outdoor activities Archives

Ahh, the great outdoors. Spending time outside might just be one of the best things you can do on this planet, especially when you have your Nalgene bottle in hand to quench your thirst. But sometimes, deciding out an outdoor activity can be overwhelming. Sure, we love camping and hiking as much as the next person, but what happens when we want something else to do?

We feel you, and we’ve got your back. Since we here at Nalgene Outdoor consider ourselves something of outdoor connoisseurs, we came up with this ultimate list of fun outdoor activities you haven’t tried. Since the word “outdoor” is even part of our name, we decided this officially falls under our territory.

We hope you’ll find a new activity here that piques your interest. And, even if you have tried some of these fun outdoor activities before, we hope this list inspires you to pick them back up again.

Activity level: Moderate-high
Shooting bows and arrows isn’t only for characters in stories and movies: archery is an Olympic sport that’s practiced all over the world today. When it comes to bows, there are recurve bows, like you might find at the Olympics, and there are compound bows, which have a cable-and-pulley system that “compounds” the force of the bow. To pick up archery in your area, do a Google search for “archery ranges near me,” and take some lessons from an expert.

Activity level: Intense
If you live near a shore, beach volleyball is a great way to stay active while getting outside. Beach volleyball is a team sport played on beaches, and if you live near a beach, you’ve probably seen nets set up. If you want to start playing, search for a beach volleyball group in your area. You can also play volleyball with friends at the beach, or in parks (and you can even get your own net to bring around with you).

Activity level: Mild
How well do you know your avian neighbors? Bird watching, or birding, is a hobby that will have you exploring the outdoors, and seeing incredible creatures. Birding is a very accessible activity, which you can do from just about anywhere, including your own backyard. Experts say the best way to get started with birding is to get a guide book, and to simply look and listen. With our 32 oz Wide Mouth Tritan Bottle in hand, you’ll have plenty of water to stay out for as long as you want.

Activity level: Intense
You’ll never look at rocks the same way again after getting into bouldering. Bouldering is a form of climbing on rock formations or walls in climbing gyms. Unlike rock climbing, bouldering involves no ropes or harness, and it’s typically done on shorter rock faces with a safety pad below. To get started bouldering, check out a bouldering gym in your area. And don’t forget to bring along your Narrow Mouth Tritan Water Bottle, for easy sipping.

Conservation volunteering

Activity level: Mild-moderate
If you love the outdoors, and want to give back while spending time doing something that you love, conservation volunteering is for you. There are tons of different types of conservation volunteering, from doing shifts in wilderness education centers to leading tours and restoring habitats. Search for conservation projects in your area to see where you can give back.

Gardening

Activity level: Mild
Could your yard use a sprucing up? From flourishing flowers to earthy herbs, spending time gardening is a great way to get outside. Gardening can be a simple task, but it can also be an engaging activity with a lot of complexity. You can learn how to grow herbs, vegetables, and fruits, along with beautiful flowers and shrubs. You’ll also probably want to learn about pests, plant diseases, and other common problems that can plague your garden. Visit a gardening center in your area to talk to an expert about how you can get started.

Learn All About Gardening

Activity level: Intense
Looking for a challenge and some adventure? Find a high ropes course in your area. High ropes courses are obstacle courses that tend to be in wooded areas, set up high in the trees. They can be anywhere from 20 feet in the air to 50 feet, and you’ll be hooked up to a harness while you navigate the course. Many of these courses also have zip lines, swings, and other elements that will keep you on your toes.

Activity level: Mild-intense
If you live near a body of water, whether it’s an ocean, lake, or rivers, kayaking is a great way to spend time exploring it. Kayaking is a fairly accessible activity, and involves sitting in a kayak, and using your paddle to move yourself through the water. If you’re a beginner, choosing a calm body of water is a great idea. There are also more extreme forms of kayaking, such as ocean kayaking. You can rent kayaks, go on a tour, or sign up for classes.

Activity level: Mild
Take advantage of a breezy day by flying a kite high in the sky at your favorite park or any open space. Kites are beautiful, and kite flying can be a simple activity to pick up. Sure, there are plenty of different types of kites, and you’ll want to make sure you have the perfect weather for it (including the right amount of wind). But kite flying can be a fun way for the whole family to get outdoors.

Activity level: Intense
A high-thrills sport, kitesurfing will have you soaring on the water, with the help of the wind. Kitesurfing is great for lovers of snowboarding, skateboarding, or regular surfing, and involves using a big kite to propel yourself through the water. Kitesurfing can be challenging to learn, and definitely requires some expert instruction. But once you master it, you’ll be soaring through the water with the help of the wind.

Activity level: Mild-intense
Have you ever felt lost in the woods? Never let that happen again by practicing your orienteering skills. Orienteering is the sport of navigation using a compass and a map (not the map on your phone, but an “old school” map). When you participate in an orienteering course, you might start somewhere like a part, and gradually build up to navigating remote terrain. Don’t forget to pack your On-The-Fly Lock-Top Bottle, so you’re plenty hydrated along the way.

Painting

Activity level: Mild
Sure, painting can definitely be an indoor activity, but art and the outdoors go hand-in-hand. Pack some water colors, a brush, and some canvas, and find a nice quiet spot outside. You can paint in parks, on the beach, or on a quiet trail, and use nature as the inspiration for your work.

Picking local produce

Activity level: Mild
Nature’s candy is waiting for you. Seasonal fruit and vegetable picking is not only a great way to get outside, but also a wonderful way to get to know more about the food you eat. Check out orchards in your area, and keep track of when your favorite fruits and vegetables are in season.

Activity level: Mild
When’s the last time you went on a picnic? Pack a basket with your favorite foods, and find a beautiful spot outside. In the cooler months, you can pack blankets and warm drinks in a thermos, such as tea or even hot cocoa. You can invite your friends and family, have everyone bring their favorite dish, and bring along some games, like frisbee or cards.

Activity level: Medium
Hitting the roller rink used to be a favorite pastime, and while they may have mostly gone the way of the dinosaur, you can still roller skate just about anywhere outdoors. Roller skating (or rollerblading) simply involves lacing up, and heading outside. Bike paths are a great place to skate, along with boardwalks. Roller skating and rollerblading will make you feel like a kid again. Just don’t forget to wear your helmet (and maybe knee pads and elbow pads for little ones).

Activity level: Medium-intense
Not sure what to do in the snowy months? Just because there’s snow on the ground doesn’t mean you have to stay inside. Instead, try snowshoeing! Snowshoeing allows you to walk on snowy terrain, and it’s very beginner-friendly. Having good winter gear is vital to staying warm while snowshoeing, along with having the right snowshoe for your height and weight. With snowshoeing, you’ll be able to enjoy the crisp cool air and quiet wilderness locations.