Are you trying to get outdoors more this season? Being outside has plenty of health benefits, so why are you staying cooped up indoors?
Many people don’t know what to do with themselves when they’re outdoors. What do you do without wifi anyway? Lucky for you, there are plenty of fun things that you can do with friends while soaking up some rays.
We’re here to give you some of our favorite ideas for outdoor activities that you can start today. Keep reading to learn more!
1. Hiking
Any good outdoor activity list has to begin with hiking. Hiking is great because it’s scalable. Sure, you can go on full-on treks with hefty backpacks and hours of trail time, or you can go on more of a glorified walk exploring nature.
Either way, hiking is a great way to get out into the great outdoors and experience all that local nature has to offer you.
Look for local hiking trails in your area. If you’re lucky, you have nature nearby. If you happen to live in a major metro (especially one that isn’t in the Pacific Northwest), you might have more limitations and you may have to drive for a while before you get to a good hiking spot.
Make sure that you’re dressed for the occasion. Wear sturdy and comfortable shoes, bring sunscreen, wear socks to prevent tick bites, and dress for the temperature.
It’s always helpful to bring a snack and a water bottle, even if your hike is short.
2. Casual Team Sports
Team sports aren’t only for children or professional athletes. You can get outside and play casual team sports as a fun and healthy activity.
There are several fun activities that you can try either with friends or with casual gaming leagues in your area. There are leagues for soccer, lacrosse, tennis, and any other sport under the sun.
Casual team sports are low-pressure and they’re great for gentle competition and exercise. You’ll make new friends and have something to get excited about every week.
3. Climbing
Climbing is growing in popularity, and for good reason. It’s a challenging full-body workout that’s also a lot of fun.
If you’ve never climbed before, don’t go alone (especially if you’re outdoors). It’s best to take a class at a climbing gym and get some indoor practice first so you don’t put yourself in danger.
Once you have the basics down, start taking friends with you outdoors to go see some sights!
4. Camping
Getting outdoors doesn’t have to be an athletic experience. If you’d rather sit back and relax in front of a fire or by the lake, why not take a few friends with you and go camping?
Camping is something that everyone should try to do at least once. While not everyone will be thrilled with the experience, it’s good to give it a shot. You can combine it with your hiking or climbing activities or do it as a standalone event.
Camping is best with a large group of friends. You can sleep under the stars, have a few drinks, roast marshmallows, and do other outdoor activities. If you choose a campsite near a lake, you can go swimming and wake up to the sun over the water.
If you’re new to camping, we suggest doing it while the weather is warm. While winter camping is still an option, newcomers may not enjoy that experience unless they already love the outdoors enough to tolerate freezing temperatures.
5. Horseback Riding
Ready to try something new and interesting? Horseback riding is a great way to get outdoors and get some fresh air.
It’s okay if you don’t have your own horse. You can often find trail riding lessons available nearby where guides will take you on the best horseback trails.
Horseback riding has you experiencing nature in a whole new way. Not only are you outdoors, but you’re also connecting with a living and breathing animal. This is often a transformative experience.
It’s also a social activity and it may connect you to a new long-term hobby. Horseback riding is expensive if you decide to do it often and get your own horse, but it’s healthy and worthwhile.
6. Getting in The Water
While the weather is warm, why not hit the water and get outdoors? The best outdoor activities, in our opinion, involve lakes and oceans, so get out there.
While swimming is the go-to aquatic activity, you have other options. Keep in mind that you should be able to swim if you’re going to do any outdoor water activity.
You can try surfing, paddleboarding, rafting, tubing, or even scuba diving if you’re near an appropriate place for it. Always learn with experienced friends or a professional when you’re trying one of these activities for the first time.
7. Cycling
So what if you’re not near any real “nature” areas? No problem. Cycling is the perfect way to get out and explore nature without leaving more urban areas.
Bikes are often affordable and easily accessible. Find local biking trails, parks, or roads that have reliable bike lines. Remember that when you’re biking on roads, you follow road rules.
We Love These Outdoor Activities
There are so many fun activities to do in the great outdoors. Whether you’re going climbing, biking, swimming, or anything else that gets you into the sun, these outdoor activities will all be a blast.
Get outside and soak in some vitamin D today!
For more helpful articles all about health, fitness, and more, visit the rest of our site.