Several outdoor recreational businesses along the Milwaukee, Kinnickinnic and Menomonee rivers rent kayaks, stand-up paddleboards and paddleboats for nominal fees, providing great opportunities for locals to enjoy our urban waterways. The nonprofit Urban Ecology Center rents kayaks and canoes to its members and educates the public about outdoor recreational activities. Novice and experienced hikers, joggers and cyclists can explore the many free trails comprising the Milwaukee County Parks system; some trails offer gorgeous vistas of Lake Michigan’s shores and bluffs.

These final days of summer also mean a few last hurrahs under the lush canopies of trees at outdoor festivals. NEWaukee’s Night Market on September 11 is a free, open-air market that combines art, craft and food vendors, live art creation, local music and a beer garden. Harbor Fest, September 8, features the Milwaukee Boat Parade, boat tours, paddling lessons, fishing, bike tours, boat building, live music and tours of the Neeskay, UW-Milwaukee’s research vessel.

September 21 marks a busy day of festivities, with the Bay View Bash celebrating the food, art, music, crafts, books and community organizations of one of Milwaukee’s most vibrant neighborhoods; and on the same day, pets and their companions may enjoy Petfest at Henry Maier Festival Park. Rounding out September is the popular Doors Open Milwaukee, which welcomes adventure-minded public visitors into 150-plus buildings—large and small, new and old, landmarks and hidden gems, most of which are free events.

Staying active promotes youthfulness, both physical and mental, and this issue explores the concept of vibrant aging. May we all partake in the benefits—mental, physical and spiritual—of engaging community while enjoying the natural world around us.