The 8 Best Ecotourism Activities for Families

May 30

Ecotourism focuses on responsible travel that conserves the environment and improves the well-being of local communities. This approach offers a perfect opportunity for families to bond while respecting the planet.

Here are some of the best ecotourism activities the whole family can enjoy.

1.Escape the City Lights and Go Stargazing

Light pollution is increasing annually, so swap the city lights for a night under the stars. National parks like the Grand Canyon National Park or Zion National Park are perfect for stargazing.

Camp out under the night sky with blankets and snacks. You can also take a stargazing tour led by knowledgeable astronomers and learn about constellations, planets and galaxies while contemplating humanity. It’s a fantastic opportunity for kids to expand their curiosity without harming the environment.

2.Sign up for Wildlife Safaris

Getting up close with wild animals in their natural habitat is an unforgettable experience that allows the whole family to observe animals while learning about conservation efforts. Whether you’re spotting rhinos in Africa, majestic tigers in India or colorful marine life while swimming in the ocean, wildlife safaris offer a chance to witness the wonders of nature up close.

You can get the same experience locally, too. Check out nearby national parks, rehabilitation centers or zoos specifically focused on conservation.

3.Take Walks in Nature

Lace up your hiking boots and explore the great outdoors as a family. Hiking trails provide the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in nature while enjoying movement and fresh air. Outdoor exercise is fantastic for children and crucial for brain development, and it can also reduce stress in adults.

Along the way, your little ones can learn about local plants and animals. You can even test their knowledge by asking them questions on the way or seeing who can spot certain items.

4.Give Back

Volunteer locally to immerse yourselves in your community’s culture and exchange knowledge. Whether you participate in beach cleanups, assist with wildlife rehabilitation projects, volunteer for an animal shelter or plant trees, volunteering is a great way for children to learn empathy and compassion while giving back to the community.

5.Explore the Water With Kayaking and Canoeing

Take to the water for an exhilarating and environmentally friendly activity. Kayaking or canoeing allows the whole family to explore rivers, lakes, dams and coastal ecosystems without adding to your carbon footprint. Guided tours often include opportunities for wildlife viewing and learning about the importance of preserving aquatic habitats.

6.Experience Marine Life

Dive into the underwater world through snorkeling adventures that promote marine conservation and awareness. Swimming and snorkeling are great opportunities for children to encounter tropical fish, sea turtles, colorful corals and mangrove forests.

There are over 243,000 marine species for you and your little ones to explore. Marine biologists and conservation organizations often lead marine life tours. Kids can learn about marine life and the importance of protecting fragile marine ecosystems and reducing human impacts, such as pollution and overfishing.

7.Get a Taste of Farm Life Through Agritourism

Escape the hustle and bustle of city life by experiencing rural settings through farm stays and agritourism experiences. Families can participate in farm chores, such as harvesting fruits and vegetables, feeding animals, milking cows or planting gardens. It’s a hands-on way to learn about where food comes from and the importance of supporting local farmers.

8.Have Family Fun With Geocaching

Embark on a high-tech treasure hunt using GPS-enabled devices to search for hidden geocaches in natural areas worldwide. There are more than 3 million geocaches across the globe, so you will find one regardless of which continent you visit.

Geocaching combines outdoor exploration with modern technology, providing kids — and adults — with an interactive and engaging way to discover hidden gems in remote wilderness areas, urban parks and cultural landmarks. Along the way, you can learn about navigation and map reading.

The Joy of Eco-Friendly Family Fun

You can have plenty of family fun while respecting the planet, passing these traits down to your little ones in the process. When you plan your next family vacation or outing, be sure to include a few ecotourism activities to lighten your environmental impact.

Sea Going Green is a sustainable tourism consultancy that helps create unforgettable ecotourism experiences for tour operators and accommodations. Want to know more? Get in touch.