50 Fun Things to Do Outdoors By Yourself

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Spending time outdoors is amazing for your health and well-being. I recommend it for clients who want to start their YES! Journey to whole-body health. But syncing up outdoor time with a friend or partner can be tricky with work, kids, and responsibilities. Some of my clients are hesitant about heading outside by themselves. I encourage clients who are hesitant to head outdoors by themselves to get out there! With a few sensible precautions, solo outdoor activities offer a world of fun possibilities. Here are 50 fun things to do outside by yourself.

In this post:

Exploring Nature

When was the last time you stepped outside, took a deep breath, and let nature work its magic? You don’t need anyone else; grab your sneakers, sunscreen, and your sense of adventure. Here are a few ideas of things to do outside by yourself in nature.

Walking in the Park: Strolling through your local park can do wonders for your body and mind. Take a stroll and enjoy the fresh air and (hopefully!) the sun on your face.
Birdwatching: Grab your binoculars and observe our feathered friends go about their lives.
Take a Nature Bath: A nature bath is about immersing yourself in nature’s sights, sounds, and smells. Find a peaceful spot and simply be. Listen to the wind, inhale the scents and smells around you, and let your worries float away.
Riverside / Canalside Walk: Water has a calming effect on our minds. So, why not route your walk along a riverside or canalside? Stroll along and let the gentle flow of water let any stress wash away.
Beachcombing: If you live near the coast, beachcombing is a fun thing to do outside by yourself. Wander the shoreline and collect the seashells, pebbles, and driftwood, which are nature’s treasures.

Physical Activities

Getting your muscles moving and igniting your internal power through movement, awareness, and breath is part of the YES! Body System. As I recommend in my book…” Feel It & Fire It Up!” If you’re looking for things to do outside by yourself with a bit more physical challenge, here are some ideas to get your heart pumping:

Hiking Scenic Trails: Pull on those hiking boots and hit the trails! Take advantage of your local area’s mountain paths, forests, or coastal cliffs.
Solo Camping Adventures: Solo camping is a chance to reconnect with nature and find your inner wild. Just be sure to camp in permitted areas and follow safety guidelines.
Go Running: Lace up your running shoes and hit the pavement. The rhythm of your heartbeat will sync with your footsteps as your body releases endorphins, boosts your mood, and clears your mind.
Cycle: Cycling covers more ground than walking, hiking, or running and lets you revel in the freedom of the open road. A gentle ride out to the local coffee shop or a hardcore uphill workout? Biker’s choice!
Scooter Adventures: Who says scooters are just for kids? Zip around town. Explore, pause for ice cream, and get on your way again.
Use a Metal Detector: Turn solo time outdoors into an adventure. Grab a metal detector and comb beaches, parks, and historical sites. It’s like a real-life scavenger hunt. Just remember to fill any holes you dig – leave no trace.

Why not try a few of these solo physical outdoor activities? In my book, I recommend my clients “find the exercise style that excites you – the style that makes you want to come back again.” An outdoor activity you enjoy will help you commit to your fitness journey and fire up your dedication.

Water Adventures

Water provides plenty of opportunities for things to do outside by yourself, whether you’re seeking tranquility or a splash of adrenaline:

Kayaking or Canoeing: Taking a boat out on the lake or a slow-flowing stretch of river can be a fantastic way to enjoy the outdoors. As a bonus, you’ll work those arm muscles without even realizing it.
Paddleboarding: The balance, the zen-like focus, and the uninterrupted views –paddleboarding is more of a workout than you think and allows you to explore nooks and crannies larger boats can’t reach.
Fishing in Peaceful Spots: Fishing solo can be a meditative experience. The quiet anticipation and the thrill of a nibble on your line. Whether you’re after supper or planning to catch and release, fishing is a fun outdoor activity to enjoy by yourself.
Wild Swimming in Secluded Areas: Wild swimming is about embracing the elements. Slip into your swimsuit and take the plunge!
Waterway Cleanup: Grab a reusable bag and pick up trash while you’re enjoying the waterways. Collect floating debris and make a positive impact with your time outdoors.

Creative Pursuits

Being outdoors solo is a great time to get creative. Unleash your inner artist and ignite your imagination with these fun activities:

Outdoor Painting and Sketching: Pack your watercolors or sketchbook and let the landscape inspire you. Have fun with it – it isn’t about perfection; it’s about capturing the essence of the moment.
Writing and Journaling in Inspiring Locales: Find an inspiring location and let your thoughts flow onto paper. Write poetry or jot down reflections. Describe what you see, hear, and feel. Your journal will preserve the memories of time well spent in the great outdoors.
Photography and Nature Documentation: Grab your camera or smartphone and become a visual storyteller. Photography lets you see the world through a different lens.
Playing Musical Instruments in the Open Air: Music and nature harmonize beautifully. The acoustics change with every setting, so bring your guitar or harmonica along and practice in the open air.

