Family Fun Month is celebrated each year during the month of August. It is a great time to get out and experience new and exciting adventures with family and friends alike.

In the 1950s, Michigan license plates were adorned with the famous “water wonderland” branding, and for good reason.

Our beautiful state is home to 11,000 inland lakes, tens of thousands of miles of rivers and streams, and the longest freshwater coastline in America. In fact, no matter where you are in Michigan, you’re never more than 6 miles from a body of water.

That means you’re just minutes from great fishing opportunities, and what better reason to go than Take an Adult Fishing Day on Saturday, Aug. 3? This annual event encourages kids and parents to plan a fishing trip and bond in the great outdoors. Check out michigan.gov/fishing and look for the Family Friendly Fishing Waters link in the Where to Fish section.

If fishing is not your thing, southwest Michigan also offers numerous water trails for kayaking, canoeing and paddleboaring. Miles and miles of streams meander through woodlands, wetlands and other natural features, providing families excellent opportunities to have fun outside. Be sure to check out michiganwatertrails.org/southwest.asp for more information.

Lastly, if your family prefers a drier escape, what better way to spend a day than at a local county fair? The 21st Senate District is home to three great fairs in Berrien, Cass, and St. Joseph counties. For more information about each fair, visit Berrien County Youth Fair at bcyf.us/; Cass County Fair at mycasscountyfair.com/, and the St. Joseph County Grange Fair at centrevillefair.com/.

We may be approaching the dog days of summer, but there is no shortage of family fun to be had, and August is a great time to have it.

Kim LaSata, R, represents the 21st District, which includes Berrien, Cass and St. Joseph counties. She can be reached at (517) 373-6960 or SenKLaSata@senate.michigan.gov