Ways that your family and kids can use a drone

So, your kid wants a drone? Although there are plenty of "affordable" drones, you still need to rationalize why this is a worthwhile purchase.

I'm a geek and to be 100% transparent with you, I was an "early adopter." I bought a drone before they were cool. As a programmer and iPhone app developer, I was well aware of the new drone technology and how they could be controlled with a phone. So I wrote it off as a "job expense" and got my first drone.

Over the past few years, our family has played with my drone(s) more than just about any other toy. Unlike other toys that collect dust, there are always opportunities to use our drone. Why? Let me explain.

Ways Your Family Can Use a Drone

Aerial Photography of Family Trips

We bring it along on every trip. Every trip. Drones with video cameras/cameras can take incredible photos of your adventures. We even use it for family selfies!

You can use a drone to explore areas that are difficult, or impossible, to reach on foot. I'm not suggesting that you trespass anywhere... but you can get an aerial view of some terrain or landscape that is out-of-reach.

Encouraging entrepreneurship

Buying a drone can actually pay off. Lots of local businesses and companies want aerial shots of their business, or their city. If anyone in your family becomes talented at navigation and film, you can easily start your own little drone photography/videography company.

Businesses aren't the only ones that want cool footage.

Easy business ideas with drones

All of these people (or events) want or could use cool photos and videos that only drones can capture.

• Bands
• Weddings
• Real estate agents/agencies
• For sale by owner
• Community events
• Concerts
• Landscaping
• Inspections
• Construction/Surveying (aerial view of construction status)
• Sports events
• News events
• Tours/Parks
• Performance rehearsals

The list goes on and on. Here's a list of companies that are using drones.

Obstacle courses

This is an easy one, and a great way to teach your kids how to use and fly a drone.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hn0gUNtjhBE

Fun, educational experiences

Obstacle courses are definitely educational! Even at the university level. For instance, a Savannah College of Art and Design student used this as a midterm project!

Finally, use that GoPro

The "GoPro" is another fad we bought into. By itself, it really didn't get enough use. My youngest son enjoyed taking it along on his skateboard adventures. But he is the only one who views the footage he records.

Although I like to believe we go on lots of fun adventures, they aren't necessarily ones that we want to be filmed. Let me tell you, after your children record 2+ hours of a hiking trip, no one wants to edit and rewatch 99% of it.

But when you can attach your GoPro to a drone, you suddenly have a surplus of opportunities.

Didn't get your fill? Here's a list Business Insider made about unusual ways to use drones. And here's a lesson plan (common core).