It’s the season your grandkids have been waiting for, so how will you maximize the long lazy days of summer with them? Celebrate the carefree season to its fullest with these outdoor activities and adventures.

BACK TO NATURE

Trailblazing - Head to a local, state, or national park and make a day of nature hiking. Carry a backpack with binoculars, sunscreen, visors or sunglasses, and plenty of water and snacks. Don’t forget your hiking shoes and a lightweight jacket in case it gets too cool.

Ride ’em, cowboy - You don’t have to be a horse owner to enjoy the pleasure of riding one of these majestic beings. Visit Rimrock Adventures (www.rradventures.com; 858-9555) or another horse rental stable and catch the sunset on horseback. Make sure your grandchild is provided a helmet for safety before you ride.

Zoo trip - Visit a nearby zoo that has created natural, spacious settings for their animals, and teach your grandchildren the importance of these habitats. Check the schedule for animal presentations. You don’t have to travel all the way to Denver for this experience! Check out the Children’s Nature Center (www.childrensnaturecenter.org; 241-1000).

WATER, WATER EVERYWHERE

Beach bummin’ - Load up the beach ball, buckets and blankets, and head to the lake. Take along goggles, snorkels, and fins for underwater exploration.

Swimmer’s paradise - Spend a smoldering summer day cooling off at the pool. Don’t forget to apply sunscreen throughout the day.

Backyard water blast - Plenty of cool fun can be had right in your own backyard. Fill water balloons, and play a game of catch. Or hook up the sprinklers for a refreshing game of tag. Don’t forget to fill up the squirt guns and supersoakers to ensure everyone stays drenched.

YOUR OWN BACKYARD

Under the stars - Take full advantage of the peaceful summer nights and camp out in your backyard. Kick off the evening by watching the sunset, then build a bonfire (if permitted), roast marshmallows, and gaze at the stars, seeing what you can spot.

Croquet champs - Set up this outdoor game everyone can play. Then hold a summer’s end croquet match.

Step right up - Organize a backyard carnival to raise funds for your favorite charity. Hang posters in local businesses, and submit a news release to the newspaper. Ask friends and neighbors to help man the booths. Then set up games such as a beanbag toss or number wheel, a baked goods stand, fortune telling, face painting and refreshments.

Outdoor hideout - What’s a backyard without a hideout or special place to kick back? Build a tree house or fort with the younger kids, who can feel a part of the project by carrying small materials, dispensing nails, and occasionally swinging the hammer.

OUT AND ABOUT

Dancin’ in the street - Summer abounds with fairs and festivals. Enjoy live music, food, and arts and crafts. Look for upcoming festivals in the BEACON’s Summer Travel & Festivals insert (inside this issue).

Batter up - Family fun centers like Bananas offer a variety of recreation for the whole family. Get ready to practice your golf swing, speed around the race track, or bump another boat.

Arts in the park - Unwind listening to summer concerts at Grande River Vineyards (www.granderiver vineyards.com/events-concerts; 464-5867) or take in a movie under the stars at Lincoln Park (www.facebook.com/moviesintheparkgj; 254-3886) or Glade Park (www.glade-park.com/movies-under-the-stars.html). Don’t forget your blankets or lawn chairs!

Wheels big and small - Pull out your bikes and roller blades, and take advantage of a paved trail in your neighborhood or along the river.

Coasters, cars and Ferris wheels - A trip to Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park (www.glenwoodcaverns.com) can be the highlight of the season. If your grandkids are at different ride levels, invite another family with children similar in age to your own. Then divide up so everyone can get the most out of the day. Meet up for lunch and dinner to swap kids, so all grandparents get time with each age group.

Park play - Take your grandkids for a picnic and an afternoon at the park. Bring along a playmate for your grandchild, and they’ll be content for some time. Don’t forget to bring a book to catch up on your summer reading. ■