Being outdoors and close to greenery can boost one’s immune system, lower blood pressure, and reduce feelings of stress, anxiety, and isolation.
In recent years, young and old alike have rediscovered the magic of the great outdoors. Not only is it exhilarating to be around nature—it’s good for your body, too. Being outdoors and close to greenery can boost one’s immune system, lower blood pressure, and reduce feelings of stress, anxiety, and isolation. If you’re looking for leisurely activities to do with friends or family, why not pursue one that’s based outdoors?
As long as you prepare for outdoor emergencies and observe all local safety measures, for example by shopping for antimicrobial face masks that go around the neck, you’ll be all set to have a great day outside with loved ones. Here are seven fun activities that you can explore!
Biking
Even if you don’t know how to ride a bike or are out of practice, it’s never too late to learn how far you can go on two wheels. Biking is a great choice of outdoor activity because it serves as a full-body workout, meaning that you’ll get to stretch all the muscles you need to in order to stay fit. It will also sharpen important mental skills that you may want to build, like spatial awareness and navigation. Do check out the bike trails at your local park or join a biking event to socialize with other cyclists.
Roller Skating
One leisurely activity that’s made an awesome comeback from previous decades is roller skating. Events like roller derbies are back in fashion, and for good reason since they’re a lot of fun. If you want to spend the coming days improving your speed and balance, pop on a pair of old-fashioned skates or rollerblades and learn (or relearn) how to skate in the park or at your local outdoor rink. Just be sure to equip yourself with a helmet, elbow pads, and knee pads and to stay far away from moving cars and other hazards.
Fishing
Have you ever dreamed of becoming an angler, or do you simply want to experience the satisfaction of catching your own dinner? If so, it would be a good idea to learn how to fish and to go fishing at the nearest lake, river, or ocean. Few things are quite as exciting as casting a line and feeling a bite on the other end—and few things are as delicious as a meal made with freshly caught fish.
Head out in the company of at least one other person, wear a life vest if you’re going out into the open water, and be extra careful not to hurt yourself with fishing equipment like hooks.
Kayaking Or Canoeing
For alternative activities that also involve being on the water, try kayaking or canoeing. By practicing your paddle work, you’ll engage your core and increase your stamina. You’ll also learn how to keep your balance and, if you’re canoeing or kayaking with a partner, how to move in better sync with them. Don’t waste the opportunity to go kayaking or canoeing at your local river or lake, especially during the summer months when the water is calm.
Make sure that you have a buddy with you to call for help in case of an emergency, and wear safety equipment like a helmet and life vest to keep you from drowning and getting injured by rocks or branches.
Nature Scavenger Hunts
If you’d like to add a little more variety to your hike or nature trail exploration, try foraging for herbs, rocks, fungi, pinecones, and other natural treasures. This is a particularly fun outdoor activity to do with kids who are learning about nature and the environment, but adults may find the same enjoyment in it. Print or save a chart of items that you can identify in the wild, and that you can safely and legally pick up from the ground.
Avoid breaking the environmental laws that govern the nature park or trail, and don’t handle any plants or mushrooms you can’t identify so that you can steer clear of poisoning.
Outdoor Yoga
Though you likely associate yoga with indoor studios or gyms, it’s just as fun—or perhaps even more so—when it’s done outdoors. All you need in order to start doing your yoga poses is a steady and even surface, like a dry grassy area, where you can lay your yoga mat. Being in a calm and serene natural environment may help you enhance your focus and make the most out of your yoga practice.
Go to a conducive outdoor space with a friend or two and bring your own water bottle so that you can stay fully hydrated throughout your session.
Picnicking Or Outdoor Barbecues
Lastly, if you don’t want to strain yourself and are simply looking for a way to relax and unwind with your loved ones, hold a picnic or a barbecue outdoors. You can venture into a campsite, park, or picnicking ground, but it may be just as fun to eat in someone’s backyard. Contribute to the festivities by bringing a potluck dish or volunteering to man the grill.
Remember to observe safe cooking and grilling practices, as well as to store and cover your food properly to prevent spoilage or contamination by pests. As seen from the list above, you have a lot of great choices for things to do outdoors. Which one of these activities are you the most excited to try out this season?