

  2. What a fun list of nature things you are planning for this summer.
    blessings,
    Dawn

  3. While your in Va Beach, check out the Viginia Aquarium. I think you and your kids will really like it. There’s lot of learning centers-if the construction is finished from a year ago. Last year, when we went, they had some centers under remodeling.
    Hope you enjoy! Too bad, I don’t live there anymore, I could have given you a tour!
    There’s also a nature preserve there that you can see some of the horses from NC sometimes. I can’t remember the name of it right now. I’ll look it up and let you know.

  4. Sounds like a great outing despite the terrible humidity! That’s the only thing I do not like about this time of year.

  5. I have those exact same ducks on my pond. Since I write about the Depression years, any history or biography from there? Eleanor Roosevelt maybe? Your reach far exceeds mine (especially in math).
    .-= Shelley´s last blog ..Welcome =-.

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