What is one outdoor activity you recommend people to try for adopting a new hobby, or one time experience? Why?

I always recommend kayaking--whether it's just once or the start of something bigger. It's accessible, beginner-friendly, and offers a totally different perspective of the outdoors. There's something powerful about gliding across a lake or river, surrounded by the sound of water and wildlife. It helps you slow down, tune in, and connect with the landscape in a peaceful, almost meditative way. In Arizona, we're lucky to have incredible places to paddle--from mountain lakes to desert rivers--and you don't need a ton of gear to get started. Many spots offer rentals and guided trips, which makes it easy to try without a huge commitment. For anyone looking to recharge, reflect, or just try something new, kayaking offers adventure without overwhelm--and a chance to see nature from a whole new angle.

If you're craving a rush of pure exhilaration and a taste of true freedom, zip-lining is an unforgettable adventure. Soaring high above the ground, you'll feel weightless—suspended between earth and sky—as the wind rushes past and the world stretches out beneath you. It's a rare chance to let go of fear, embrace the thrill, and experience the wild joy of flying.

One outdoor activity I recommend everyone try at least once is rucking -- walking with a weighted backpack. It's deceptively simple: 20-30 lbs on your back, a trail or sidewalk underfoot, and zero screens involved. Why it's worth trying? It resets your nervous system. Carrying weight while walking taps into deep ancestral wiring -- your body interprets it as "we're moving with purpose," which helps calm the mind while engaging the muscles. It's also joint-friendly and efficient. You'll build strength and endurance without needing to run or track metrics. Some of my clearest ideas -- both personal and professional -- have surfaced mid-ruck. The combo of movement, nature, and just enough strain opens a mental clarity zone that's hard to replicate. Bonus hack: I use voice notes during longer rucks to log ideas -- turns out fresh air and forward motion make for great problem-solving fuel. Whether once in the mountains or weekly in your neighborhood, rucking delivers a full-body and full-brain upgrade. Try it once -- and you'll see why people keep coming back for more.

The outdoor activity I recommend people try is starting a garden, even if it's just a small patch or a few container plants. Gardening offers a perfect blend of relaxation and satisfaction, especially when it comes to transforming an ordinary space into something you can be proud of. As the founder of TurfPRo, I've seen firsthand how nurturing plants can be both a rewarding and calming experience. Whether it's growing flowers, herbs, or even vegetables, the process connects you to nature and teaches you about patience and growth. For many homeowners, it's easy to overlook the power of a well kept lawn, but taking time to care for your outdoor space whether by planting new seeds or maintaining your lawn can improve your overall quality of life. I remember one customer, Maria, who started with a simple herb garden on her balcony. Over time, she found herself spending more and more time outdoors, enjoying the fruits of her labor and the beauty of her space. The sense of accomplishment from caring for plants can offer a new sense of pride in your environment, making it a perfect activity for both new hobby seekers and those wanting a one time experience. Gardening gives you the opportunity to connect with the environment and appreciate the way plants grow, adapt, and thrive with proper care. The mental and physical benefits, like reducing stress and boosting mood, are just as important as the practical ones, like growing fresh produce or creating a more visually appealing space. At TurfPRo, we often talk to clients about the importance of proper lawn care, but gardening adds another layer of joy to the outdoors that you can see and feel every day. While starting a garden can seem intimidating at first, it's one of those activities where small steps lead to big rewards. Whether you're planting a few flowers in your front yard or designing a larger vegetable patch, each success along the way builds confidence. Even for those who don't consider themselves gardeners, this type of outdoor experience can unlock a deep connection to the land and foster a new hobby that grows with you.

I'd recommend trying paddle boarding. It's a fantastic way to embrace nature, get moving, and enjoy a sense of calm on the water. Whether you're on a serene lake or exploring the coastline, paddle boarding allows you to disconnect while engaging your entire body. The beauty of it lies in how accessible it is to beginners, yet still offers a challenge for seasoned athletes. What makes paddle boarding stand out is its versatility in connecting with your surroundings while also offering a great workout. I've had customers share how their first experience was unexpectedly transformative they started with a bit of hesitation, unsure of balance or strength, but found themselves in awe of how peaceful and empowering it felt once they were out there. It's the perfect example of how trying something new can lead to discovering a new love for the outdoors. For those worried about sun exposure, paddle boarding is an ideal opportunity to wear sun protective clothing that looks and feels great. With Tied Sunwear's UPF 50+ beachwear, you get the added benefit of sun protection without sacrificing style. Our fabrics are lightweight, cooling, and designed for freedom of movement, meaning you'll stay comfortable and protected from the sun's harmful rays while you paddle along. There's something about the rhythm of the paddle, the splash of the water, and the surrounding nature that makes paddle boarding more than just a sport it's an experience that leaves you feeling refreshed, confident, and closer to nature. It's one of those activities that checks all the boxes fun, fitness, relaxation, and safety.

