25+ Transformative And Fun Things To Do Alone Outside
Spending time alone outside can be the ultimate way to recharge, relax, and find some peace away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Whether you’re looking for a solo adventure or just some creative and relaxing solo activities, there are plenty of fun things to do alone outside.
In this article, I will share with you over 25 incredibly fun things to do alone outside that will help you make the most of your solo time in nature. 🍃
Benefits Of Spending Time In Nature
Why on Earth there are posts like this that try to inspire you to spend more time outside? Is there perhaps… research-based evidence that proves why? Of course there are!
American Psychological Association details that studies show that spending time outside improves attention, lowers stress, improves mood, and reduces the risk of psychiatric disorders and even upticks in empathy and cooperation.
They also found that exposure to nature leads to improvement in attention throughout the day, positive emotions, and the ability to reflect on a life problem.
After work, I intentionally walk the longer route to my car which allows me to walk alongside a path of beautiful trees. The route is quiet and peaceful. I realized it’s the perfect way to decompress and feel at ease right after a busy day. I put my phone in my work bag and take time to appreciate nature and my mind is still for the 5-10 minutes it takes to get to my car.
That’s when this article comes into play. There are so many fun things to do alone outside and it’s to reenergize your mind and thoughts while having fun!
Fun Things To Do Alone Outside
When I need some time alone and want to connect with nature, I love to go on solo outdoor adventures. It’s a great way to recharge and enjoy some peace. Here are some of my favorite solo outdoor activities, split up into categories: self-care, adventure, and creativity.
Self Care
1. Reading in the park
The first of the fun things to do alone outside is reading in the park. I recently picked up the Dune trilogy from Target and have been picking it up almost every day to dive back into the work of Terra. There’s a neighborhood park that has a few tables under a tall and shady tree which is where I like to read outside.
Find a cozy spot outdoors—a hammock, a quiet bench, or even a blanket under a shady tree—and lose yourself in a good book. Reading outdoors can enhance your enjoyment of both the book and the natural surroundings. Here are some books I love and recommend:
2. Walking or Running After Work
Walking or running outside and using your energy to feel the peace of nature surrounding you is a way to decompress from a long day. When it’s not scorching hot here in Texas and I have a sliver of energy after work, I love to go for a run when I get home from work. “The Henderson Mile” which is actually about 3 miles in the neighborhood is so therapeutic and relaxing.
Another example is that I take the scenic route every day when walking to my car. Meaning instead of going through the building to get to my car, I walk around the building where there’s a row of trees and absolute silence. It gives me time to clear my mind from the day at work.
Favorite running shoes: Brooks Ghost 14
3. Listen To A Podcast
I don’t typically listen to podcasts unless I’m cleaning or going for a walk. So I think this is a super fun and satisfying thing to do alone outside.
On an evening walk you can put on a podcast that makes you think, makes you laugh, or makes you feel energized. Here are some podcasts I love:
Podcasts Pictured:
- Financial Feminist
- Date Yourself Instead
- We Said What We Said
- Science Vs
- The Ed Mylett Show
- To All The People
4. Meditation and Yoga
Meditation and yoga are great activities to do alone outside. They will help you connect with your body and mind while also enjoying the peace and tranquility of nature.
I like to find a quiet spot and bring a yoga mat or cushion to meditate on. It’s a rejuvenating way to start or end my day.
5. Watch the Sunrise or Sunset
I learned from the Andrew Huberman podcast that it’s important for you to get 5-10 minutes of sunlight on your face in the morning without wearing sunglasses.
Watching the sunset can increase overall attention and focus throughout the day, improve your mood, and have a correlation with hormone regulation and stress reduction.
Sunlight to eyes (morning) = increased daytime alertness/focus, better sleep, immune function. Don’t stare at sun.
— Andrew D. Huberman, Ph.D. (@hubermanlab) July 17, 2022
Sunlight on skin (mid, late day) = increased testosterone & estrogen, mood. Don’t burn!
Viewing bright light (all colors) 10-4am. Bad for sleep, dopamine & more.
Nonetheless, enjoying the sunrise or the sunset is a fun and beautiful way to spend part of your day!
6. Journaling
A daily habit I’m trying to build is journaling. This can be a part of your morning routine where you journal about what you’re looking forward to in the day.
You can also write in a gratitude journal, this is the one I’ve been using for a few years and love. Or, you can journal in the evening by reflecting on your day. This can be another fun and relaxing thing to do outside.
7. Call A Friend
Who’s a good friend you haven’t talked to in a while? Try calling a friend to check in and catch up on life. I can almost guarantee they’ll be so happy to hear from you!
Going on a walk for instance, while I catch up with a friend or family member always allows me to fully focus on that individual. I honestly feel like I enjoy the conversation more when I take a call outside! One time I went for a run after work and I answered a call from a friend while jogging. It made me completely forget about the cramp I was having on my side LOL.
Adventure
8. Hiking
Hiking alone (or with a friend) in nature is a great way to clear your mind and enjoy some fresh air.
Before heading out, make sure you have a good pair of hiking shoes and a backpack with essentials like water, snacks, and a first aid kit.
