15 Best Outdoor Activities for Adults

Spending time outdoors can be seen as necessary for human survival. Being in nature is believed to decrease levels of stress and depression while increasing your energy levels and boosting your mood. It’s almost like there’s magic in the fresh air and trees outside.

While it is very important to spend some time outdoors every day, it can be difficult to do this when you’re an adult with a very busy schedule. Maybe you want to go outside, but you’re not sure what to do when you’re out there. Or you just can’t seem to find the time to do so.

Well, it’s time to introduce you to the best and most fun outdoor activities for adults. This is your sign to try a new hobby or pick one back up that you used to enjoy! Maybe try out a few of these fun outdoor activities and rotate through them during the week. Let’s dive in.

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Top Outdoor Activities for Adults

See if there are local tours available near you for the following outdoor activities for adults. Many rental companies, take kayaks for example, will host guided tours suited for beginners to test the waters (literally!). You'll be shown the basics and leave with a better understanding of how to do whatever activity you choose. Plus, you might make friends!

1. Kayaking

Starting out with a water-based outdoor activity, kayaking is a great way to explore nature if you have a body of water near your house. Maybe there’s a lake nearby or even a small river; many cities even have local companies that provide kayak rentals and tours. Check to see if there are any near you.

This is a great option if you don’t want to purchase your own kayak, or maybe have nowhere to store it. If you’ve never kayaked before, try renting one first to see if you enjoy it. You might find that you love it so much you want your own kayak, or maybe you just want to get on the water every now and then.

This outdoor activity requires mostly shoulder and arm strength, but it can be made easier or more difficult depending on your personal preferences. Go slow and enjoy your surroundings, or push yourself physically and test your skills in river rapids. Always trust your gut and know what you’re comfortable with.

2. Paddleboarding

This one also requires a body of water and a still one at that. The best places to go paddle boarding are on a lake or a large pond. You can try this outdoor activity in moving water, but it will require more balance.

Paddleboarding has become a very popular sport, gaining exposure over the last couple of years. It requires an oar and a board; this is another common activity you can find at local lakes. You can stand up on the board, also known as SUP or stand-up paddleboarding, or you can sit down on your board.

It might take some practice to be able to stand up as it does require some balancing, but don’t let this discourage you from trying! Paddle boarding is so much fun, and remember you can always sit down if you need a break.

3. Hiking

Immerse yourself in nature and explore the hiking trails near your house. You might be surprised by what you can find near your home. Often large city parks have nice long trails or see if there are any bigger state parks near you.

Another fantastic place to go hiking is in national parks. Plan your own adventure trip and throw some beautiful hikes in your itinerary. One of my all-time favorite places to go hiking is Big Bend National Park.

The great part about hiking is the variety of trails available out there. You might have to drive a little further from home, but the views and refresh of a hike will be worth it. Take it easy and admire nature on a short, no-incline hike, or work your way up to tackling a 10-mile hike. Whichever you prefer, there are options for you!

Read Next: 10 Day Hiking Essentials

Hiking in Hot Springs National Park

4. Biking

Stay on land and take in the outdoors by bike. If you’ve never learned how to ride a bike, head to your local REI store where they offer biking lessons, or ask a friend if they're willing to help. Biking is fun to do in a park, or even in a city, which makes it one of the best outdoor activities for adults.

If you’re traveling, try renting a bike as a fun way to explore a new city. Just make sure you know the rules of the road so you can stay safe. One of the best cities for biking in the US is Chicago; there are many bike lanes as well as a plethora of rentable bikes.

If you’re feeling really daring, try your hand at mountain biking. This will take more practice, but start with easier trails and work your way up to the more intense mountain biking trails. Many state parks have designated biking trails, you never know what might be available in your community!

Biking on Mt. Etna, Sicily!

5. Climbing

Where are the daredevils? This is your sign to try rock climbing! If you’ve never been before, I recommend heading to your local rock climbing gym first to try it out. You can see if they offer any lessons, or even have gear available to rent so you don’t have to buy your own.

If you want to try climbing in the great outdoors, make sure you go with a friend who knows what they’re doing. This is a much more difficult and dangerous activity. But if you’re well prepared, it is so much fun! New River Gorge National Park has many popular climbing routes, from beginner level to more advanced.