Spending time at the lake might bring back fond memories from your childhood, long left behind for other pursuits. Share that magic with your own family by exploring these 8 fun things you can do when visiting a nearby lake this spring and summer.

1. Go on a Nature Walk

For early spring adventures, where the water may be a bit too cold for actually getting in the lake, a nature walk can let everyone explore their surroundings. Experts agree that time spent in nature is good for overall health and wellness. It boosts mood and can help kids learn some important skills.

There are some things you can do to make your adventures more meaningful. Start a nature journal to record what you find. Or, find and customize a nature scavenger hunt template for your area and make it a competition to see who can find the most items.

2. Learn to Paddle

There is a peaceful quality to the soft sound of water pouring off your paddles as your kayak or canoe glides smoothly through the water. Take time to slow down and let your body power some exploring of the lake waters in a blow up kayak. This is a great option if you like the experience without the hassle of storing a traditional boat. They have a fairly wide range of features and limits, so take the time to find the right inflatable kayak for you and your family.

3. Cruise Around the Shores

If you need something with a little more speed, take a boat out for a leisurely cruise on the water. Remember that many lakes, especially smaller ones, will have restrictions on wakes and speed.

4. Find a Rope Swing

There is something timeless in swinging from a piece of old rope to land in the water. Find one near a deep swimming hole, or make your own, to recreate this novel and fun activity form the past.

5. Swimming

Once you land yourself in the water, spend some time getting out excess energy in the water. Swimming is a great cardiovascular activity, just don’t tell the kids they are exercising. Instead, make water time fun with games like Marco Polo, races to the shore, or just hit a beach ball back and forth for hours of fun.

6. Toss Out a Line

A trip to the lake just isn’t complete without someone breaking out the fishing poles. You don’t need anything fancy to be successful. See if the lake you will be going to has a rental counter that can provide the right gear for its native (or stocked) fish.

7. Get Pulled Along

Tubing can take many forms. On a river, you can just move along with the water. At a lake, not so much. It can still be a lot of fun, though. Of course, you can just float along to see where you end up. If you want a little more action, tie it up behind the boat for some high-speed tubing fun.

8. Relax

Of course, you want to leave time for pure, simple relaxation. Bring a book, turn on some music, and just relax as you listen to the sounds of nature and families having fun.