Looking for a local destination for some much-needed family time while the weather is still warm? Check out some of the public places nearby to stretch your legs and breathe some fresh air into your lungs.

On the coastal side of Route 1, the beaches are wonderful to walk on, and at this time of year, Fido can join you. There are also many interesting trails that cut through gorgeous Scarborough terrain: the Eastern Trail, the Scarborough River Wildlife Sanctuary and the Lucy Sprague Memorial Trail.

Whether you’re biking or walking, the Eastern Trail now spans roughly 5 miles, beginning at the parking lot on Pine Point Road, running along the beautiful marsh, crossing Black Point Road and sharing terrain with Eastern Road, then re-entering the woods for a looping mile or so up to the banks of the Nonesuch River. Use the entire trail for a long loop, or turn around mid-way for a lighter jaunt.

Another secret oasis for spontaneous fun is the Scarborough River Wildlife Sanctuary, located across the street from Ken’s Seafood on Pine Point Road. There is a mile-long loop through fields and woods, as well as a half-mile loop. There are two ponds, access to the mud flats along the river, and lots of interesting wildlife and vegetation (like old apple trees) with placards explaining origins and species.

One of my newer discoveries is the Lucy Sprague Memorial Trail, which begins with an easement across Camp Ketcha property near the intersection of Black Point Road and Route 77. This is a single trail, approximately a mile long. After parking your car at the lower Camp Ketcha lot, head uphill past a small barn on the right, utilizing the footpath that leads to the Libby River Farm and the Memorial Trail. Stay left on the trail when passing the brown wooden outhouse and continue on past the gravel pit. You’ll know you’ve reached the beginning of the dedicated trail when you see the kiosk erected by the Scarborough Land Conservation Trust.

On the inland side of Route 1, the Sewell Woods Trails offers waterfalls, a seasonal brook and two steel trail bridges. This is a great area for walking and bird watching. To get there, travel from Route 1 onto Broadturn Road at Dunstan Corner. Turn left onto Ash Swamp Road ,and just after crossing Hearn Road, turn into the parking lot on the left. The entrance cable can be removed to park in the lot and should be replaced when leaving.

Farther down Broadturn Road, Fuller Farm is another conservation property with beautiful, more open trails. This system meanders gently uphill through hayfields, grasslands and woodlands that eventually slope down to the Nonesuch River. From Route 1, follow Broadturn Road past the Holmes Road intersection, and just after dipping down to cross the Nonesuch River and heading back uphill, park in the dirt lot on the right.

While Scarborough has a lot to offer for public access lands, a few outdoor gems are outside of town, as well. The South Portland Greenbelt is a lovely paved, off-road path that begins at the Wainwright Recreation Complex in South Portland just over the Scarborough line. Take Pleasant Hill Road to Highland Avenue. Turn left off Highland Avenue onto the Gary Maietta Parkway, which quickly ends in a vast parking lot. Walk or bike the tranquil path that begins on the right as you enter the parking area. Traveling along the path to Broadway Avenue and back on the secluded trail takes you through woods and fields and makes for a short, 4-mile trip that’s great for younger kids. The greenbelt does continue all the way to Bug Light Park, but after the first leg to Broadway, it’s necessary to cross several very busy streets, and wouldn’t be very friendly to younger children.

With only a short time until the white stuff flies, I should also mention some areas that are fabulous for sledding, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. One of the nearest is Purpoodock Golf Course on Spurwink Avenue in Cape Elizabeth, which offers great expanses of golf course terrain with self-made ski trails (bring all your own equipment) and sledding hills all across the property (they only ask that you stay off the roped greens areas).

For a more specialized cross-country ski experience, try Harris Farm Ski Center, located at 280 Buzzell Road in Dayton (499-2678). It’s approximately a 30-minute drive from Scarborough, but with rental equipment, a warming hut, groomed trails and hot lunches for sale, it’s well worth the trip. For more specific directions, search the Internet for the Web site or give them a call.

Pineland Farms (688-4800) is another cross-country and snowshoe destination that’s only 30 minutes from Scarborough. This 2,500-acre property has 25 km of ski and snowshoe trails meandering through rolling farmlands with views of Mount Washington. Rental equipment is available there, too.

If your family is like mine, the hardest part of a great outdoor adventure is getting everyone off the couch (or electronic game or computer) and into the car. Make the outing even easier by having this article tucked into the side pocket of your vehicle. Then, all you have to do is decide which direction to go in!

For additional resources on Scarborough public access properties, check out the land trust’s Web site at www.scarboroughcrossroads.org/slct and click on Trails. Community Services has also been working to create a usage guide on their Crossroads Web site providing trail descriptions and driving directions for each of the Scarborough trails mentioned above.

Heidi Will is a member of Scarborough Wellness, local citizens promoting healthy lifestyles for all ages.