The new year is a time for a fresh start and endless possibilities, making it the perfect opportunity to set intentions for the months ahead. Whether you’re looking to exercise more, find extra moments of stillness, or simply leave your house, committing to visiting the outdoors is a great way to boost your physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Here are 10 ways to spend more time outside that will leave you feeling refreshed, inspired, and connected to the land.
Visit a Local Park
An easy approach to spend more time outside is to visit your local park. It’s a simple way to reap the benefits of nature without having to travel far. Grab some friends for a picnic or game and enjoy an afternoon under the sun. Or head out by yourself for some peace and solitude, maybe with a good book or journal. You won’t regret taking in the fresh air, plant life, and open space.
Start a New Outdoor Hobby
The new year is the perfect time to pick up a new outdoor hobby, and there are countless options to choose from. Foraging, birding, and gardening are all great low-intensity ways to experience nature. For something more adventurous, you can try hiking, camping, rock climbing, or mountain biking. Bike packing and backpacking are both great ways to escape into nature for an extended time if you’re a seasoned outdoorsperson. And if you want to get out onto the water, you can try your hand at paddle boarding, surfing, or kayaking. No matter what you choose, you’ll feel accomplished learning a new skill and enhancing your outdoor resume.
Join an Outdoor Club
If you’re hoping to spend more time outside with others, then consider joining a local outdoor club. They are a great way to find like-minded people and community through a shared passion. No matter where your outdoor interests lie—running, hiking, climbing, and more—there’s likely an organization that aligns with your favorite hobby. Social Media and websites like meetup.com are great ways to find clubs in your area that match what you’re looking for.
Sign Up for an Outdoor Volunteer Opportunity
Looking to give back in 2025? Then sign up for an outdoor volunteering opportunity. Many outdoor-focused non-profits will often host volunteer events throughout the year, from trail maintenance to beach clean-ups. For animal lovers, consider researching if your local shelter needs dog walkers. You’ll not only get to spend time more time outside but also add a little goodness to the world.
Take an Outdoor Education Class
Whether you’re looking to start a new hobby or level up on something you’re already passionate about, taking an outdoor education class is a great way to explore nature safely and confidently. By building on your outdoor skills, you can tackle new challenges and deepen your connection with nature. There are also lots of educational opportunities, ranging from how to start camping to Wilderness First Aid. Your local outdoor outfitter or REI are great places to start when looking into outdoor-related classes. Whatever course you choose, you’ll get to spend more time outside while gaining new skills and knowledge.
Go Stargazing
It’s easy to forget how breathtaking the stars can be, especially if you live in the city. Take a break from the glow of light pollution and spend an evening under the night sky. Bask in the beauty of the stars, and if you’re lucky, catch a glimpse of the Milky Way. Stargazing is the perfect way to spend more time outside after the sun goes down.
Did you know that there’s an app that can help you identify, stars, planets, constellations, and more? Check out our story below for a list of our favorite apps that will enhance your time outdoors!
Make Art Outside
The outdoors is awe-inspiring and beautiful, making it the perfect backdrop for creating art. Expand your photography, videography, drawing, and painting skills by capturing both the expansive vistas and subtle details of nature. Or channel the calmness and serenity of the outdoors into writing a novel or screenplay. Away from the hustle and bustle of the city, you’ll find inspiration and beauty to create your own masterpiece.
Set an Outdoor Goal
If you’re looking to spend more time outside this year, then set an outdoor-related goal for yourself. Whether it’s to go on your first backpacking trip, summit a 14er, or spend an hour in nature each week, having something to work toward will give you extra motivation to head outside. Another great option is to sign up for a race or event. You’ll have extra motivation to meet your goal, as well as find a community of like-minded individuals also working toward the same finish line. Even if your goal doesn’t come to fruition, you won’t regret taking the extra time to be in nature.
Watch the Sunrise or Sunset
In the words of Cheryl Strayed, “There’s always a sunrise and always a sunset and it’s up to you to choose to be there for it…put yourself in the way of beauty.”
Few things capture the beauty of nature quite like a sunrise or sunset. Every once in a while, make it a priority to head to a viewpoint, the beach, or anywhere where you can slow down and enjoy the vibrant colors, shifting light, and quiet serenity of the sun dipping above or below the horizon.
Just Start
The single best way to spend more time outside this year is to just start. Commit to a one-mile hike, one-night camping, or an afternoon spent in the park—it doesn’t matter what you choose. The most important thing is that you start building the habit of immersing yourself in nature. Pretty soon, you’ll find yourself craving more time under the open sky.
We hope that you’re now inspired to spend more time outside! If you’re looking for extra help planning an outdoor excursion, then please reach out! We at GoForth are experts at turning your outdoor dreams into a reality, and we’d love to help curate an unforgettable trip. Click on the button below to learn more about our offerings, and contact us if you’re ready to take the first step toward a life outdoors!
