Burst into Spring With These 5 Outdoor Activity Ideas

Like all other seasons, spring has an official starting date each year in late March. Well before then, though, signs that Old Man Winter is losing his frigid grip abound: temperatures creep upward, bare hardwoods sprout new leaves, azaleas put on buds.

The same goes for we humans, who have been huddled indoors for weeks. With the mercury rising, we grow antsy to leave our dens and get outdoors.

And, there’s plenty awaiting us—nature bristles with energy as spring approaches. Depending on what you like, something exhilarating awaits you and your family in the great wide open.

Here, then, are 5 springtime ideas to spur your imagination for starting the season out right.

Tidy up your living space. Winter often puts a hold on cleaning and maintenance chores around the home. So, before you head out on your next springtime adventure, take some time for a good “spring cleaning” and decluttering—it’s also a good way to lighten your mood.

And, give the outside of your home a little TLC by preparing your garden beds for planting and getting those spring annuals in the ground. Besides setting yourself up for a beautiful and bountiful summer, there’s just something therapeutic about digging in the soil.

Take a hike…or a bike ride. If you’re the adventurous type you could head out for a cross-country hike with nothing but a backpack, map, and compass. If that’s not your thing, though, you can easily find well-marked trails to suit your interests.

And, don’t forget cycling: whether on or off road, riding a bicycle is a low-impact way to boost your fitness—as well as take in some amazing scenery.

Head out on the water. Warmer weather also lends itself to aquatic activities. If you like fishing—or just relaxing on a party barge—there’s a Tennessee waterway calling your name.

If you’re more into moving with the current, put in on a river, creek, or mountain stream for a day of kayaking, canoeing, or rafting. You can get a pretty good workout, plus see nature from an entirely different perspective.

Exercise outdoors—solo or with friends. Springtime lends itself to getting things moving—like your heart rate. Your local or state park offers a wonderful setting for calisthenics or cardio workouts.

You might even find a little camaraderie by joining an outdoor exercise group in the form of running clubs, yoga classes, or sports leagues. You’ll get a chance to improve your fitness and make some friends to boot.

Reconnect with yourself and family. The Japanese have a practice called Shinrin-yoku— “forest bathing” in English. It involves “immersing” yourself in a natural setting to “wash away” mental clutter. Nature is especially conducive for meditation or other mindfulness practices.

Time in nature can also strengthen family bonds. Your kids may not recall the latest Tik Tok a year from now, but they could remember a warm spring evening around a campfire for the rest of their lives.

So, what are you waiting for? Spring is calling you to come outside and play.