Just minutes from Branson and hugging the shores of Table Rock Lake, Table Rock State Park offers something for everyone, whether it’s camping; renting boats, scuba diving or cruising in a 48-person catamaran from the park’s marina; hiking or biking its paved Lakeshore Trail or more rugged White River Valley Trail; fishing for bass or crappie; or just relaxing with...

This 13-acre White Water “beach” right on the Strip offers more than a dozen rides and slides (including a 7-story, 6-slide thrill ride), the KaPau Plummet featuring a 70-degree plunge through two 240-foot slides followed by a spiraling loop, a giant wave pool, Splashaway Cay (a kind of water playground with slides, walkways and geysers), and Aloha River Hula Hula...

The fast CityCat ferries run to many places of interest, and are one of my favourite ways of getting around. In fact, it’s one of the first things I suggest my visitors do when they come to Brisbane. It’s like having a private river cruise – all for just a few dollars. Stops along the CityCat route include South Bank...

The Riverlife Adventure Centre, based in the old naval stores building at the base of the Kangaroo Point Cliffs, is the place to go if you’d like to get active – and by that I mean abseiling, rock-climbing, kayking, stand-up paddleboarding, riding a Segway, cycling or rollerblading. Hire your equipment if you’re experienced or take a lesson. Riverlife runs daily...

A man-made lagoon, complete with sandy beach and palm trees, is at the heart of this oasis beside the Brisbane River. South Bank Parklands provides a great day out for everyone, with 16ha covered with parks and playgrounds, restaurants and cafes, a few souvenir shops, street performers, and weekend markets. Swim, stroll, and cycle the meandering pathways to discover everything. From...

Exploring the Burlington bike path, which stretches 14 miles along Lake Champlain, is a great way to get to know the area in and around Burlington while getting a good bit of exercise as well.  The bike path runs from Oakledge Park in Burlington’s south end all the way to the Colchester causeway – an old railroad line that has...

Located just outside of Waterbury, and set within the Mount Mansfield State Forest, Little River State Park is one of central Vermont’s most visited state parks. The park contains the Waterbury Reservoir, the centerpiece of the park and a great spot for camping swimming, boating, fishing and playing on the beach. Boat rentals are available, and the reservoir does have...

The largest beach in Burlington, North Beach offers a variety activities and you could easily spend an entire day here.  If you’re feeling active, on the northern end of the beach there’s a spot where you can rent canoes, kayaks and stand up paddle boards.  Grab your paddle and head out on the water to explore the shores of Lone...

The Spirit of Ethan Allan offers various themed cruises during the summer (April to November) on its 350-plus passenger cruise ship, complete with food and beverage service.  Their scenic narrated cruises set sail four times a day during the season – and provide information about the history and geography in an around Lake Champlain (as well as a chance to...

Long before Byron Bay’s sheltered beaches and warm-all-year water put it on the learn-to-surf map, there was Rusty Miller, 1965 US surfing champion, who moved to Byron in the early 1970s and became the area’s first surfing instructor. Now, unlike most other surf schools in Byron, Miller and his daughter Taylor specialise in private lessons and surf coaching sessions. They...

In summer, take an eight-mile tour of Humboldt Bay in a ferry built in 1910. Learn the history of Humboldt Bay and historic Eureka. There are three types of cruises, a 75-minute narrated cruise along the shore. The cocktail cruise boasts California’s smallest bar. The Sunday eco tour searches for wildlife like harbor seals that frequent Arcata Bay. Tours depart...

This 150-room family hotel also includes a water theme park, perfect for playful kids and adults.  Room costs begin at US$90 and include two tickets to the park.  The water park is considered safe and clean and includes water play for young children.  Features include slides for older kids, and giant water buckets.  It is only open to the public...

Cape Cod Canal Cruises departure from the Onset Town Pier (part of the Cape Cod Canal region) and offers 2- and 3-hour tours (with running commentary); sunset cocktail cruises; live music cruises; jazz cruises; and discounted family trips daily during summertime. Reservations only accepted for music cruises, or parties of 20 or more. These tours fill up, so book in advance. .

Swan Pond River is about as calm as they come, winding past islands and great stretches of conservation land. Rent a canoe (2-4 people), kayak (single or double with child), or paddleboat (motorized or manual, 2-3 people) from Cape Cod Waterways in Dennis Port and explore the wildlife nearby or venture 2 miles to Nantucket Sound. Picnic on the sandbar...

For many people, seeing whales breech and frolic is one of the most exhilarating and sacred things they’ve ever done. There’s something so inspiring about seeing these enormous and ancient creatures so close to the boat. If you’ve never done it, put it on your short list. On my most recent trip with Dolphin Fleet Whale Watch out of Provincetown,...

Get everything you need at Goose Hummock Outfitters in Orleans, if your plans include boating the bounding main. Anglers (including fly-fishing fanatics) can completely outfit themselves here. Want to rent or buy a kayak? Check. Want to outfit your new craft with every conceivable accessory? Check. Want to learn how to tie flies, paddle a kayak, brush up on tidal...

When you’re going out for a whale watch, you want a fast boat, a knowledgeable naturalist, and a crew that knows where the whales hang out. You get all three at Hyannis Whale Watcher Cruises. (Despite having Hyannis in its name, this boat leaves from the harbor off Route 6A in Barnstable.) Because of its central location, this harbor will...

It’s all about the Kennedy compound on this hour-long excursion by Hyannisport Harbor Cruises in Hyannis. And they do deliver you and your camera closer than you can get any other way, short of air-dropping yourself onto the front yard of the renowned summer house. But this fun, narrated cruise is also about the area’s history and its gorgeous harbor...

This trip reels the kids (and adults) in from the moment tattoos and face paintings are installed until the pirate ship returns to shore, bearing treasure and swilling grog. OK, so the grog is root beer, but the boat is real, the sunken treasure is right where the treasure map says it is, and kids help raise the sails and...

If you’re collecting most-beautiful sunset spots, Rock Harbor in Orleans (right off the rotary) is one of them. It’s a busy (and buggy) spot, with commercial and charter fishing outfits based here. During the War of 1812, Orleans militiamen repelled a British warship from these waters. A packet service to Plymouth, Boston, and Maine thrived here, as did a saltworks. Some of...