Spring into the outdoors

Are you ready to come out of hibernation? The flowers are blooming, the birds are chirping and the pickleball courts are yearning to be used again. It’s finally time for some outdoor fun. 

Gather a group and break out of the house and into the fresh air. The best part? Fun activities are all around and can often be wallet-friendly or free. There’s no need to spend a fortune to enjoy a beautiful day—stay local and springboard into a new adventure. 

Here are five activities that will let you take advantage of all spring has to offer. 

Pickleball has been the talk of the town for the past couple of years, and it’s here to stay! Never played? You don’t need much to get started—just a set of paddles, a ball (or two, if you have a powerful swing) and a court to play on. Similar to tennis, pickleball can be played with two or four players, making it a great option for active friend groups. If you have more than four players, find somewhere with multiple courts accessible or create a friendly tournament! Many community parks and recreation centers have hopped on the bandwagon and installed pickleball courts. If you are unsure where to play, you can use this pickleball locator, which will connect you to local courts, games and groups. Courts can be packed at times, so an alternate option is to bring the fun home! If you have space, such as a driveway or any area where the ball will be able to bounce, an at-home set might be the way to go! 

Like pickleball, but want something new? Try badminton!

Riding bikes is oftentimes a childhood staple, but who said it had to end then? Bike rides are an ideal way to break into the outdoors after a cozy, cooped-up winter. Not only are they a great way to explore a new area, but it’s an activity the whole family can share. 

If you’re proud parents to a baby or still stuck in the training wheels phase, there’s plenty of options to make sure your little one doesn’t pump the brakes on your adventure. With options such as bike seats and trailers, the whole family will be ready to ride. 

Flexibility is key with bike rides. There’s no plan needed to enjoy a day via a couple of wheels especially if you already have a bike and helmet handy. If you’re not ready to make the leap into bike ownership, no stress necessary—you’re just a quick search away from finding affordable bike rentals near you. 

The last step is to pick your scene! Whether it be a ride around your neighborhood, a beautiful nature trail or a jaunt around your nearest city, you can’t go wrong getting outside and enjoying the new season.

When the temperature starts creeping up, we look for any excuse to be outside—especially at mealtime. It’s officially picnic season! Packing a picnic is truly a create-your-own-destiny adventure. It allows you to match your budget by keeping it simple or taking it extravagant. 

The magic of a picnic is that it can be stand-alone or accompany a different activity. Fun ideas might include setting up a beachside picnic for a friend’s birthday, hosting this month’s book club with a picnic in the park, or packing a classic picnic to enjoy when you reach the peak of your hike. The possibilities are truly endless. 

If you’re not sure where to start, check out this Picnicking 101. At the end of the day, what you bring doesn’t matter as much as who you’re with. Cherish the beautiful weather and memories being made! 

Camping doesn’t have to mean hiking into the wilderness and pitching a tent—it certainly can for some, but we’re here to offer alternative options for what camping could look like for you. 

If you prefer traditional camping, you should check out both national parks and private campgrounds. Anyone from beginners to experts can enjoy a trip to a national park—different destinations have varying cost-per-night fees, which can be found through the National Parks Service. If this isn’t a convenient option, a state or local park is another great choice for a sleeping bag and s’mores-filled adventure. 

Sometimes you want to experience the outdoors, but don’t think you or your family would make it through a night surrounded by nature. No shame there! Family-friendly camping can involve a tent in the backyard or maybe a night that starts out by a fire and ends with camping in the comfort of your own home. 

Spring is the perfect time to determine which type of camping is best for your group and budget. 

The change of seasons is refreshing—just like a day by the water. The gentle rippling of the current offers both relaxation and a call to adventure. Hours on the lake, riding the river or exploring the pond—the opportunities are endless. 

Activities on the water start at free, which is always music to the ears. Ways to pass time by the water might include swimming, kayaking, boating, tubing or fishing, just to name a few. 

Spend anywhere from a few hours to a full weekend enjoying and reconnecting locally by the water. 

Spring has finally sprung and outdoor adventures await. Whether you’re embracing old favorites or embarking on a new adventure, a beautiful day filled with friends and family is the perfect setting. You don’t have to go far or spend much to make it happen as many of these activities can be incorporated into your day-to-day all spring long.