Why should kids get all the fun in the sun? Summer is also a great time for grownups to get outside and try something new, and Nova Scotia offers the perfect summer playground, for all budgets and abilities.

Roller Skating/In-line Skating

All summer long, you can roller skate and in-line skate at Halifax’s Emera Oval, at no cost. On top of that, you can borrow (free of charge) skates, bikes, scooters, helmets (mandatory) and other protective gear. The site is accessible, including washrooms, and wheelchair users are welcome to use the track’s outside lane. Strollers are allowed too, if the children are wearing helmets. (Halifax, $0)

Clam Digging

It’s hard work digging clams, so expect to get a bit sweaty and dirty as you learn how to hack through sand and mud looking for these tasty bivalves on a two-and-a-half-hour tour with Fundy Adventures. You’ll be guided by a lifelong pro who will not only share his clam-digging techniques but also the history and future of the industry. All that hard work will be worth it—the adventure ends with a steamed clam treat! Reservations are required, and tides and weather may affect availability. (Digby Neck, $66)

Surfing Lessons

Nova Scotia has over 13,000 kilometres of coastline. Surfers know the one and a half kilometres at Lawrencetown Beach are among the best for catching a wave. At East Coast Surf School, you can learn how to surf or improve your technique with one-to-one or group lessons (maximum five people). If you feel more comfortable learning from a woman, instructor Jill Manos is there to help. (She’s placed second twice in the Nor’Easter Surf Contest’s women’s open and women’s longboarding divisions.) Lessons are an hour, and rentals cover the full day. The website has information on shuttle transportation to and from Halifax. (Lawrencetown, $65–95 for lessons, $20–40 for board and suit rentals) 

Yoga & Paddle

Summer is a great time to take your yoga routine outside. Reach a new level of nirvana by combining yoga and a kayak trip around the beautiful LaHave Islands. You’ll see historic fishing villages, wild headlands, birds, seals and other marine life. Choose from half- or full-day tours. Full-day tours are available with or without a picnic lunch and treats option; they also incorporate relaxing walks on the beach. No yoga or paddling experience required, and the tour operators go at your pace – Namasté indeed! (LaHave Islands, $85–$145) 

Trail Rides

Whether it’s your first time on a horse or you’ve earned your own horse whisperer T-shirt, there’s a ride suitable for you at Gillis Mountain Trail Rides. Your guides will take you on trails that offer amazing coastal, forest and mountain scenery. Choose from a one-hour ride, suitable for all levels of riders, and the five-and-a-half-hour beach and forest trip, available only to experienced riders. The longer trip also includes lunch and beverages, a journey over a 90-foot-high trestle bridge and the chance to swim your horse in the Northumberland Strait. (Inverness, $47.50–$250 plus tax)

Your turn: Share your ideas for summer fun in the comment section below.

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