Outdoor Activities

Whether you’re sporting two wheels or four, riding a bike is efficient, economical, healthy, ecological and fun - and just about anyone can do it.

Cycling is celebrated around the country in May during National Bike Month. And this week in Massachusetts, it’s Bay State Bike Week, culminating in Bike to Work Day on Friday, May 18. In keeping with the spirit, we’ve rounded up some suggestions for area biking trails, family-friendly cycling tours, and special biking events taking place this spring.

Taking full advantage of Boston’s location - the Charles River to the west and Boston Harbor to the east - community boating programs provide numerous opportunities for kids and families to learn to sail in Boston. Look a little further to the north and south, and options multiply. From annual memberships to five-day passes to one-day rentals, the following sailing centers offer packages that will fit your budget and schedule. Note that many of the lesson and camp programs fill up fast, so be sure to plan ahead.

Hiking just may be the perfect family activity. It is appropriate for all ages and a wide range of abilities, it is very inexpensive, it’s dynamic, and it’s good for the body, mind and soul. Perhaps that’s why hiking has become a holiday tradition for our family; looking back on Easter, New Year’s Day, Christmas Eve, and Labor Day, I have realized that we celebrated those holidays with a family hike.

Read on for a few of our favorite places to explore nature and enjoy a couple of hours away from our hectic schedules. You may notice that most of these places offer more than hiking trails – that’s because, for better or for worse, the kids are far more enthusiastic about a hike when it holds the promise of another fun activity, like playground time, a swim, or animal encounters.

Each year on or around April 22, Boston comes alive with many special events to celebrate Earth Day. Kids learn about how they can help protect the the environment and how your family can become more green. From community service projects like the DCR’s Park Serve Day and festivals at the Spellman Museum and EcoTarium to outdoor festivals at the Franklin Park Zoo, on the Greenway, and on the Boston Common, families can get out, have fun, and make a difference.

Read on for our top picks for things for kids and families to do to celebrate Earth Day 2012.