10 Outdoor Activities to Get You Up and Active

Staying Healthy During Summer

BY: Donicia Cook

The internet is fun, but sometimes it’s good to disconnect from it all and feel like you’re a part of the world around you. Outdoor fun can greatly improve your quality of life by either getting active or doing something relaxing. Here are some fun outdoor activities to help you get out there!

1. Go on a walk

Studies show going on a walk in nature at least once a day can reduce stress and help reconnect with nature. Walking can also improve heart health and improve your circulation.

2. Go backyard camping

A fun and classic campout in the backyard with friends and family can be a great way to get out of the house and bond with loved ones. You can start a campfire and sing some songs like in the movies. Who can resist some s’mores?

3. Break out those roller skates

Dust off your old skates, grab some protective gear, and find a funky playlist to glide down the street to your favorite tunes. Imagine you’re in a funky 80’s movie or at a roller rink. This is such a fun solo activity or you can do it with friends, as well.

4. Bike around

Biking is a great way to relax and stroll around your neighborhood or even your city. Not only is it great exercise, but you can also discover new areas as well as helping the environment by not using a car.

5. Volleyball with friends

Volleyball can be fun on the beach or in your yard. Grab 2-6 people for a fun game. Some competitive spirit really gets the blood flowing and it can improve hand-eye coordination

6. Start a Garden

Gardening is a great way to disconnect from the world while growing life. This is also long-term beneficial because you can eat the vegetables, season with your herbs, or gaze at the flowers you grow,

7. Painting in nature

Grab some paint and a canvas and start creating. You don’t have to be Picasso, you just need imagination. You can paint the landscape you see or start something completely new.

8. Hiking

Hiking can boost happiness, combat depression, and improve sleep...why not start today! It can be a relaxing solo hike, or something fun for you and a friend to do to challenge yourselves. Not to mention great views!

9. Look up at the stars

Stop one night and look up at the stars and try to identify constellations. You can do this with a telescope or just looking up. This can help you feel more connected with the vast universe around us.

10. Go for a swim

Beat the heat and jump in your nearest pool. It’s definitely fun and one of the best forms of exercise. Being outdoors really helps connect back to that inner child. Remember going outside as a kid and playing with your friends and really giving it your all. You come back home feeling like you really lived and it makes relaxing inside that much more worth it. Try your best to get outside at least once a day and you will see how much it can transform your quality of life.

alexandra dantzig