Discover 10 Ways to Enjoy Outdoor Time as an Adult

Unlock the benefits of outdoor time for adults with our expert guide. Explore health benefits, activity ideas, and tips for a refreshing outdoor experience.

two people hiking

The Importance of Outdoor Time for Adults

Spending time outdoors in nature has numerous advantages for people of all ages. Adults can benefit from the decreased stress, increased cardiovascular performance, and mood boost that outdoor activities bring. Read on for some tips for enjoying outdoor time whether you’re a regular hiker or more of a homebody.

Health Benefits of Outdoor Activities

According to some sources, the health benefits of outdoor activities include improved sleep, better breathing, and boosted immune function. Give your body a breath of fresh air by making outdoor activities a regular part of your fitness routine.

Mental Health Benefits

Like the physical advantages of spending time outdoors, the mental health benefits of spending time outside are numerous. Studies have shown outdoor time is linked to a reduction in depression symptoms and feelings of wellbeing.

Social Benefits

One way to ramp up the positive mental and physical health advantages of outdoor time is to bring a friend along or to meet new people as you stroll. On Meetup, you can find groups for hiking, biking, kayaking, and even walking in cities around the world.

10 Outdoor Activities for Adults

We’ve curated a list of some of the most popular ways that adults are spending time outdoors. Many of them are activities you can do on your own. If you’d like to make outdoor time a frequent part of your life, join an outdoor community on Meetup for regular events and a group of people who are eager to meet you!

1. Hiking Trails for Nature Lovers

Join groups like Outdoor Introverts to explore new trails while meeting new friends. Some groups even combine traditional indoor activities like book discussions while hiking. See what inventive groups are planning, or even create your own group.

2. Biking Adventures for Cyclists

Prefer to take in the sights at higher speeds? Biking groups might be just the thing. Check out groups like the Denver Cycling Club (DCC) for events. Go for an early morning ride before work or grab a beverage with fellow cyclists at an afternoon ride.

3.  Relax at Scenic Picnic Spots

Not all outdoor activities have to be high-energy. Sometimes, outdoor events can be relaxing affairs. Try hosting a picnic with friends in a scenic location near a beach, forest, or even in a spacious public park. Trees and flowers provide an excellent backdrop for even a simple meal. The next time you’re looking for an activity with friends, pack some snacks and head outdoors!

4. Outdoor Yoga and Meditation

Outdoor yoga groups are some of the most popular ways to practice yoga on Meetup. Look for groups like New York Yoga Meetup Group and Madison Outdoor Yoga that host classes in the open air.

5. Gardening for Green Thumbs

Gardening is a stimulating hobby with benefits beyond your wellbeing. It’s hard to beat the rewarding feeling of making a salad with some fresh vegetables from your very own garden. Check out gardening groups, plant swaps, and other plant-centric communities near you.

6. Wildlife Watching for Nature Enthusiasts

Spot whales, otters, and other marine wildlife out in the ocean, or look for moose, deer, mountain goats, and more in the higher elevations. See what fauna wildlife groups are spotting near you this season. Be sure to follow safety precautions–never get too close to a wild animal.

7. Camping Trips for Adventure Seekers

Plan an overnight trip to soak up the outdoor experience. Find camping groups who share your love of the outdoors. In addition to having more people to spend time with, camping with a group can lighten the load. Discuss sharing meals, camping supplies, and cookware, to relieve the burden of buying costly equipment.

8. Stargazing and Astronomy Nights

If you like to view the starlight but aren’t enthusiastic about spending the entire night outdoors on a camping trip, an astronomy outing might be right for you. Learn the basics of using a telescope to locate celestial objects like planets, stars, and star constellations.

9. Beach Escapes for Sun and Surf Lovers

Depending on where you live, the beach can be a sweet escape and a source of inspiration. Find meditation groups by the water to breathe in time with the waves and let your tension drift out to sea.

10. Join Sports Teams and Groups on Meetup

Sports are another common way to get outdoor time while working up a sweat. Take a turn on our local pickleball court and meet fellow players by joining groups like Denver Pickleball – 20s, 30s, and 40s. Popular sports change season by season, so consider joining a group for all kinds of sports like OUTDOOR Events & Sports NYC to get a mix of activities while keeping your time outdoors consistent year-round.

Make the Most of Your Outdoor Time

When it comes to getting more outdoor time in your life, the best approach is one that you enjoy. Find an activity that you like. Try new sports, events, and classes to get a feel for outdoor options. Whether it’s hiking and biking or picnicking and meditating, once you have an idea of what kinds of outings you like, you can find groups with people who share your passions. Joining a group will keep the invitations out coming and make it easy to be outdoors as often as you like, while boosting your social life.

Join Meetup for Outdoor Adventures

Meetup has thousands of groups around the world dedicated to getting outdoors, together! Find an outdoor adventure group near you.

Frequently asked questions

  1. Why is outdoor time important for adults?

Outdoor time is linked with many physical and mental health benefits like improved sleep and immune system functioning, and decreases in depression symptoms. It’s also an excellent way to calibrate the body’s circadian rhythms and help with sleep. 

  1. How can adults incorporate outdoor time into their daily routine?

Finding and commiting to outdoor time each week or each day is one way to make outdoor activities a habit. Finding a community of fellow outdoor enthusiasts can also help you make outdoor adventures a regular part of your routine. Join hiking, walking, or sports groups to get more outdoor time and make friends who share your interest in getting outside.

  1. How can I find outdoor clubs in my area?

Searching for outdoor clubs on Meetup is one method for finding communities. You can also ask around at outdoor clothing and equipment stores near you. Take classes for mountaineering, skiing, or sports lessons to find communities who share your interests.

Last modified on November 3, 2023