You’ve worked hard all year, and now that summer is here, you want to enjoy your time off with your family and friends. You might not have the time nor the funds to travel to a faraway destination, but at the same time, the thought of more barbeques and amusement park trips isn’t exactly taking your breath away!

The Internet offers an easy way to look for fun, local activities that don’t require loads of expensive gas, from the comfort of your own home. Private recreation vendors and civic organizations in your area provide everything from whitewater kayaking and paintball to kids' cooking classes and dance lessons, and in many cases, you can purchase tickets or vouchers online. Here are a few questions to consider as you select that perfect summer activity:

Is your goal knowledge, personal development, or pure fun? Do you want this activity to be a learning experience where you have to do a little bit of work, or are you content to just kick back and enjoy it? Don’t forget to survey your family members group to see what they think!

What size group are you planning to go with? If you're going with several families, ask about the amount of personal attention each participant will receive. An activity like windsurfing requires substantial instruction, especially if you’ve never done it before!

Is the activity something everyone can enjoy? Consider the ages and characteristics of the children and adults in your party. Find out in advance if there are restrictions on the activity and make sure that everyone in the group will be willing and able to participate.

When can you schedule the activity? Before you begin your search, coordinate a range of potential dates with your group. Keep in mind that you’re likely to have much more flexibility in your activity choices (as well as lower prices) if you can get everyone together during the week.

Is the weather likely to cooperate? Ask your vendor for advice. Thunderstorms are quite common in the summer, so if you choose an outdoor activity like sailing or rock climbing, you may run into a snag. Though most vendors will allow you to reschedule due to inclement weather, it might be difficult to coordinate another available date with the others in your party.

Does the vendor have a good reputation? Research activity operators to find out how long they’ve been in business in the area, what type of customer feedback they’ve received, and if they have a secure method for processing payment. Make sure that they carry insurance, are certified for safety if appropriate, and have a satisfaction guarantee.

Once you’ve booked your activity, send your participants a confirmation as well as a checklist of things to keep in mind, such as appropriate dress, transportation details, and arrival time. If you’ve chosen a full-day activity that doesn’t involve food, consider arranging a potluck picnic.

Life in the 21st century is more hectic than ever. You may only have a few precious days off to spare, but don’t stay home and let the good stuff pass you by. Follow these guidelines to try something you’ve always wanted to do, and bring family members and friends along for the ride!

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Andrew Playford is the Founder and CEO of Signature Days, a Chicago-based online retailer that allows Americans to celebrate the luxury of life. Its Internet site, www.signaturedays.com is a centralized service where customers can choose from a wide range of unusual and exclusive experiences and encounters in categories such as action and adventure, gourmet and wine, body and soul, and self-improvement.

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