Your vacation time has finally come. It's opportunity to connect with nature, relax, and spend time with family. However, sitting around between periods of sightseeing can deflate the communal sense of excitement. Keep things interesting and the family blood flowing by getting fresh air and exercise.

After Dinner Walks

Whether you're staying in a hotel or renting a cabin or home, make it a habit to take after-meal strolls, especially at night, when the sun is setting and the air is cooler. This can be a great option if you have rented a cabin away from the noisy, busy world (if interested, you can consider booking your cabin rental online) for a romantic weekend getaway. Additionally, walking is low-impact exercise safe for family members of all ages.

Spontaneous Dance-Offs

People of all ages love to dance and shake what their mothers gave them. Therefore, reserve time to move and groove at a nearby park. Find a good dance mix on Spotify. Be mindful of those around you and rules of the public park. You don't want your music and dancing to take away from the peace and relaxation of nearby parties.

Clean a Public Park

Coordinate your trip with a charity event. For example, some efforts focus on improving public parks by putting-in playground equipment, cleaning trash, and planting trees and shrubs. Other efforts may provide clothes and canned food to homeless individuals.

Pick Vegetables and Fruits

Visit a nearby farm and pick your own vegetables and fruits. Walking the grounds burns calories, provides a chance to teach kids how to eat healthily, and to teach the family the difference between plant-based and other kinds of foods.

Rent Bicycles

Rent bikes for the entire family or get tandem models for some members. If bikes aren't your thing, see if there are Segway tours offered. Otherwise, ask the front desk at your Marriott Park Ridge hotel about tours in the area that incorporate bikes, Segways, scooters, and other family-safe vehicles.

Find a Pool

Kids love water, whether it's a public pool, ocean, or indoor waterpark. In addition to enjoying what the park has to offer, make it a point to see how well family members can tread water. It's a great workout. If some are interested in swimming laps, that's an even better workout!

Do a Scavenger Hunt

Use tourist sites as stops on a family scavenger hunt. The hunt can cover as much ground and encompass as much time as interest allows. Find points within a reasonable distance to your hotel and split family members into two teams.

Play Tug-of-War

All you need is a long, strong rope to play tug-of-war with the family. Stronger members can battle head to head or you can divide the clan in two and see which side prevails. If you're a sociable bunch, challenge other tourists or families.

Go Take a Hike

You may have mentioned such during a bout of frustration with family members but this time you literally want them to take a hike. See what trails reside in the surrounding area and make time to tackle the trails as a large group. Bring insect repellant, sunscreen, and plenty of water.