16 Top Ideas For Outdoor Summer Activities

Summer only rolls around once every year, so make the most of it! While the summer is still here, make the most of your time by enjoying as much fun in the sun as you can get. This summer you can stay active with fun and family-friendly outdoor activities that you can enjoy all summer long. Why not get your close family and friends together for fun family weekends and outdoor activities in the sun?

Staying active in the summer should be a no-brainer since its so easy to be outside, but how often has autumn rolled around, leaving you wondering where summer went so fast? Make the best of your spare time and days off to enjoy your summer with great activities.

We've collected a list of all kinds of ideas that you can make your summer just that much more exciting! Feel free to do these either on your own, or with friends and family. So that you know exactly what you're getting into, we've also listed a few things to be aware of, including advantages and disadvantages of each! With 16 unique activities, you are sure to like at least one of these, and who knows, maybe it will even become a new favorite!

Let's dive right in!
 

1. Start jogging or running

There's no time like now to start jogging! Easy, affordable and an effective way of working out. Even just going for a jog for 10 minutes in the morning can really exercise your body! If you're unfit it may seem exhausting at first, but after a few runs you can really start to feel your body get stronger.

It's usually a good idea to run in the early hours of the morning, before the haze and hot sun sets in on the day. Though goin

2. Hit up the beach!

Taking the family to a nearby beach or just heading out with a friend can make for a fantastic day or few hours. Pack lots of sunblock, water and fruits to stay hydrated and well fed. Always listen to the weather report to be sure that beaches are safe, not only for extreme weather but also to hear sun reports for UV ratings.
 

3. Join a soccer or volleyball league

If you enjoy social activities, you can always join a soccer or volleyball team which plays outdoors. There are several leisure leagues which are friendly and non-competitive. You can expect to pay a reasonable joining fee, and play one evening per week. These are also called “beer leagues” because the games are friendly and entail going out for a social beer afterwards.

4. Ride bikes

On the road, in wooded trails or in the mountains or local hills; riding bikes is fun, and great exercise. You can take the whole family along, stop for ice-cream or other sights and sounds along the way!

5. Go camping

A simple favourite for so many because getting away from the city can feel so good. Get in touch with nature and get some good rest. Weather its wilderness camping or tenting in a full service park, sitting around the campfire is priceless.

6. Explore nearby towns on the weekends

Take a drive one morning to a town you've never been to and explore their shops, and meet some local people. You may be surprised at what you find.
 

Best Summer Activity Ideas

7. Find music festivals to attend

Summer time is great for outdoor festivals for music, comedy or dance. Find one in your city or a nearby city and take the time to get out there and enjoy the arts in fresh summer air.
 

8. Do a bike tour or riding fundraiser

Bike tours are usually a few days long. Training and preparing for this day may actually take months, but either way, it is great for your health and usually for a good cause as well.

9. Learn an exhilarating sport like surfing, sailing or ballooning

Be crazy this summer and take on an extreme sport! Try something you've never done before; go surfing, sailing or rafting. Don't forget about air/land sports like ballooning, bungee jumping and other wild, exhilarating sports you can do!
 

10. Fly a kite

Take an afternoon to go fly a kite. It may seem like a boring idea, but bring along a picnic basket and your family will have a grand time together. This is a simple, easy and affordable way to spend time together doing a healthy activity.

11. Hunting and fishing

Be sure to follow all safety precautions and regulations before you decide to take up hunting. Fish with the kids for sunfish and teach them about the value of catching food and about animal life.

12. Hiking

Trails nearby? Go for a hike and get in touch with your inner self! Take the family and pack a thermos of soup and some snacks to enjoy along the way. Get exercise and enjoy nature at the same time by going hiking.

13. Bird watching

There are hundreds of thousands of unique bird species. You might be surprised to find how interesting and beautiful birds can be. Check out a bird sanctuary on the outskirts of your city to see if you can spark an interest in bird watching.

14. Apple picking, berry picking and wagon rides

Head out to local farms to pick apples, cherries, or berries. This family-friendly outdoor activity teaches kids about the value of food and ground work of local farms. Then you can enjoy the healthy, organic fruits that you've labored over!

15. Mini-putting

Always a fun time, going mini-putting with family or friends is a great way to bond, and stay lightly active. This ignites a friendly competitive spirit and is also a great ice-breaker used by companies to bring employees closer together.

16. The driving range

Always wanted to golf? The driving range is fun, simple and is essential to learning proper golfing technique. There are many relaxed driving ranges which are lax on dress code and family friendly, where you can take the kids to learn a fantastic sport. Be sure to bring sunscreen with you!