The best thing a family can do is spend some quality time together. The tricky part is coming up with exciting ideas or creative activities to keep everyone engaged and entertained no matter their age. A useful addition to the Family Fun List is a decent drone and some unbridled imagination.
Drones aren’t just flying cameras used by Youtubers, they’re also the modern version of remote-controlled vehicles. A fun and engaging way to experience being a pilot of course is to let everyone try their hand at it. An inclusive activity if you will. They’ve made the art of flying easier and more accessible nowadays, due to smartly designed collision sensors that protect your device from crashing and breaking into tiny pieces. You do want to protect your investment, right? It’s fair to say that drones and their application have changed the way we look at the world today. The truth is that the recreational use of a drone is exciting and you and your loved ones will be having fun in no time.
Create Your Own Obstacle Course
Building an obstacle course for your drone in your backyard will need the creativity of all the family members. Set up a course in a wide-open space with various obstacles, such as hula hoops hanging from tree branches, garbage cans stacked on top of each other, a broomstick, and a mop as makeshift flagpoles to indicate the finish line.
You would also need to set up a No-Fly Zone, a safe area from where your spectators can view the action. After everyone feels satisfied with the course you built, take some time to test it out yourself. Set a base time for course completion and let the family try to beat your record. There is also an option to buy a drone obstacle course kit if you are more inclined to go that route. They include various stands with hoops and some even have LED lights or glow the dark section which comes in handy if you are brave enough for night racing. Who knows, you may be so proficient that you consider joining the local Drone Racing Club.
Map Out Your Property
The kids will love this. It is fun and educational and they will be more than eager to explore the lay of the land. Set up a workstation on the kitchen table with a large blank canvas. Let them take the drone and fly around the yard. The next step is for them to review the footage and mark out the areas of the lawn, big trees as landmarks, and flowerbeds or the pool. This really is a great activity to teach them how to be aware of their surroundings and how to judge distance and direction. An introduction to finding their way wherever they are. They are modern-day explorers using technology not only to capture the geographical layout but also precious memories. Making a map is an adventure in itself.
Neighborhood Pet Patrol
A handy service to present to the neighbors might be for your kids to offer your services as an amateur drone pilot to act as a freelance Pet Patrol agent with them to help locate lost pets. Lost animals are wary of humans so the drone would be ideal to spot them. Depending on your local bylaws or community rules and restrictions of course. Privacy is a touchy subject and it’s best to check around before embarking on your journey to find missing dogs or cats.
Adventure Hikes can be Captured on Video
Remember to take your drone with you on the family hiking trip to capture the wide-open spaces or forest excursions you’re going to explore. If your drone is equipped with a “follow me” feature, be sure to play around with the feature for amazing cinematic shots. Review the footage when you get home to edit it into a fun yet memorable home movie.
Special Events Photographer
Birthdays, weddings, or anniversaries can be captured from above with your drone, giving you a unique perspective on the festivities as they unfold. You can really get everyone in on the action and do sweeping shots capturing the entire crowd in a typical flyby with your drone. On hover mode, you can do a time-lapse or let the young ones chase the drone while getting crisp photos of their smiling faces.
As an additional benefit, after gaining some experience flying your drone, consider approaching local photographers and offer your services to make some money. Who knows, you could even start up a side-line business.
Take Unique Photos
If your family loves looking at things from a different angle, try setting up entertaining and funny shots which the drone can take while all the members are models. Gather some props from the house, carry them onto the lawn and stage a quirky set just for fun. Do dress up with different costumes, use strange and unconventional angels with the drone playing its part as the eccentric photographer. Standard pictures with family and friends are fun but not as exciting and adventurous as the ones where there are almost no limitations on where the camera can be.
Roof Check and Gutter Check
It does not necessarily fall entirely into the fun category, but it depends on how you frame it really. Drones are built with exceptional maneuverability and especially when tackling DIY activities they might come in handy. The benefit is that you can inspect each area without risking your life or the lives of the teenagers for that matter. Detecting roof damage or gutter blockage early may limit the severity of the problem.
There are plenty of drones available and it really comes down to what you are willing to spend. As with everything in life, it’s a cost vs benefit calculation. You don’t have to spend a fortune but quality drones are most likely within your budget. Do some research, pick your preferred flying machine, and lift off on a new adventure.
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