16 Outdoor Ideas

Looking for some outdoor ideas to make the most of your time in the sunshine?

Summer is the perfect time to get outside and enjoy the fresh air, whether you’re gardening, doing some outdoor DIY, or simply relaxing with a good book.

With the warmer weather, you might need to pick up some new tools or equipment to help maintain your garden, lawn, and patio.

Or maybe it’s time to invest in some outdoor furniture or garden decorations to help you soak up the sun.

Here are 16 outdoor ideas to help you enjoy this summer in your garden, on your patio, or in your backyard.

1. Take a hike

We know, we know. It’s the most obvious suggestion, but that’s for a reason.

Hiking is great for your body and mind, and it’s something that you can do alone or with others.

You can make a day of it and invite friends, or you can just head out by yourself to clear your head.

You can find a local trail or venture out to a new one. If you’re new to hiking, check out our guide to hiking for beginners.

2. Go for a bike ride

If you don’t have a bike, you can rent one from a local bike shop or use a bike-share program in your city.

If you’re not sure where to go, you can use an app like Strava to find popular biking routes near you.

Biking is a great way to get some exercise and explore your city.

You can ride through different neighborhoods, stop at local parks, and even take a break for a picnic.

3. Go for a run

Running is one of the best types of cardiovascular exercise you can do. It’s a great way to boost your mood and get some vitamin D, too.

If you’re new to running, try alternating between running and walking at first. You can also use a running app to help you get started.

4. Have a picnic

We often think of picnics as something to do in the summer, but really, they’re a great activity all year round.

On a cold day, you could even have a picnic in your living room with the fire on.

But when the weather is nice, pack up a basket with your favorite snacks and find a good spot to lay out a blanket.

You could go to a local park, the beach, or even your backyard.

Picnics are also a great option for a date, so keep that in mind if you’re looking for some romantic ideas.

5. Go to the beach

Though you might think of the beach as a summer activity, it’s still a great place to visit in the winter.

Many beaches are less crowded, and you can still enjoy the fresh air and sunshine.

Just be sure to dress warmly and wear shoes, as the sand can be very cold.

And if you’re lucky enough to live near a beach where it snows, it’s a beautiful sight to see.

6. Go to the lake

There’s nothing like a day at the lake, and there are so many ways to enjoy it. You can rent a boat and go fishing, tubing or just cruise the waters.

You can also rent kayaks, canoes and paddleboards at many lakes, or bring your own.

Spending a day at the lake is a great way to relax and cool off on a hot summer day. If you don’t have a lake nearby, a day at the beach is a great alternative.

7. Go to the pool

This is a no-brainer, but it’s worth mentioning.

Kids can spend hours in the pool, and you can get some sun, read a book, or even take a nap while they’re swimming.

If you don’t have a pool, look into local pools or waterparks.

Many places offer day passes and season passes, and some pools even offer free or discounted days.

For instance, many YMCA pools offer free pool days on holidays.

8. Go to a water park

Water parks are a great way to cool off and have fun on a hot summer day.

With slides, wave pools, and lazy rivers, there’s something for everyone at a water park.

Most water parks have areas for little kids, as well as more adventurous rides for older kids and adults.

Don’t forget the sunscreen and sunglasses!

9. Go to an amusement park

Amusement parks are a great way to spend a day outside and have a lot of fun. You can go on rides, play games, eat snacks and enjoy live entertainment.

There are a lot of amusement parks to choose from, so you can find one that is close to you.

10. Visit a zoo or aquarium

Sometimes it’s not possible to see animals in the wild. But that doesn’t mean you can’t observe them in a way that’s respectful and educational.

Zoos and aquariums are great places to learn about wildlife and conservation.

Many zoos and aquariums also have programs for kids and families to learn how to protect animals and their habitats.

And you can even go on a virtual field trip to a zoo or aquarium from the comfort of your own home.

11. Go to a baseball game

The sounds of a baseball game are just as fun as the game itself.

With the smell of hot dogs and popcorn in the air, the crack of the bat and the roar of the crowd, and the seventh-inning stretch, you’ll have plenty of time to talk and get to know each other.

Even if you don’t know a lot about baseball, it’s a great way to get outside and enjoy a classic American pastime.

12. Go to a music festival

Music festivals are a great way to get outside and enjoy live music, food, and drinks.

You can find music festivals of all sizes and genres all over the country, so no matter where you live, you’re sure to find one near you.

Music festivals are a fun way to spend a day, a weekend, or even a whole week. You can camp out at the festival, or just go for the day.

There’s nothing quite like the experience of seeing your favorite bands and artists perform live, and music festivals offer a great way to do that.

13. Go to an outdoor movie

Grab a blanket and a picnic and head to an outdoor movie! This is a fun, relaxed date idea that is perfect for a warm summer night.

Check out your local event calendar to see if there are any outdoor movies playing in your area.

If not, you could set up your own outdoor movie night at home.

14. Watch the sunset

This one is pretty self-explanatory! Find a nice spot to watch the sunset with your date.

It’s a romantic and simple activity that gives you time to chat and get to know each other better.

You can also pack a picnic to enjoy while you watch the sunset, or bring some takeout with you.

15. Go stargazing

Pack a picnic and head to a place with minimal light pollution to look up at the stars. You could also set up a fire pit and make s’mores while you’re at it.

16. Go camping

Camping is a great way to get out of the city and enjoy nature. It’s also a great way to bond with friends and family and make lasting memories.

You can camp in a tent, a cabin, or even an RV, and you can find campsites all over the country. You can even camp at some national parks.

If you’re not sure where to start, try a quick search for “campsites near me.

” You’ll find a variety of options, from primitive campsites to ones with showers and electricity.

Conclusion

There are so many different ways to give your backyard a little extra something.

Whether it’s a fire pit, a swing, or a fountain, the options are endless.

Which of these outdoor ideas are you going to try?