Fun Outdoor Summer Activities for Adults

Go on a Camping Trip

Do you enjoy spending time in nature? Take advantage of the summer season and book a camping trip! You can go solo, with your partner, or take your favorite friends along with you for the adventure –nature’s oasis is just waiting to be explored!

It turns out camping offers plenty of health benefits too. For starters, it can be a great way to unplug and relax from daily stress. It can also be a great way to move your body from setting up the tent to gathering firewood, hiking, and more. Camping can also be an excellent way to build relationships and eat healthy homemade meals.

Rent an RV

If camping in a tent isn’t up your alley, consider renting an RV. RVs offer all the same benefits of camping but with a bit more luxury, including a comfortable bed for sleeping and usually a small bathroom and kitchenette. Take the RV to your favorite national park or plan a road trip this summer!

The cost of renting an RV can vary depending on the size you need and how long you want it. That said, the Wandering RV says you can expect rental prices to range from $50 to $275+ per night. Search online to find an RV rental service near you.

Discover New Hiking Trails

Lace up your running shoes or hiking boots and head out to discover new hiking trails this summer. The fun thing about hiking is there are trails for everyone from beginners to experienced hikers. Just be sure to plan and research your route ahead of time and bring a map or cellphone with you for safety.

Hiking offers tons of health benefits too. For starters, it can be a great workout that can help you build strength, balance, and endurance. WebMD also says hiking may reduce your risk of heart disease, improve blood pressure, and boost your mood. So what are you waiting for? Grab a friend or your partner and explore nature’s beauty this summer!

Have a Bonfire

Pull out your survival instincts and build an epic bonfire. Fires are not only fun to make but can be incredibly relaxing to enjoy, especially in the summertime. Just be sure to look into your city’s fire regulations and only have a fire where it’s safe to do so.

You can enjoy a bonfire with your partner or throw a party with friends and family. Don’t forget the most important part of a fire, making delicious food! Not sure what to make? You can add s’mores, spider dogs, and campfire banana boats to the list– the options are endless!

Get Your Scuba Diving Certification

It’s no question that the ocean is beautiful but see it from a new perspective by getting your scuba diving certification this summer. Scuba diving without proper training is not recommended, and in fact, it can be incredibly dangerous.

Taking a PADI Open Water Diver course will help you learn how to use scuba gear safely, including a regulator, buoyancy control device (BCD), dive computer or planner, scuba tank, wetsuit or drysuit, and weight system. During the course, you’ll learn how to scuba dive with confidence and become an underwater explorer!

Plant a Garden

Gardening isn’t for everyone but if you enjoy spending time outdoors and love plants, then gardening may be a great activity to take up this season. According to Healthline, gardening offers tons of health benefits from building strength and promoting sleep to reducing stress and boosting your mood. “Gardening can also cultivate feelings of empowerment, connection, and creative calm,” explains the source.

You don’t have to make an extravagant garden either. Start small and see how you like it. If you don’t have the space for a garden you can tend to plants in containers and reap the same benefits. There are tons of plants you can grow too, from beautiful flowers to mosquito-repelling plants, and even vegetables and herbs.

Stargazing

Looking for a new, fun activity for date night? This summer grab a blanket and enjoy date night under the stars! There are many free stargazing apps you can download on your phone so you and your partner can learn about all the neat constellations above you.

Make it extra special by buying or borrowing a telescope to see the stars and moon up close. Don’t forget to pack snacks, candles or flashlights, and maybe some bug repellent!

Berry Picking

Nothing beats freshly picked fruit straight from the source. If you haven’t been berry picking before, you should add it to your summer bucket list this year! Summertime offers plenty of fresh and juicy fruit from strawberries and cherries, to blueberries, blackberries, and raspberries!

Find a local farm near you and check out their picking schedule. Before you go be sure to pack insect repellent, gloves (as some fruit bushes can be thorny), boots, sunscreen, and baby wipes (to wipe sticky hands). Also, bring your own container for picking! Some farms offer containers, but they are usually an additional charge.

Host an Outdoor Game Night

Games aren’t just for kids! There are tons of fun games you can play with your friends this summer. Why not host an outdoor game night. Increase the stakes by turning the games into competitions with prizes.

So what do you need for an outdoor game night? For starters, you’ll want some delicious snacks, drinks, and of course, games. Some fun games to consider are cornhole, giant Jenga, lawn bowling, Spikeball, ladder toss, and beer pong.

Watch the Sunset or Sunrise

Life gets busy and at times it can be easy to forget to slow down and enjoy nature’s beauty. Summer offers some of the prettiest sunsets and sunrises so take advantage of the season and unwind with a beautiful landscape.

In case you need another reason to enjoy a sunset or sunrise, it turns out, that sun gazing may offer health benefits too. While the evidence is purely anecdotal, Medical News Today says it may help you feel “reenergized and reinvigorated.” Sun gazing may also help promote relaxation and decrease stress, regulate your sleep and wake cycle, boost your immune system, and improve feelings of well-being.

Try a New Sport

Getting active isn’t only important for your health, but it can be fun too! This summer why not try a new sport. There are tons to choose from too.

If you live near the water, perhaps you can take surfing or rowing lessons. You could also play beach volleyball, pickleball, tennis, ultimate frisbee, soccer, and baseball. There are tons of enjoyable ways to get outdoors and get your body moving.

Clarissa Vanner

Clarissa is the Junior Managing Editor of ActiveBeat. She aspires to live a healthy lifestyle by staying active and eating foods that nourish her body, but she isn't afraid to indulge in a little chocolate here and there! Clarissa loves cooking, being outdoors, and spending time with her dog. In her free time, you'll find her relaxing in her hammock or curled up on the couch reading a book.