by Shaelynn Miller, contributing writer 

You can spend time with your family this summer without breaking the bank. Try a staycation or a day trip. Here are some places you can take your family close to home.

Bear LakeBear Lake

Are you thinking about a day trip or camping trip to Bear Lake? Try out these activities while you’re there:

  • Cave exploring: The Minnetonka Cave opens for the season in June. The tour includes a 90-minute, half-mile walk with 400 steps up and down the cave, according to bearlake.org.
  • Horseback riding: Just minutes from Bear Lake, you can enjoy a few hours of horseback riding. St. Charles, Idaho is one of the cities near Bear Lake that offers this activity. They offer full and half-day trail rides with lunch provided. Call (307) 885-4868 to reserve a spot.
  • Wildlife viewing: The Bear Lake National Wildlife Refuge is located on the north shore of Bear Lake. There you can find ducks, herons, sandhill cranes and white pelicans. The refuge has one of the largest Canada geese producing areas in the Western United States, according to bearlake.org.

Cache Valley Center for the Arts

If you’re searching for an indoor activity, try taking your family to the Cache Valley Center for the Arts. At their Summer Art Camp, your kids can enjoy art four days a week for two weeks. You can sign up on their website at cachearts.org. The center also offers shows, including dance and symphony performances.

If you’d like to expand your talents over the summer, they also offer music, dance and art classes for all ages. Browse their website to see what classes most interest you and your family.

Hot Springs

Take a day trip to one of these hot springs near you:

  • Crystal Hot Springs
  • Downata Hot Springs
  • Lava Hot Springs
  • Maple Grove Hot Springs
  • Riverdale Resort

Logan Canyon Hiking Trails

For an easy hike, try the Limber Pine trail in the Beaver Mountain Area. This trail is a one-and-a-half mile loop with views of Bear Lake from several points. If you want a more difficult hike, try the Steam Mill Hollow trail in the Beaver Mountain area. This trail is five-and-a-half miles one way.

Raspberry Days Festival

Mark your calendar for this year’s Raspberry Days Festival on Aug. 4-6. This annual event includes the Little Miss Berry Pageant, a craft fair, a parade, a 5K run, dances and fireworks. For more summer activity ideas, browse local events by visiting cachevalleyfamilymagazine.com/calendar.