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Over the years we have traveled a lot. Sometimes relatively locally within a few hours of home, and sometimes to the other side of the country (or even to other countries!). Over time I have discovered there are activities you can do (almost) anywhere.
I’m a planner and for every trip our family makes (or ones I do solo!), I create a loose itinerary of the things to do during the commute to our ultimate destination, as well as local highlights we might want to experience.
Every now and again the locations we visit are a little light on the entertainment. But there are a handful of things I keep on my reserve list that you can do just about anywhere. Read on for my favorites.
1. City/Location/Site Seeing Tours & Daytrips, visit a historical site
In the past most of our “tours” have been things we booked while on a cruise. Many big cities have Tour options to purchase. My girls and I agreed that the tour we experienced in Niagara Falls, CA was the best one we ever had! It included a Boat ride to the falls, a walking tour and a journey behind the falls. If a tour option isn’t available for the location you are in, you can google the history and other information about the area and create your own “tour” with a list of things you want to visit or see.
2. Escape Rooms
Do you like adventures that involve working together, solving puzzles and…escaping? Try an Escape Room! Not as common in rural areas, but most cities have them. Check out my post “Teamwork Required for a Great Family Escape”. While we did this Escape Room in 2017, the Vaccine still remains one of our favorite Escape Rooms ever. If you are in the Chattanooga, TN area be sure to visit Escape Experience Chattanooga.
3. Hiking (or skiing, or canoeing, or paddle boarding, or…)
We won’t talk about the time my kid got stuck on a paddle board in the middle of the lake because the wind was to strong for her to paddle back (and how I had to save her LOL). Outside of the occasional hiccups, time in nature on any of our trips has created some of the best memories. Whether its a hike, time in water or something else we always try to schedule something naturey on every trip.
4. Geocaching
Ok, I’ve already written two posts about Geocaching. One in 2017 that is an overview of Geocaching, and then one in 2024 about how its a great way to find hidden gems. Our family discovered geocaching in 2015 and we still have fun with it. Geocaches can be found almost anywhere. From hiking trails to parking lots, it is truly an activity you can do anywhere and a great way to explore.
5. Photo Challenges
Photo Challenges are not just a way to have fun, but also help you to document memories. You can create your own challenge based on someone else’s “what you shouldn’t do” like Riley and I did in this 11 Travel Photos You Should Take If You Want To post. Or you can use a list. Check out the 25 pic Challenge I created on my Free Download page (yes, I said FREE!)
6. Scavenger Hunt
A scavenger hunt can be anything like the list I made for our Disney Cruise (Check out the Scavenger hunt section of my Free Download page). Or a Website/App like Let’s Roam that provides anything from city exploring, to ghost tours, bar crawls and more. I did the Chelsea, MI hunt with some amazing locals and we had a really fun time. Even though most of us have lived in Chelsea for many years, we all learned something new. Another one is Zombie Scavengers – I haven’t tried this one yet but it looks like fun and I hope to do it!
7. People watching
Does this really need an explanation? Get your favorite drink, sit down in an area with people. Watch the people around you and observe their interactions. Can you determine their stories based on their movements and interactions? (Don’t be creepy LOL)
8. Watch the sunrise or sunset
Not every place will have the best view, but you can almost always walk or drive a short distance to a better spot. Sunset and Sunrise are amazing no matter where you are (as long as the weather cooperates).
9. Try a new food/new restaurant
Whether local or while traveling, I’m always down for a new food experience. Locally, a couple of my relativity recent first visits were the Lakehouse Bakery (the roasted garlic cheddar bread was freakin amazing) and K Bueno (loved the chicken sandwich). Can’t wait to try more.
10. Bring out your inner artist with Sidewalk chalk
On a sidewalk or in a parking lot, there is so much opportunity to bring out your inner artist with sidewalk chalk. Whether its to be funny or to send a positive message, just do it! The pic below of the frog and sun is a chalk drawing I did at Sounds and Sights Chelsea in 2021.
12. Adventure Challenge Book
I bought the Adventure Challenge Book (solo edition) in 2022. While I still haven’t completed the book, I’m working on it and it’s fun! See details about the book and a video of my first adventure challenge in my post “How to Have Fun Spending Time Alone”. They also have editions for couples, friends, etc. The solo and couples versions have the best reviews. If you are interested you can find them here.
Do you have any other suggestions about things you can do (almost) anywhere? If so let me know in the comments!