There are plenty of things to do outside, whether you’re seeking a bit of adventure, looking to celebrate Earth Day, or some low-key relaxing. From a wandering walk through your neighborhood to a rollerskating session, the Great Outdoors has something for everyone.
Ahead, we’ve rounded up the best outdoor activities, including the expected (hiking, biking, picnicking, etc.) to the unexpected for example, flying a drone or going fishing!). Whether you’re fresh out of the classroom or simply want a Vitamin D boost, our list of activities under the sun is guaranteed to cure cabin fever — just don’t forget the SPF. At the very least, you’ll find yourself less at a loss the next time you ask yourself what to do outside. Plus, some of these are perfect first date ideas. Just sayin.’
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Read on to discover 41 go-to ideas that will make for a memorable day outside.
1. Be a Flâneur for a Day
To flâneur is to take a long walk without any particular destination in mind. You can flâneur through both familiar and unfamiliar places, just try to take in the scenery as someone experiencing it for the first time. Unlike taking a walk where the focus is on getting to a specific place at a certain time, a flaneuring session should be long and winding. If you’re finding it tough to walk without a plan, give yourself a brain game: For example, take a left turn every time you see someone wearing red.
2. Wander Through a Botanical Garden
Many cities have dedicated green spaces that feature seasonal blooms and plants. The best part about these gardens is that there’s always something to see—even if you’re visiting in the middle of winter. Plan your trips around what’s currently peaking and, eventually, you’ll experience the best of the entire park.
3. Meditate
We’re not talking serious meditation (unless you’re into that). The great thing about meditation is that you can do it just about anywhere. We’d recommend finding a quiet spot in a park to set up a blanket. Sit down, close your eyes, and take in the natural sounds.
4. Make Some Art Underneath a Big Tree
There are a lot of things to do when it’s nice out, but sprawling out under the shade of a giant tree with a sketchbook and some pencils is one of the most relaxing. Whether you’re sketching out the scene in front of you or opting for simple doodles, getting some lines on a page while taking in the fresh air will have you feeling like a new person.
5. Go Snowshoeing
If you find yourself in a snowy situation, strap on some snowshoes and savor the layer of silence a fresh blanket of powder adds to a scene. Look for an outdoors shop that offers rentals, to save some money and support a local business.
6. Head to the Farmer’s Market
Arguably one of the best parts of summer (or any time of the year, depending on where you are) are farmer’s markets. Even if you aren’t on the hunt for some produce, these markets offer a ton of things to do outdoors and a great peek at a local community—and more often than not, there are free samples and makers selling their wares.
7. Sign Up for an Architecture Tour
This one tops our list of “things to do outside with friends.” Larger cities will often have local historical societies that host these tours, some for a fee and others for free. And if this isn’t something you have access to, create your own route—do some research on historic homes in your area and head out on a walk. Just make sure to honor the privacy of property owners.
8. Shop Vintage Treasures at a Flea Market
This wouldn’t be a true compilation of fun things to do outside if we didn’t suggest a bit of window shopping at a flea market (or three). Even if the price tags are out of your budget, file photos for future “dream home” inspiration. This is also perfect if you’re on the lookout for date ideas.
9. Find Street Art
No matter where you live, there’s bound to be some local artists in your city or town. Hit the pavement and keep your eyes peeled for cool street art — you never know when you’ll stumble upon an Instagram-worthy mural or a hidden masterpiece.
10. Plant a Garden
Collect some seeds from your local gardening center, claim a plot in the backyard, throw on some cute overalls, and start digging with your friends or date. In due time, you’ll have a blooming bed of flowers or a sufficient source of yummy produce anytime you want. Once you’ve picked your first harvest, be sure to invite those who helped you plant it over for a home-cooked meal.
11. Go to a Drive-in Movie
While they might be the stuff of retro dates your parents might’ve gone on back in the day, drive-in cinemas put a fun twist on your usual moviegoing experience. They also make for a great pandemic-safe date option.
12. Play Tourist in Your Own Town
Take a Saturday to get to really know the place you call home. Visit your city’s museum or botanical garden, find out the story behind that statue downtown, or check out the historical boat sitting on the pier — who said fun can’t also be educational?
13. Sign up for a Recreational Sport
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Rec sports are a fantastic way to get a workout in, make new friends, and enjoy team sports without any of the aggro competition you might encounter in official school sports. See if your town has a softball, soccer, or kickball league — and if they don’t, consider starting one of your own with your friends!
14. Go Rollerskating
Not only does rollerskating have a riveting history, but it’s also loads of fun and a great way to build community. Truly one of the best things to do outside! Consider tracking down a rink in your area — oftentimes they’ll have rentals so you can lace up and glide around in style.
15. Plan a Picnic
Stake out a large open spot in a local park, tell all your friends to bring food and drinks, and have an afternoon of games and sports planned out. Go old school with childhood favorites like the egg-on-a-spoon relay and tug o’ war!
16. Volunteer
Help paint a house, spruce up city landscaping, clean up litter from the streets, or walk dogs at the animal shelter. It’s a fun thing to do outside that also lets you make a difference in your community. Win-win!
17. Go Bird Watching
No matter where you live, there’s bound to be birds somewhere. Whether it’s in your local park or the woods behind your house, birding is a surprisingly fun way to pass time while learning something new and appreciating nature. Stop by your local library to see if they have a guide so you can identify your new, feathered friends.
18. Stargaze
Spread a blanket on the ground, get comfy, and look up at the cosmos. See who can spot the most verified constellations and/or made-up shapes (is that Harry Styles’s face up there?).
