Depending on where you live, there are likely a surprising variety of family friendly activities relatively nearby. If you’re like us, you prefer to be outside having fun! Sometimes, with a baby, it seems like more work than it’s worth to get it together and head out for the day, but it’s worth the effort. To help you brainstorm, check out this list of ideas and then hit up your map app to search for some local options:

Picnic in the park: Pack a blanket and some snacks and head to a local park for a picnic. It's a great way to enjoy the outdoors and spend some quality time together as a fam. This is where insulated bags are essential, especially if milk is involved. Bring along some toys and of course, a nice ball. You don’t need much space for little babies, but for older kids a playground is nearly essential. Make sure the park where you are heading has some fun play options if you are bringing older kids along.

Nature walk: Take a leisurely stroll through a nearby nature trail or park. It's a perfect opportunity to introduce your baby to the sights and sounds of nature and your local environment. Hiking in the outdoors comes with risks and rewards. Make sure you pack appropriate first aid and supplies like snacks and water just in case. Many trails wend through communities and towns with trailheads that can be accessed from easy to find areas. Check websites like Alltrails.com for local maps with gps location features.

Beach day: If you live near the coast, take your little one to the beach! If you’re a local, you don’t need to hear this one, but for those of us 30 to 45 minutes from the sand and surf, we need to be reminded that the sea beckons. Also, kids love beaches. It’s a rule. Even babies. Bring sunscreen, corn starch (to get off sand from wet feet and butts), and if you won’t be able to rent one, an umbrella.

Splash park: Many cities and parks have splash parks that are perfect for babies and young children. They can cool off in the water and have fun with other kids. In our hometown in NYC these are super popular destinations in those hot summer days. If you live near a full sized water park, these are even better for families with older kids.

Zoo / petting zoo / aquarium: Take your baby to the zoo or petting zoo to see all the animals! It's a great way to teach them about different species and help them develop an appreciation for animals. Petting zoos usually have the most interactivity, which for the littlest kids that might be the most fun of all. We also love the immersive exhibits at large aquariums and find them to be really memorable places.

Outdoor concert or movie: Many communities offer free outdoor concerts or movie screenings during the summer months. In NYC we have all sorts of great summer outdoor festivals and concert venues where you can set up far from the stage to protect those little ears and spread out for some crawling and relaxing. Some of our best memories with our kids were at outdoor shows! Just make sure to set up pretty far from the scrum of the crown and loud volume of the stage. Usually those spots provide quick exit at the end of the show as well, which is also a perk.

Farmers market: Take your baby to a local farmers market to explore the different types of vendors and taste some fresh produce! It's a great way to introduce them to healthy eating habits and support local businesses. Honestly, it's also great to get a head start on dinner, and farmers markets are the best places to shop, for both quality and value.

Bike ride: If you have a bike trailer or bike-based baby carrier, take your kid on a ride. They'll enjoy the fresh air and scenery, and you'll get some exercise. This recommendation is heavily gear based, and you’re gonna need a quality device of some kind to add your baby/kid to the equation. There are front-mounted baby carriers, mid-mounted carriers, and rear-mounted carriers. In our experience the rear-mounted ones are the most enjoyable for the parent, and possibly the kid. Some people swear by the mid-mounted ones. For older kids the rear skewer mounted trailers are incredible. After your kid grows up and can ride themselves you can fill the trailer with beer, blankets and snacks instead.

Playground: Look, if you aren’t already familiar with your local playgrounds, you might as well start now. These are places your kids will be spending a lot of time, which means you will be spending a lot of time there too. Bring snacks, toys, lots of water, and a camera to capture the priceless moments you’ll look back on in years to come. Pro tip: Put away your phone and play

Visit a local orchard: There are all sorts of pick-your-own fruit and vegetable farms in rural and suburban areas. Frequently these places will also feature activities and rides that are perfect distractions for little kids and sometimes dads. Stock up on cider donuts and sacks of apples while getting in your steps and getting some fresh air.

Take the initiative and get outside. Bring the right gear and make sure you have enough snacks, baby supplies, and water for the amount of time you expect to be gone. It's worth the effort!

Getting outside with your baby: Here are a bunch of ideas for fun stuff to do.