It goes without saying that summer on Kauai means going to the beach. Kauai has miles of coastline, and numerous lifeguarded beaches. Beaches also offer abundant opportunities to try new activities. You can teach the kids to surf, stand up paddle, kayak, snorkel, boogies board, fish or just do some beachcombing. How about taking a reef walk during low tide at Salt Pond or Baby Beach? There is lots to see in the tide pools, but don’t forget to bring your tabis.

Lydgate Beach Park is the best of both worlds for families with children. The extensive community-built Kamalani playground includes a spiral volcano slide and swinging bridge. After wearing out the kids on the playground, you can cross the street for a cool dip in one of the protected swimming ponds.

Try your hand at golf. Take the kids to one of the local golf courses like Kukuiolono where you can enjoy stunning views, a Japanese Garden and of course nine holes of golf. If the kids are too small for a full size golf course, mini golf s a great way to introduce them to the sport, visit Anaina Hou Community park and enjoy a shave ice at their café!

Get on your bike and ride. The Kauai Coastal path offers 4.1 of beautiful scenic views. There are plenty of places to stop and explore and the pavilions will offer you a shady spot to cool off and enjoy a picnic lunch.

Take a drive up to the Keahua Arboretum where you can enjoy a refreshing change from the hot sunny beaches. Pack a picnic lunch and let the kids take a dip in the freshwater stream while you enjoy the cool mountain breezes.

Take the keiki for a train ride. Did you know that there is more than one place to take a train ride here on Kauai? Kauai is rich in railway history and you can learn more about it by taking a train ride on the Kauai Plantation Railway at Kilohana or on the oldest surviving plantation locomotive in Hawaii through the Grove Farm Museum.

Explore the many wonders of Kokee. Stop by the Kokee Museum and let the docents help you find the perfect hike for the skill level of your family. Kokee is a great place to learn about and enjoy Kauai’s native flora and fauna. Keep your eyes open, you may discover something you have never seen before.

Enjoy the gardens of the Garden Isle. National Tropical Botanical Gardens offers free admission to their gardens for kamaaina on Ohana day. Take a self-guided tour through acres of beautifully landscaped gardens, or join one of their educational programs.
 
 
 
 
 
Whatever you do, be sure to get out, get active and enjoy spending time with your family this summer. For more ideas about activities that you can enjoy with your family on Kauai.