As someone who lives on an 80-acre horse ranch in the Colorado mountains, I'd recommend horseback riding as a transformative outdoor activity. It creates a unique connection with nature you can't experience through hiking or biking alone, allowing you to cover more ground while developing a relationship with an incredible animal. The mental health benefits are profound. During stressful periods running my interior design business, I've found that even a short trail ride resets my perspective completely. There's something about the rhythm of the horse's movement and being fully present that quiets the mind like nothing else. You don't need to own horses to enjoy riding. Many ranches offer beginner lessons and guided trail experiences. Start with a single lesson to learn basics, then progress to longer rides as your confidence builds. Most stables provide all necessary equipment. The skills transfer surprisingly well to other areas of life. The patience, communication, and leadership required for effective riding have directly improved how I collaborate with our design team and clients at Divine Home & Office. It teaches you to be decisive yet gentle - a balance that serves you everywhere.

Hiking offers a simple and rewarding way to reconnect with your body and mind. It demands no special equipment, only the commitment to move forward. Trails challenge your endurance, test your awareness, and give your thoughts room to breathe. After years focused on growing access to medical cannabis, I've learned how essential movement is for healing. Hiking provides that movement in a way that's free, accessible, and grounding. You feel every step. You breathe deeper. You notice how much noise you've been carrying once it finally gets quiet. The first time I hiked alone, I was burned out, trying to balance life and work. There was no breakthrough moment. No epiphany. But I slept better that night. The next morning, I felt lighter. I started hiking twice a month. That rhythm helped me reset mentally and physically. It gave me clarity. You don't need to summit a mountain. A loop around your local trail works. Nature doesn't ask for productivity. There's no scoreboard, no pressure. That absence lets people reset their pace. In our work supporting patients, we often talk about balance. Hiking gave me mine. It's an activity that builds strength without stress and restores focus without force. If you want a new experience that offers both challenge and peace, this is the one to try.

One outdoor activity I highly recommend people try either as a new hobby or a one-time experience is foraging for wild edible plants. It's not only deeply grounding and educational, but it also reconnects you with nature in a rare way in modern life. When I tried foraging for the first time with a local guide, it completely changed how I experienced trails and forests. Instead of just walking through nature, I started noticing details: the shape of leaves, the smell of the soil, and the way sunlight hits certain plants. We found wild garlic, wood sorrel, and even mushrooms added to dinner that evening. There's something incredibly satisfying about eating something you found yourself with your hands directly from the earth. It's also a hobby that teaches patience, observation, and humility--you have to learn to identify things carefully, and you start to understand ecosystems more intimately. It can be a one-off thrill or a long-term pursuit, and it blends well with photography, cooking, hiking, or journaling. Just be sure to go with an expert first--some plants can be toxic, and guidance is key. But once you do it safely, foraging can completely transform your relationship with the outdoors.

One of my favorites, highly accessible and impactful outdoor activity to try--whether as a one-time experience From a mental-health perspective--or the seed of a longer-term hobby--is forest bathing (the Japanese practice of shinrin-yoku). Forest bathing isn't exercise or hiking for distance--it's a slow, mindful walk in a wooded area, allowing your senses to fully engage with the forest environment. Your main focus should be breathe deeply, notice sights, sounds, textures and even smells, and to be present in that natural setting. During a forest-bathing session you should move at a leisurely pace and engage all your five senses. You might pause to notice the varying shades of green in the canopy above, to listen deeply to birdsong or the rustle of leaves in the breeze, or to feel the texture of tree bark and cool moss beneath your fingertips. Even a single 20-30-minute outing into the trees can have profound mental-health benefits. Numerous studies show that time spent in forest environments lowers levels of the stress hormone cortisol and produces measurable reductions in anxiety. The gentle, "softly fascinating" stimuli of nature help you restore depleted attention capacity, sharpen your focus and boost your creativity. Meanwhile, the quiet connection to the living world around you boost your mood through natural increases in serotonin and dopamine. To try forest bathing for yourself, choose a park or woodland with mature trees--whatever green space is closest to you. Set aside a half-hour, ideally early in the morning or late afternoon. Keep your phone silent or away so there are no digital interruptions. As you walk, let go of all your problems away and simply absorb the beauty of the nature. Notice varying shades of green and soothe your eyes. Observe dappled sunlight, leaf shapes, the chorus of insects and birds, the cool firmness of bark, the scent of damp earth and many other smell that you can't feel around you commonly. Gently touch the tree bark or cool moss, pause to inhale earthy, pine, or damp-wood scents. If you know it safe taste edible berries or herbs and deepen the connection with nature. Even if you never return, that single forest-bathing experience can act like a reset button for your nervous system--lowering stress, lifting your spirits, and clarifying your thoughts. If it resonates, you can weave it into your self-care routine, turning a one-off outing into a sustainable hobby that supports your mental well-being over the long term.