Choose a trail that suits your fitness level and make sure to let someone know where you’re going and when you plan to return. I love exploring new trails and discovering hidden gems in nature.
9. Outdoor Concert or Live Performance
Check out outdoor concerts, theater performances, or other live events happening in your area. Bring a blanket or lawn chair and enjoy the entertainment under the open sky. Just yesterday, I went to eat sushi with a friend downtown, and we saw some live music on the way as we were walking to the restaurant!
10. Exploring Local Parks
Exploring local parks is a great way to enjoy the outdoors without having to travel too far. Most cities have parks with walking trails, picnic areas, and other amenities. Pack a lunch and spend the day exploring. You might even discover a new favorite spot.
11. Photography Walkabouts
Photography walks are a great way to combine your love of nature with your passion for photography. Grab your camera and take some beautiful pictures of birds, butterflies, places, and people.
You’ll be able to capture some amazing shots while enjoying the greenery surrounding you. Don’t forget to share your photos with friends and family!
12. Stargazing
Stargazing is a calming and awe-inspiring activity that I enjoy a lot. I like to find a quiet spot away from city lights and lie down on a blanket to watch the stars. It’s a great way to reflect on the vastness of the universe and appreciate the beauty of the night sky.
13. Go For a Run or Walk
A handful of times every month, I go on either a solo run or a run with my dad. We go through our neighborhood and on a road near stores. Even though it can get a little noisy with cars going by when we pass the shops, we also gain a lot of energy and peace through the part of our run through nature. Go solo or go with a running buddy!
14. Solo Camping Trip
Disconnect from the hustle and bustle of daily life by going on a solo camping adventure. Set up camp in a beautiful scenic location, roast marshmallows over a campfire, and enjoy the solitude of nature.
15. Go on a Bike Ride
My sister and I used to LOVE bike riding as kids. I haven’t made much time for it as I’ve transitioned into adulthood. I remember biking on the trail by our neighborhood was also so much fun, and relaxing, and I got a workout out of it!
16. Explore Your City
I was born and raised in a nice size city in Texas and I still don’t know everything about it. Pick a day or time to just go out to local shops or outdoor parks in your city.
Not only will you be exploring and becoming more knowledgeable about your city, but you may meet some friendly faces along the way.
17. Play a Sport
Playing a sport or exercising in general is an amazing way to have a fun time outside alone. Some popular sports include running, walking, swimming, golf, skateboarding, or even dancing!
18. Bird Watching
Grab a pair of binoculars and a bird guidebook, and head to a local park or nature reserve. Spend some time observing and identifying different bird species. My volunteer friend sent me a bird-watching book that he uses and I was so grateful!
19. Solo Beach Day
If you’re lucky enough to live near a beach, spend a day lounging in the sun, swimming, and collecting seashells. Bring along a good book or simply enjoy the sounds of the crashing waves.
20. Picnic in the Park
Pack yourself a delicious meal, grab a book or a journal, and head to a nearby park. Enjoy the tranquility of nature while indulging in your favorite foods.
21. Geocaching
Join the treasure-hunting adventure by geocaching. All you need is a smartphone with a geocaching app and a sense of adventure to find hidden treasures in your area. This is a super fun way to spend time outside.
22. Outdoor Film Screening
Host your very own outdoor movie night by setting up a projector and screen in your backyard or a local park. Invite friends or enjoy a solo movie-watching experience under the stars.
23. Botanical Garden Exploration
Visit a nearby botanical garden and take a lovely stroll among the diverse collection of plants and flowers. Bring a camera to capture the beauty and inspiration for your garden or artwork.
Creativity
24. Outdoor Cooking Experiment
You can get creative with outdoor cooking by trying out new recipes on a portable grill or camp stove. Whether it’s grilling burgers, making foil packet meals, or baking bread over a campfire, outdoor cooking can be both fun and delicious while learning how to grill just in time for summer!
25. Outdoor Painting or Drawing
There’s something serene about being surrounded by nature and creating art. Whether it’s painting a scenic view or sketching a flower, outdoor painting or drawing allows me to express myself while enjoying the fresh air. I like to bring a small sketchbook and a set of watercolors with me and get to creating!
26. Gardening Projects
Gardening is a great way to connect with nature and get some exercise. I like to spend time planting flowers, herbs, and vegetables in my garden. It’s a satisfying feeling to watch something grow and flourish over time. Plus, having fresh herbs and veggies to cook with is a bonus!
27. Nature Sound Recording
Bring a portable recorder or smartphone with a high-quality microphone and capture the sounds of nature, such as bird songs, rustling leaves, or flowing water. Use the recordings to create your own ambient soundscapes or simply to enjoy the natural symphony. Upload them to YouTube or send them to me because I love going to sleep with nature sounds. 🌿
28. Nature-Inspired Crafts
Collect natural materials like leaves, pinecones, and branches during a nature walk, and use them to create crafts such as pressed flower art or nature-themed jewelry.
Spending time alone outdoors offers a ton of opportunities for self-discovery, relaxation, and adventure! Whether you’re seeking solitude in nature, indulging in creative pursuits, or simply enjoying the simple pleasures of outdoor activities, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. I hope you were able to take a few things from this list of fun things to do alone outside! Let me know what you decided on doing! 🏕️
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