Spending more time outside is a common resolution for people taking steps to improve their lives. But it can be intimidating to start out, especially if it’s been a while since you explored the great outdoors. Is there a button you can push to turn you into a granola-crunching, camera backpack-owning, kayak-toting Outdoors Person?
While that technology hasn’t yet been invented, getting outside it’s actually not as challenging as it might seem. You don’t need much specialized gear (or any, in some cases) and most people have plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities all around. It just takes knowing where to find them. So here are 12 awesome ways to get out of the house and into the great big wide open.
1. Explore your neighborhood.
Getting active outside is literally as easy as walking around the block. If you’re not used to outdoor physical activity, neighborhood walks are a fantastic way to start. Find a local park and bring a book, investigate a business you’ve always been curious about or do your everyday errands on foot.
2. Check out a state park.
State parks are the perfect outdoor activity for a wide variety of skill levels. Most feature at least one easy trail that’s suitable for the whole family, but most also have more advanced trails that serious hikers enjoy exploring. Make sure to pack your hiking essentials, check the weather report and let someone know where you’re going and when you’ll be back.
3. Join a sports league.
Local sports leagues combine outdoor physical activity with the opportunity to socialize and make new friends. Whether it’s soccer, basketball, kickball, ultimate frisbee or something else, there’s an incredible range of sports to participate in that will give you a dose of the great outdoors. (Some sports leagues may have changed their format or been put on hold by the COVID-19 pandemic, so follow all applicable local and state regulations.)
4. Plan a trip to a national park.
The United States’ national parks are among the country’s greatest treasures. If you’re able to make the trip to any one of them, each is breathtakingly beautiful in its own way. Planning a trip to a national park often takes more resources and coordination than other types of outdoor activity, but it’s a truly unforgettable experience if you can swing it. The farther in advance you plan, the more money you’ll often save on accommodations, so book well ahead of time for best results.
5. Have a picnic.
It doesn’t get more classically charming than a picnic in the park. Pack some tasty food (or even order some takeout) and head out to your favorite local nature spot for a fun meal. A picnic is an ideal opportunity to relax, have a yummy meal and grab a little bit of that all-important vitamin D from sunlight.
6. Ride a bike.
Riding a bike is amazing exercise that works out many different groups of muscles and builds cardiovascular endurance. It’s also a pretty good way to get around if your local infrastructure supports it. Try running errands or going to work on a bike. You might be surprised how addictive it becomes!
7. Enjoy the outdoors with a dog.
Dogs of all shapes and sizes need daily outdoor exercise to maintain optimal health, so having a dog is a great excuse to get outside every day. Thirty to 60 minutes per day is the generally-agreed minimum for any breed, and athletic breeds in particular will be happier if you incorporate active play opportunities like throwing a frisbee. If you don’t have a dog, that’s OK, too. Offer to walk a neighbor’s dog or sign up for a dog-walking app to earn some cash while you’re at it.
8. Master the art of the walking meeting.
Why not get some fresh air and exercise and knock out that meeting at the same time? A “walking meeting” at a park can be an awesome way to sneak in a little outdoors time. It’s also a great fit for when you want a face-to-face meeting, but need to observe pandemic safety precautions. Of course, this also goes for interactions with friends and family as well. Take a walk together just for the fun of it!
9. Go stargazing.
When it comes to wonder and majesty, nothing beats the night sky. Find a nice spot where you can see the stars, park yourself and gaze up at the jaw-dropping beauty of the universe. If you’re an urban dweller, you’ll probably need to head out into the country to beat the light pollution, but we promise it’s worth it. This activity goes well with others on this list, like building a fire, and the art of how to photograph stars is fascinating if you’re into nature photography.
10. Build a fire.
A toasty, crackling fire is a delightful experience that you can enjoy while camping or just in your own backyard. Fire pits and firewood are available at almost any hardware store, and they make ideal outdoor gathering spots for colder weather. Just make sure to read up on fire safety basics first, and don’t forget to break out the marshmallows and hot dogs!
11. Do some nature photography.
Capturing the beauty of the natural world through photography is an enjoyable way to spend time and nourish your creative inclinations. It’s easy to get started, too, as you can get some surprisingly great shots with today’s smartphone cameras if you know what you’re doing. Of course, if you want the really exceptional shots, there’s a whole world of professional camera gear waiting to be discovered.
12. Get on the river.
Whether it’s kayaking, canoeing, tubing or whitewater rafting, there’s always tons of fun stuff going on at the river during warm weather. The range of water activities appeals to all types of outdoor folks, from the leisurely (tubing) to the adrenaline-pumping (whitewater) and everything in between. For safety, make sure that everyone in your party, especially kids, is rocking a life jacket.
One of the best things about the natural world is its infinite variety. So, get out and explore. There’s an activity waiting out there that’s right for you!