Try pickleball--it's the perfect mix of low-barrier and high-fun. It's super easy to learn, doesn't require intense athleticism, and you can jump into a game without needing a full squad. Plus, it's surprisingly social--parks, rec centers, and even parking lots are turning into mini pickleball hubs. Whether you're competitive or just want to laugh your way through a new hobby, pickleball hits the sweet spot. One game and you'll see why everyone from college kids to retirees is hooked. It's like ping pong and tennis had a laid-back baby.

Cycling is a brilliant outdoor activity I recommend to anyone looking for a refreshing change of pace or a new hobby. It's an activity that can suit any lifestyle and fitness level. One of the reasons I'm a fan is that it's a fantastic way to explore and learn about your environment. Moreover, cycling has the added benefit of being both eco-friendly and physically rewarding. It's a great low-impact workout that builds endurance and reduces stress. Your bike rides may turn into a daily practice or remain delightful weekend journeys, but either way, they bring you movement and a connection with the outdoors

Trail running. As someone who's spent 15+ years racing professionally in endurance sports, I've found trail running provides the perfect blend of trip, fitness, and mental rejuvenation that most outdoor activities can't match. Unlike road running, trails force you to be completely present - one momentary lapse in concentration and you're eating dirt. This mindfulness aspect becomes almost meditative, pulling you out of daily stresses as you steer roots, rocks and changing terrain. I finded this while training for Ironman events, when trail runs became my mental sanctuary. You need minimal equipment to start (decent shoes with grip and water), and trails exist everywhere - from urban parks to mountain wilderness. The barrier to entry is remarkably low compared to sports like cycling or skiing that require significant investment. The community is another unexpected bonus. Trail runners tend to be the most welcoming, least judgmental athletic tribe I've encountered. At events like Unbound Gravel, I've watched complete strangers form lasting friendships through shared suffering on challenging trails. The sport fosters connection while still allowing for solitary experiences when you need them.

As Roofnest's Director of Sales and a 20-year outdoor industry veteran, I'd recommend forest bathing (shinrin-yoku) as both a one-time experience and potential hobby. It requires zero equipment and delivers immediate benefits to mental clarity and stress reduction. During my time at Ultimate Direction, I noticed our most creative product ideas often came after team "mandatory outside time" - even just 30 minutes of mindful time in nature. Research backs this up: studies show nature sounds like crickets chirping significantly boost cognitive performance compared to urban noise. What I love about forest bathing is its accessibility. When I transitioned from ground tents at Exxel to rooftop tents at Roofnest, I maintained the practice of scheduled nature immersion regardless of location. Start with just 15 minutes of undistracted time among trees - no phone, no goals, just sensory awareness. The beauty lies in its simplicity and scalability. You can forest bathe in a city park or remote wilderness. For those who crave more structure, try journaling your observations or practicing identification of local plant species to deepen the connection. Your productivity will thank you - it's the outdoor hobby with the lowest barrier to entry and highest return on mental investment.

As a landscaping professional who spends most days changing outdoor spaces, I'd recommend trying your hand at creating a small fire pit area in your yard. This activity combines creativity with practical skills and delivers an immediate gathering space that improves your property. I've seen countless clients find a passion for outdoor design through this gateway project. One homeowner in Woburn started with a simple stone fire pit installation and has since developed an entire outdoor living space complete with native plantings and sustainable elements. What makes fire pit building particularly rewarding is the blend of immediate gratification (you can use it the same day you finish) and long-term enjoyment. You'll learn about materials selection, basic hardscaping techniques, and spatial design while creating something that brings people together. For beginners, I recommend using pre-fabricated fire pit kits that require minimal tools, starting with a circular design about 3-4 feet in diameter. The investment is modest (typically $200-500 for materials), but the return in outdoor enjoyment and property value improvement is substantial.