19. Get Creative With Sidewalk Chalk
Remember all the hours you used to spend drawing on the concrete outside of your house when you were a kid? It’s time to bring out that brilliant artist once again! Let your imagination soar and see what you can come up with now.
20. Take a Hike
Lace up your hiking boots and explore the great outdoors! Do a quick Google search to find the most scenic paths in your town and head out on an adventure and be sure to pack a picnic lunch to enjoy once you find the most Instagram-worthy spot on the trail.
21. Find an Outdoor Workout
Take your workout outdoors with an outdoor boot camp or yoga class! You can even make your own workout circuit and plan out a workout for your squad.
22. Take in a Sunset or Sunrise
Grab your besties, pile into the car, and head to one of your favorite nature spots. Whether it’s the beach or a mountain, a field or a lake, the sun will look breathtaking and it will be a special moment you can enjoy together. It also works for a solo trip where you can read, write, or meditate in peace.
23. Have a Water Balloon Fight
Water balloon fights are always a good time, no matter your age. Plan a water balloon fight and run around like little kids (you’ll even get some cardio in!).
24. Hold a Garage Sale
Not only does this get you outside bright and early, it’ll make you money and give you more closet space. If you don’t have enough stuff to sell to justify a garage sale, invite your friends, family and neighbors to get in on the action. Combined, you’ll have plenty to hawk in your driveway.
25. Hit up a Garage Sale
If you and your friends made a killing from hosting your own garage sale, consider spending your spoils at another garage sale in your area! Not only do estate sales often have some of the most interesting finds, but you’ll also be sustainably chic by wearing recycled clothes.
26. Go Miniature Golfing
Who doesn’t love a good game of mini golf? Put your putt-putt skills to the test (you can even follow up with some arcade fun and pizza after a match or two).
27. Check Out Your Local Farmers Market
Craving some local flavor? Hitting up a farmers market is a great way to spend the afternoon, support local businesses, and stock up on fresh fruits and vegetables.
28. Visit the Nearest State Park
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Channel your inner Leslie Knope and take a day trip to the nearest state park. State parks are some of the coolest parks you’ll ever see. Many offer tours or special attractions. Depending on where you live, you might be near a breathtaking desert with cavernous valleys and stunning expanses, or a lush forest with sky-high trees and babbling brooks.
29. Ride a Bike
Dust off your bicycle and head out for a leisurely bike ride. Even if you don’t have a bike (or have outgrown your childhood bike), you can most likely find a place that rents bikes in your town. As an added bonus, it’s great cardio.
30. Visit an Amusement Park
Love the thrill of roller coasters? Then head to the nearest amusement park. Challenge your friends or your date to go on every ride with you and reward yourselves with the ultimate amusement park food: funnel cake.
31. Have an Insta Photoshoot
Ready to bless the TL? Once you’ve decided on a fit, round up a group of friends and hit the town, park, or even your backyard to stage a little Insta photoshoot. We’ve got you covered on Instagram captions when you’re ready to post your final shots.
32. See What Festivals Are in Town
Whether it’s a street fair or a food, music, art, or film festival, limited-time events like festivals are a great way to break up your routine and share a unique cultural experience with friends.
33. Fly a Drone
If you can get your hands on a drone, you’ll definitely want to take that baby out into nature. Fly it high above your neighborhood and capture aerial views that are totally Instagram-worthy.
34. Plant a Tree
It may not result in instant gratification, but planting a tree is a feel-good, eco-friendly way of spending time outside. Stop by your local gardening center for seeds or a fledgling tree, find it a new home, and watch it grow over the years — it’s a special way of feeling like you’ve made a positive impact on the planet.
35. Go Fishing
Fishing is a classic, fun, and leisurely outdoor activity. See if your parents have a rod and tackle box tucked away in the basement or check if your local pond offers rental gear, and catch up with a friend while you wait for your big catch.
36. Have a Scavenger Hunt
Gather a group of friends and break off into teams for a jaunt around the city looking for specific things. Start by making up the list: red bicycle, kissing couple, etc. If you live in a more rural area, you can make it a nature scavenger hunt where your list includes specific plants or animals instead. Use a special hashtag and have each team post a pic every time an item is found. Whoever finds all the items on the list first wins!
37. Go to the Beach
Surf’s up! If you live near a coastline, load up a car with a towel, blanket, and hit the beach with your friends. If tanning’s your thing, bring a speaker and catch some rays to your favorite playlist. If you’re looking more for an activity, see if there’s any surfing or paddle board lessons around, or go on a chill walk along the shore.
38. Go Horseback Riding
Look up a local ranch or equestrian center to see if there are any riding opportunities. On the fence about going? Many riding schools offer a free or discounted first lesson so you can try it out and see how you like it. Sounds like a great time to us!
39. Go to an Outdoor Concert
Whether it’s a local act or a touring artist coming through your area, an outdoor concert is a great way to spend an afternoon or evening with friends or a date. Kick back with a blanket and some snacks, and enjoy the vibe while supporting the arts.
40. Dine al Fresco
If a picnic in your nearest park feels like too much of a hassle, consider meeting a friend or a date for coffee or a meal outdoors. Many restaurants have started to offer al fresco dining due to the pandemic, so post up on a sunny patio and enjoy the vibes all while supporting a local business.
41. Read in a Park
Ready to bless the TL? Once you’ve decided on a fit, round up a group of friends and hit the town, park, or even your backyard to stage a little Insta photoshoot. We’ve got you covered on Instagram selfie captions when you’re ready to post your final shots.
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Source: https://gardencourte.com
Categories: Outdoor
