20 Exciting Outdoor Hobbies to Try This Year

Originally Published on July 16, 2021. Last Updated on February 13, 2023.

If you’re looking for something to do outside, consider taking up an outdoor hobby. It’ll allow you to unplug from electronics, connect with nature, and bring joy to your daily life. There are plenty of outdoor pursuits to choose from, but these 20 activities are among the most popular.

The Benefits of Having a Hobby

Hobbies can improve the overall quality of your life. If you’re looking for a new hobby, here are several of the benefits you may experience:

Reduced stress
Meeting new people
Stimulating your mind
Boosting your physical health
Increasing your confidence and self-esteem
Seeing the world and experiencing new things
Taking time for yourself

20 Outdoor Hobbies to Try

1. Flying a Plane

Have you ever dreamed of flying a plane? Work and study to get your pilot’s license, and you can turn your vision into reality!

2. Horseback Riding

Horseback riding is a great way to get outside, especially if you live near a scenic area. See if a friend or your spouse wants to join you, too!

3. Polo

If simply riding horses isn’t enough for you, consider getting competitive and playing polo. It’s an exciting sport that’ll satisfy your inner thrill-seeker.

4. Race Car Driving

Do you have the need for speed? Take your classic sports car out of the garage and hit the race track for an exhilarating trek

5. Hot Air Ballooning

A hot air balloon ride is an exhilarating experience where you get a fantastic view of the landscape below. If you really get into the hobby, you should take a family trip to New Mexico for the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta.

6. Yachting

Spending time on a yacht enjoying the ocean breeze and open water is the perfect way to relieve stress. Gather your family and friends for a fun weekend sail!

7. Stargazing

If you’re looking for a hobby you and your grandkids can do together, stargazing is an excellent choice. Be sure to get a high-quality telescope to make the most of your cosmos exploration.

8. Skiing

When winter rolls around, take advantage of the snow by finding a new favorite resort where you can ski. After an exciting day on the slopes, you and your family can indulge in an après-ski cocktail hour.

9. Fishing

Fishing is a fun activity that gives you a chance to truly appreciate the great outdoors. People of all ages can enjoy fishing, so invite your grandkids out and spend some quality time together.

10. Scuba Diving

There’s so much to explore in the world, especially in the oceans. Learn how to scuba dive, and you can marvel at all the incredible marine life.

11. Skydiving

You may not want to do skydiving as often as another hobby like golf. But it’s a breathtaking experience that you’ll remember for the rest of your life.

12. Outdoor Movie Watching

Take your home theater outdoors and enjoy watching your favorite flicks under the stars. During the warmer months, you could start hosting weekly movie nights for your friends and family.

13. Philanthropy

Whether you’re building homes for the less fortunate or organizing a charity walk, philanthropy is a form of self-care while helping those around you. According to a study from the Women’s Philanthropy Institute, people who take the time to give back to their community are much happier with their lives.

14. Yoga

Whenever the weather is nice, take your mat to your outdoor space and do your yoga session outside. You’ll get a healthy dose of vitamin D while reaping all the benefits of yoga.

15. Archery

If you’ve ever been a fan of darts, you should consider taking up a notch and try archery. It helps improve hand-eye coordination, builds upper body strength, and relieves stress.

16. Gardening

It doesn’t matter if you want to grow vegetables or plant herbs. Going outside to work on your garden can help you reconnect with nature and relieve stress. Plus, it counts as exercise, too!

17. Cycling

There are many types of cycling you can take up, such as mountain biking, road cycling, and single-track cycling. Whatever suits you best, riding your bike is a fun way to see the world while burning some calories.

18. Outdoor Cooking

If you’ve always wanted to build an outdoor kitchen but haven’t gotten around to it, now is a perfect time. You can show off your culinary skills while spending time with your friends and family outdoors.

19. Golf

You may already own a set of clubs, but you haven’t hit the links in a while. Get back into the swing of things and reserve a tee time with your friends or business partners.

20. Tennis

Golf and tennis are similar for a lot of people. Maybe you used to play, but you stopped for whatever reason. Now is the perfect time to dust off your racket and enjoy a match with your friends or co-workers.

Conclusion

Whether you’re interested in a competitive sport or a relaxing activity, outdoor hobbies are a great way to lead a well-balanced life. Depending on what you choose, a hobby gives you a chance to spend time with family and friends and benefits your physical, mental, and emotional well-being.