15 Fun Outdoor Activities for Adults
It’s time to put down the computer and pull on your sunglasses—we all need to spend more time outside.
We live hectic lives and spend long hours working, socializing, and connecting with family indoors, and sometimes neglect the great outdoors. However, spending time outside helps us boost our Vitamin D intake, important to our overall health—plus it can help us relax, destress, and get in better shape.
If you’re in need of some outdoor inspiration, we are here to help. Keep reading to find 15 of the most fun outdoor activities for adults—and kids too!
Then, head outdoors and start making the most of our beautiful parks, lakes, and backyards.
Table of Contents
- 1 1. Outdoor Games
- 2 2. Boating
- 3 3. Cycling
- 4 4. Plan a Picnic
- 5 5. Teach the Dog New Tricks
- 6 6. Take Up Running
- 7 7. Go for a Hike
- 8 8. Read a Book in the Sun
- 9 9. Work on the Garden
- 10 10. Try Going Fishing
- 11 11. Take Up a New Hobby
- 12 12. Set Up an Outdoor Happy Hour
- 13 13. Swimming
- 14 14. Explore Your Local Area
- 15 15. Volunteer
- 16 This Summer, Try Out These Fun Outdoor Activities for Adults
1. Outdoor Games
One of the best outdoor activities is having fun and being active with fun group games. There are plenty of awesome games you can play outside, whether you’re in a big group or just with one other person.
Cornhole is a popular game, which challenges your skill by trying to throw bean bags into holes. It’s a fun one to play on teams, or even with a beer at a barbeque.
Or, why not try frisbee, putt putt golf, touch football, or Nerf toys and have a Nerf Party? There are plenty of fun ways for adults to embrace their inner child, so head outside this weekend and try a new game.
Fun Side Tips:
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2. Boating
If you love being on the water, boating might be the best way for you to enjoy the great outdoors. Depending on your budget and skill level, you might want to try sailing, canoeing, kayaking, or purchasing a power boat.
Boating can be challenging, but a lot of fun. If it’s new to you, check out these beginning boater tips to ensure you stay safe.
Taking a safety course is one of the best ways to start out with boating, as it will cover essential basics like navigation, first-aid, and managing inclement weather.
3. Cycling
When it comes to outdoor activities for adults, you can’t look past cycling. It’s one of the most popular hobbies and sports, with millions of people enjoying the challenges of a bicycle and the open road.
If you’re new to cycling, you don’t need to spend a fortune to get a good-quality bike. However, you will want to pick up a helmet, a bike lock, and a tire repair kit.
Then, learn how to repair your tires if you get a flat, as this ensures you won’t find yourself stuck anywhere with a flat.
You may also find cycling trails within parks or your local area, a great alternative for those who don’t feel confident riding on the road.
4. Plan a Picnic
Looking for a relaxing way to spend time outside? If so, planning the perfect picnic could be just what you need.
Pick up a gorgeous picnic basket and blanket and stock it with your favorite treats—sandwiches, cheese and crackers, fruit, and maybe a bottle of wine—then head outside.
Chances are, there are plenty of parks or picnic spots not far from home. However, you can also enjoy a picnic from the comfort of your own backyard, if you’d rather stay close to home.
5. Teach the Dog New Tricks
They say you can’t teach an old dog new tricks, but it couldn’t be further from the truth! Whether your dog is a young pup or a golden oldie, head outside and spend some quality time together.
There are plenty of impressive tricks that any dog can learn, if you’re willing to put in the time and effort. Shaking hands, playing dead, and barking on command are cool tricks your dog can learn in just a few days!
6. Take Up Running
If you’re looking to get in better shape and are looking for a new outdoor exercise, you may want to try running.
You don’t need much equipment, other than supportive shoes, so it’s a sport that’s affordable and can be done from anywhere.
If you’re new to running, many runners find that it helps to have a plan. Set yourself an eight-week goal, such as running a 5K, and use that as your motivation to head out for a run each day.
You can start slow, alternating walking and jogging, then work up to faster speeds over time while tracking it on your watch.
7. Go for a Hike
If running isn’t for you, or you find it’s too hard on your knees and joints, then you may want to try hiking. You can find hiking trails for all skill levels within most national, state, or local parks.
Hiking is an amazing way to get fit, spend time in nature, and help yourself destress after a hectic week. You don’t need much equipment for hiking, but you will need comfortable clothes, supportive shoes, a backpack for water, and possibly hiking poles for balance.
If you’re taking on challenging or remote hikes, always let a friend or relative know where you’re going and when you expect to be back, for safety purposes.
8. Read a Book in the Sun
In the mood for a lazy afternoon in the sun? If so, grab your favorite book and a blanket or chair, then head outside to read your book.
Immerse yourself in a good book, one of the best distractions from the hectic world we live in. Put down your phone, pick up a book, and simply enjoy the feeling of the warm sun on your skin.
9. Work on the Garden
Spending time working on gardening or yard work is an important outdoor activity that will keep you busy and help your home look its best.
Plant a veggie garden or new flowers, add mulch, or simply cut the grass—working in the yard is relaxing and improving the look of your home’s exterior can even increase its value, if you’re thinking of selling.
10. Try Going Fishing
For some, there’s nothing more relaxing than a day out on the dock with a fishing pole. Whether you catch and release or want to catch tonight’s dinner, fishing can be a lovely way to spend a day outdoors.
Even better, it’s exciting for both kids and adults, so it’s something you can all do as a family. With a few rods and some lures, even beginners can catch some fish from their local stream or lake.
11. Take Up a New Hobby
If you need a new challenge in life, an outdoor hobby could provide just what you need. There are all sorts of cool things you can do out outdoors, including furniture restoration, woodworking, golf, or gardening.
Find one for you and you’ll have something exciting to look forward to each weekend!
12. Set Up an Outdoor Happy Hour
For a memorable outdoor activity you can do with friends, why not plan an outdoor happy hour? Set up canapes and drinks on your patio or deck and invite a few friends over for a casual get-together.
To save time, you can pre-mix jugs of cocktails, and guests can serve themselves. Be sure to offer non-alcoholic options as well.
13. Swimming
There’s not much better than swimming on a hot day, making it one of the best outdoor activities for summer. Whether in your local pool or the beach, swimming is refreshing and also fantastic exercise. Perhaps the only better water activity–white water rafting in Colorado! It’s a must if you are vacationing with a group and depending on the time of season, you could experience some gnarly rapids.
14. Explore Your Local Area
You may be surprised to learn how many exciting things are happening in your local area. Why not take a walk around town one day, seeing what you can find.
Or, visit a park or historic place of interest that you’ve never visited before—you’re sure to learn something new about your hometown.
15. Volunteer
Volunteering is an incredible way to both spend time outdoors and give back to your local community.
There are plenty of charities and organizations that need volunteers, such as environmental groups, animal shelters, or your local community garden.
If you have a few hours per week to give, you can do something good, meet new people, and enjoy time outside.
This Summer, Try Out These Fun Outdoor Activities for Adults
With so much to do outdoors, what are you waiting for? Make the most of the warm weather and try out one of these fun outdoor activities for adults.
Spending time outside is good for both your mental and physical health, so it’s something we should all do more of. If you’ve had enough of your living room and Netflix, you’re sure to find inspiration outdoors, so get started today!
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Written by Meghan Hale, a content writer at Deepakshukla.com and editing machine. You’ll find me yelling at my dog to stop barking, whether it be at the neighbours or on a long afternoon walk