Summer Outdoor Activities
Summer is coming to an end for most of the world and soon we’ll all need to head back to school or work. We won’t be awoken by the twittering of birds, either, replaced by the dreaded ringing of alarm clocks, we won’t be able to take casual strolls in the park, but instead be stuck in traffic as the mornings slowly get darker. But just because it’s nearly over doesn’t mean you should resign yourself to defeat. To make the most of what’s left, we’ve compiled these top 10 outdoor activities for the summer so you don’t feel like it’s all gone to waste.
1. Camping
An obvious but always trustworthy activity, getting a camping trip in, especially when the weather has started to cool just before Fall is a great way to get yourself out of the city before the responsibilities of the year take hold.
Whether you need a large camping tent for a big family camping trip or just want to head out alone with a solo tent, there are plenty of destinations across the US, Canada, the UK, and beyond so you won’t feel too cramped.
2. Hiking
If you don’t have time to camp but still want to fill your lungs with the sweet smells of nature, grabbing your hiking shoes and ultralight backpack and setting off into the wilderness is the next best thing. Like camping, there are thousands of hiking trails all over the world, and you’re never too far from one.
These trails range from easy loops to more complicated horseshoes, so know your level, catch the sunset, and head back in time for dinner.
3. Rent Bicycles Or Motorbikes
For those looking for a little more excitement and a fast-paced end to their summer of fun, then finding somewhere to rent bicycles, or for the even more extreme, motorbikes, will give you a chance to live fast and look cool for when you head back to the office, hopefully with no broken bones.
Adrenaline junkie families and friends can enjoy some mountain bike trails or even the best motorcycle road trips in the US, whereas others with more self-preservation in mind can take a leisurely (but no less enjoyable) bike ride through local woodland.
4. Climbing
We know climbing isn’t for everybody, but if you want to try something new, then looking at climbing helmets and bouldering crash pads could be the start of a brand new hobby.
Much like motorcycling, climbing can be hazardous if you’re not careful, but there’s something about scaling the rock and looking out over some of the most intense vistas in the world that makes you realize you could get used to it. Get the itch scratched now before winter rolls around.
5. Drink At The Beach
Sure, it’s not a lot different to your standard Friday night, but there’s something about cracking open a cold one with the ocean breeze rushing through your hair that makes beach drinking one of the best things about summer.
You’re close enough to the water to take a dip and cool down if need be, and most public beaches have bathroom facilities to prevent you from being that guy. Grab a group of your closest buddies, fill up a cooler, invest in a beach tent, and don’t forget to pack the sunscreen.
6. Hot Air Balloon Ride
While it’s fun to hang out on land, taking to the skies and seeing the world a little differently is a whole other beast. Hot air balloon rides are available pretty much anywhere there are fantastic views and unbelievable scenery, and everyone who’s done it knows it’s one of those things you have to do before you die. Your local ride may not be Cappadocia, but it’s close enough to see out the summer in style.
7. Geocaching
While it doesn’t quite have the same mystique as a few years ago, geocaching is still a great way to explore your local area and discover places you never knew existed. It’s easy to get started, too, and all you have to do is sign up and download the app (free on both Android and iOS).
Because of all the walking, often in circles if it’s particularly challenging, it’s a great app for fitness, especially if you don’t like hitting the gym.
8. Kayak Or Canoe
Renting, or even purchasing a kayak or canoe gets you out on the water to explore places you never usually get the opportunity to see. It’s more than just paddling, though, and a fishing kayak provides everything you need for a day on the water waiting for a bite.
If you’ve got a clear lake nearby, investing in a transparent kayak might be worth doing, and you’ll see what’s beneath the surface in a whole new way, and maybe even come across something wholly terrifying.
9. Swim In A Lake
For many of you, heading up to lake country and diving in is a fond memory from your childhood, so why not relieve it now that you’re not so scared of what lies beneath. Take inflatables, take some beers, and try your hand at a variety of watersports including wakeboarding and paddleboarding.
As even more incentive where there are lakes, there are often waterfalls, so stop being such a wuss and jump under it to cool off.
10. Stargaze
Finally, end your day by taking yourself high up that hill with everyone you love and watch the vast, complex, and endless universe above us flare into liver as the sun sets. There are so many great places to stargaze around the world, and we’re sure everyone will relish the chance to get out of the city without the risk of it raining.
Fun In The Sun, All Summer Long
While we understand it might not be possible for you to fit all of these activities in before the kids head back to school and you go back to answering emails from clients who apparently never learned to read, making the most of the remaining summer months is a spectacular way to end the season with a bang. Besides, anything you don’t manage this year can go straight on the Bucket List ready for that first rise in heat next year.
Sources:
- Balloon Weather – Adventure Balloons
- Geocaching 101 – Geocaching
