When the warm weather rolls around, we all get the same urge to spend time outdoors. Everyone has a favorite outside activity, but you can broaden your spring and summer itinerary by trying new things. You may be surprised at how many interesting ways you can experience life in the beautiful weather if you keep an open mind. Let’s go!
1. Take a Hike
Find a trail near you and set aside a few hours to explore the great outdoors. If you are not an experienced hiker, don’t be intimidated by the idea of hiking. Most trails are beginner friendly. You don’t have to master a mountain bike or treacherous hills! You can simply find a local trail to take a nature walk at your own pace. Many towns have hidden hiking trails that you may not even know are there if you do not hike regularly. A simple google search will bring your local recreation areas to your attention. Taking in the sights and sounds of nature can be just as much a peaceful activity as it is exciting. Birds tweeting, leaves swaying and dirt crunching beneath your feet will fill your senses. It can be fun to choose a path and find your way back. Bring some popcorn to mark your trail. Lace up your sneakers, dress comfy and don’t forget to bring snacks!
2. Obtain a New Skill
Take a step outside of your comfort zone and find a new skill to learn outdoors. The type of skill you choose to take on will depend on your personal preference, but when the weather is nice the possibilities are endless. You can take up horseback riding lessons and embrace your inner equestrian. If you live by the water, learn to surf the waves. Start rollerblading or skateboarding. If you are daring, you might want to try more adventurous activities like bungee jumping or zip lining. Even if you aren’t an adrenaline junkie, having fun outdoors is all about finding new ways to enjoy being outside while moving your body. If you can obtain a new skill that you can take with you through the seasons, why not take the first step toward embracing your outdoorsy side?
3. Have a Picnic
Packing up some food and having a meal outside can be one of the most fun ways to embrace the outdoors. You can invite friends along and host a picnic in the park or simply take yourself to a scenic location and enjoy lunch alone. Having a picnic is like pressing the reset button on your daily stress. Choose a comfy blanket and pack food that is easy to travel with. Items that do not need to be microwaved or refrigerated are best for a picnic. You will be eating outside, so you will want to make it as easy and comfortable as can be. If you are inviting friends, you can ask each person attending to bring an item and turn it into a potluck picnic. Enjoy a lovely meal outdoors and take in the sights around you.
4. Exercise
It is easy to fall into the same workout routine. Go to the gym, shower and come home. Though this proves effective, it can be fun to switch up your routine by working out outdoors. Taking advantage of nature is key to a great work out outdoors. Nature provides a natural gym! You can head to a park and utilize the jungle gym, go for a run in a wide-open field or use outdoor steps for cardio while breathing in the fresh air. Natural sunlight is a great source of energy and can contribute to a great workout. Changing your routine and experiencing nature at the same time can only increase the quality of your exercise.
5. Plant a Garden
Gardening outdoors can be stress reducing while giving you a sense of accomplishment. Planting flowers and taking care of them is a fun way to experience the outdoors. If you like structure to your activities, planting a garden may be the right outdoor activity for you. You must take care of your garden to reap the benefits of having one so you will have to be sure that you can dedicate the necessary amount of time so that you can watch it grow in front of your eyes. There are many different ways to decorate a garden and you can choose between colorful flowers, greenery, herbs, spices or more. It can be exciting to make it your own and nothing feels better than seeing the result of something you spent so much time on. Before you know it, you’ll have spent hours outdoors without even realizing it. Double win!
6. Stargaze
Setting a blanket out on the lawn and looking up at the stars at night is a beautiful way to enjoy the outdoors. You can do this activity alone or with friends. Research stars and constellations and make it a fun challenge for yourself to locate as many as you can. Keep a journal on the stars you end up seeing and document everything you find. If you do not have a lawn with a clear view of the stars, choose a location that allows you to see the night sky without distraction. Even with a busy schedule, designating a few minutes per night to look up at the stars can prove beneficial to your overall well-being. This allows you some time for reflection or even meditation. You can learn all about the stars while enjoying nature at the same time.
7. View the Sunrise or Sunset
Set your alarm and wake up with the early birds to view the sunrise. Plan to visit a beautiful location outdoors that will grant you an accurate view. The most ideal place will be quaint and quiet for the best possible experience. Take in all of the nature sounds and sights. Grab your morning tea or coffee and set aside enough time to arrive and situate yourself beforehand. There is no better start to the day. If you are not a morning person, plan to get home a little early so you can beat the sunset. Wrap yourself in a blanket and watch the sun go down on the day. Then go inside and get a good night’s rest with the fresh air still in your lungs. Nature has beautiful things to offer to those who look. (In a clear night… you can see forever!)
8. Hold a Garage Sale
Getting some spring cleaning done while making money for doing so is the best of both worlds! Clean up your space and free it up for new home decor. Set out tables and display the items you no longer need and organize the items by category so it’s easy for your shoppers to navigate. This will make appeal to your potential buyers and encourage an organized space to start your spring cleaning off on the right foot. Holding a garage sale is a great way to enjoy being outdoors while mingling with your neighbors. This is an especially good idea for those who have recently moved to a new neighborhood and would like to meet the local people of the town. Get creative and serve some homemade lemonade to your patrons! Don’t forget to apply sunscreen because you will likely be spending most of the day outside. Grab some sunglasses and be ready to sell your stuff!
9. Spend a Day at The Farm
Go to your favorite farm and see what it has to offer seasonally. Feed the animals! Walk around and discover the animals that are just waiting for visitors. Take a walk and explore the nearby nature. Go apple picking or pick some fresh berries. Most farms offer a multitude of activities and you can choose based on your own preference. Spending the day at the farm is the perfect plan for someone who may be indecisive because you are not limited to one activity!
10. Attend a Concert
Concerts in the park are always fun and super common in the summer months. There are few things more relaxing than having a few drinks with your friends while listening to your favorite music. Follow your local summer concert series online so you know exactly when to plan your day. Bring some folding chairs, pack a full cooler and throw on a cool outfit. Enjoy!
Embracing the outdoors while enjoying yourself at the same time is always an unbeatable experience. It may take a little time to determine the perfect activity that suites your interests but once you do, take it and run with it! The great outdoors has wonderful opportunities to offer and it is up to us to try new things. Whether you are exploring new grounds or discovering what has been right under your nose, remember to use all of nature’s resources to your advantage and make the most of the season. Enjoy and remember to be safe!