As the owner of Nix Landscaping in Fishers, Indiana, I'd recommend everyone try building a simple fire pit area in their backyard. It's one of our most requested features because it transforms how people use their outdoor spaces year-round. I've seen clients who never spent time outdoors suddenly hosting weekly gatherings once they had a fire feature. The project can be as simple as arranging pavers in a circle with gravel base or as elaborate as a custom stone installation with built-in seating. The change is immediate - you're creating a natural gathering point that extends your usable outdoor time by months in our Indiana climate. One client who installed a simple fire pit last year told me their teenage kids now voluntarily put down their phones to join family conversations around the fire. What makes this activity special is the blend of creativity, basic construction skills, and immediate satisfaction. You're literally creating a space that will become the backdrop for conversations and memories for years to come, all while learning fundamental hardscaping techniques that can lead to more ambitious outdoor projects.

One outdoor activity we always recommend, whether you're looking for a one-time thrill or a potential new hobby, is kayaking! Whether that is by your self or through a guided tour, in a scenic location. We tried this for the first time in the bioluminescent bay of Fajardo, Puerto Rico, and it was unlike anything else we've done. You paddle under the stars, and every stroke lights up the water beneath you! A surreal, magical experience that blends nature, calm, and a touch of adventure. But what really stuck with us is how kayaking has become our go-to way to explore a new destination - from the sea caves of Algarve to glacier lakes in New Zealand.

I always recommend people try building or restoring a community playground, even if just for a day as a volunteer. There’s something genuinely satisfying about changing an underused outdoor space into a vibrant area that brings kids, families, and neighbors together. At Replay Surfacing, we’ve helped hundreds of groups—sometimes with zero experience—install rubber surfacing on playgrounds, turning old, cracked lots into safe, modern play zones with almost instant visual impact. Having spent years recycling scrap tires into play surfacing, I’ve seen how hands-on outdoor work like this fosters teamwork and creativity, and it’s hard to beat the sense of accomplishment when you step back and see kids enjoying the space you helped create. One memorable project was in Charlotte, where locals designed their own color patterns and helped install the rubber surfacing—customizing safety and style at the same time. Even if construction isn’t your background, you’ll pick up practical skills and engineering basics on the spot, and the results last for years. Plus, the process is quick—most playground installs are completed in a weekend—and the impact on the community and environment is immense: every project diverts thousands of pounds of tires from the landfill.

Swimming is my top recommendation for anyone looking to adopt a new outdoor hobby. As someone who's maintained pools throughout El Dorado Hills and Folsom for nearly a decade, I've seen how pool swimming transforms people's relationship with the outdoors, especially here in Northern California where our Mediterranean climate makes it enjoyable most of the year. What makes swimming unique is its combination of full-body exercise and mental relaxation. I've had countless clients tell me that their pool became their daily sanctuary rather than just a property feature - one family in Serrano specifically credited their pool time with helping them disconnect from technology and reconnect with each other. Swimming doesn't require expensive equipment to start, just access to water and basic safety knowledge. The versatility is remarkable too - from gentle water walking for seniors to interval training for fitness enthusiasts, it adapts to any fitness level or goal. For those without a personal pool, our area has beautiful public options like Folsom Lake and community pools. The mental health benefits are substantial - there's something almost meditative about being surrounded by water that I've found impossible to replicate with any other outdoor activity.

As a personal trainer with 19 years of experience, I strongly recommend hiking as the perfect outdoor activity for anyone looking to adopt a new hobby. It's accessible for all fitness levels, requires minimal equipment to start, and provides both mental and physical benefits that I've seen transform clients' lives. In Colorado where my studio is based, I've witnessed countless clients build confidence through regular hiking - starting with simple trails and progressing to more challenging terrain. The natural progression mirrors what we focus on in personal training: meeting you where you are and building strength gradually. When working with my senior clients or those new to fitness, hiking serves as both exercise and meditation. The mind-body connection that develops on trails translates directly to improved performance in all areas of life, which is why I include outdoor components in many of my wellness programs at Nutri-Fit. For the best experience, find a hiking buddy for accountability (something we emphasize in our studio community). Pack water, proper footwear, and approach it with curiosity rather than competition. Nature provides the perfect environment for sustainable fitness habits that don't feel like punishment - exactly what I teach my clients about exercise as medicine.

Go explore a local flea market or outdoor antique fair. It's the perfect mix of inspiration, storytelling, and content gold. You get to hunt for hidden treasures, meet interesting people, and soak in real-world trends--all while getting fresh air. As a social media strategist, I love how experiences like this get you thinking differently about visual storytelling, branding, and even user behavior. Plus, it's an endless source of content ideas. Snap photos, jot down observations, and let the environment spark creativity you can take back to the screen.