Stop and Smell the Roses: Outdoor Activities to Enjoy This Spring

Spring is one of the best seasons: later sunsets, warmer weather, and flowers and plants begin to bloom. It’s an outdoor enthusiasts’ dream season for these reasons, too. There are many ways to make the most of the warmer weather and longer days through fun-filled outdoor activities for your family, your friends, your kids, and you.

Here are some great outdoor activities to try out for a spring filled with fresh air and sunshine.

Embark on a Family Hike

State parks, national parks, and beloved town woods are all great areas for a family hike and you likely have a great hiking area within an hour of your home. Pick out ideal hiking gear for your family —sneakers or hiking boots for your family’s feet, athletic pants for your kids and husband, women’s workout leggings for you, and a go-to fleece or hoodie as a top layer.

You can choose the route you want to hike with your family depending on athletic ability, scenic options (it’s a plus if your hike also results in some cute family photos), and the length of the trail. Many apps will help you set your hiking route so you know exactly where you’re going along the way. Be sure to pack a few water bottles, snacks, and sunscreen in a backpack, and you’ll be all set for your outdoor adventure.

Start Gardening

Fresh produce and herbs can be grown in your own yard for use in your everyday cooking. Why not spend some time planting easy-to-grow items in a garden this spring? It’s rewarding when the flowers produce and the herbs sprout, and is a good way to get in some outdoor exercise during the spring. You don’t need much to start your garden, just some seeds, dirt, a shovel, and a designated area. Be sure to wear something you don’t mind getting a little dirty since you’ll be digging around in the dirt. And if you're making this a family event, our sweatshirts for kids are perfect for this type of work.

Don’t have a yard? You can start an indoor garden, too. Get a few planters, put them in your window, and plant the items you want to grow indoors. Herbs sprout well inside, as do many other plants including snake plants, succulents, and aloe vera.

Have a Picnic

Pack a canvas tote bag full of sandwiches, pre-packaged salad, and bottled waters or juices, and head out for a picnic with your family, your partner, or your friends. You don’t have to go far to enjoy a picnic lunch or dinner, either. You can simply head to your neighborhood park or your backyard. As long as there's some grass and space to spread out a picnic blanket, you’re set.

You can even set up a fancier picnic in your backyard for a fun happy hour with your partner or your neighbors. Choose a bottle of wine, some cheese, crackers, and other favorite cheeseboard items like olives, nuts, and grapes. A happy hour picnic is a great way to enjoy the outdoors before it gets dark out, too.

Go For a Walk

Let’s face it: long walks in the winter just feel different than a springtime jaunt. During the spring, the days are longer, the weather is warmer, and the all-around mood is more pleasant. Spring is an ideal time to get into walking, and with some good sneakers, trusty women’s workout pants, and a go-to long-sleeved shirt, you can easily walk for miles in the fresh air.

Pick out an audiobook or podcast to listen to on your walk and the time will truly fly by. Plus, it’s a great way to get in some exercise without it feeling like a burden.

Try Fishing

Are you more comfortable with the great outdoors? Or, do you want to be more comfortable with nature? Well, whether you live by a lake, a pond, or the ocean, you can spend some time fishing this spring. No matter you’re fishing skill level, it’s a great way to enjoy nature and soak up the sun. And while it's a great activity to do with your family or friends, it’s also a good activity to do solo if you’re craving some alone time. Keep in mind that fishing can sometimes be a muddy activity, so be sure to slip on some rain boots before going out to the lake.