These creative pursuits aren’t just about the end result; they’re about enjoying the process and having fun outdoors by yourself.

“Our inspirations, be they art, music, poetry, or nature, further connect us to our dreams…great ideas can reveal themselves during a peaceful state. The brain-body connection is always working”.

Thrill-Seeking Activities

Ready to raise your adrenaline levels? These solo activities are fun things to do outdoors for thrill-seeking adventurers:

Mountain Biking: Strap on your helmet, grip those handlebars, and conquer the terrain. Mountain biking isn’t just about speed; navigating rocky descents and powering up steep inclines is a mental challenge, too.
Zip-Lining: Strap into your harness, step off the platform, and fly over treetops, rivers, and valleys! Zip-lining combines adventure and awe.
Treetop Climbing Centers: Treetop climbing centers offer ropes, nets, and obstacles suspended high among branches. Climb cargo nets, balance on wobbly logs, and swing like Tarzan or Jane. It’s a full-body workout with a side of adventure.
Solo Cliff Jumping (with Safety Precautions): For the brave-hearted, cliff jumping is the ultimate leap of faith. Always do your research ahead of time, check water depth, and avoid jagged rocks.
Paragliding and Hang Gliding: Float above valleys, hills, and coastlines. Strapped to your wing, you’ll launch off cliffs or hillsides for an unforgettable outdoor adventure.

Mindful Relaxation

Sometimes, all you need to do is relax and breathe. As I say in my book, you can’t overestimate the power of simply breathing.

“You can use your breath as a tool to help move your brain into a state of complete focus, where creativity and imagination can thrive, or into a state of absolute relaxation, reducing stress and anxiety to enable peace and calm.”

These mindful outdoor activities are a bit more sedate but no less fun or beneficial for your well-being:

Picnics: Why not enjoy your lunch break outdoors? Pack a basket with your favorite treats and find a sunny spot to spread your blanket.
Hammock Lounging: Hang your hammock between two sturdy trees. Lie back, sway gently, and let time slow down. Read a book, listen to music, or simply close your eyes and be present in the moment.
Outdoor Meditation and Mindfulness: Find a quiet spot, close your eyes, and breathe. Let the sounds of nature become your mantra. Mindful meditation grounds you, centers you and reminds you that you’re a part of something vast.
Reading in Natural Settings: Take your favorite book along and let the words transport you to another world.
Stargazing: Grab a thermos, a blanket, and a night-sky app and learn the constellations. On a clear night, you might even see a shooting star.

Wildlife Encounters

You’d be amazed at how much wildlife abounds, even in a small garden or high street. Seeking out different types of wildlife can be a fun thing to do outdoors by yourself:

Animal Watching: How many different types of animals can you spot on your walk? Where there are birds to watch, you’ll also find rabbits, deer, mice, foxes, frogs, and more, depending on the terrain.
Tracking and Identifying Local Wildlife: Channel your inner tracker. Study footprints, scat, and other signs left by animals. Follow trails and learn to decipher their stories.
Butterfly and Insect Observation: Stop and marvel at how many insects exist in any square foot of outdoor space. Butterflies, bees, dragonflies, ants, earthworms, and more, each with their own role in the ecosystem.
Volunteering for Conservation Efforts: Join local conservation groups or wildlife sanctuaries and help restore wildlife habitats. Your hands-on efforts during your time outdoors will directly impact the environment.
Become a Dog Walker: If you like your wildlife a little less wild, why not contact animal shelters or rescue organizations and volunteer as a dog walker?

Unique Outdoor Games

Turn outdoor time into playtime with outdoor games perfect for enjoying solo:

Disc Golf: Imagine golf meets frisbee. Head to a disc golf course and toss specialized discs into metal baskets in as few throws as possible and combine exercise with a fun challenge.
Solo Frisbee or Kite Flying: Take your frisbee or kite to an open field or a breezy beach. These simple pleasures reconnect you with the elements and are fun things to do outdoors by yourself.
Outdoor Chess or Board Games: Set up a chessboard outside. Or bring your favorite board game and play against yourself. Turn the great outdoors into your game room.
Parkour: Unleash your inner ninja. Leap over obstacles and use your environment as a playground. Parkour is a physical challenge that blends athleticism with artistic expression.

Learning Adventures

If you’re looking for more mental than physical stimulation, why not combine time outdoors with a learning adventure:

Outdoor Educational Workshops: Join a workshop on bird identification, geology, or wilderness survival and learn from experts in the field.
Identifying Plants and Trees: Become a botanist for a day. Carry a field guide or use plant identification apps. Study leaves, bark, and flowers, and turn the forest or park into your classroom.
Navigation and Orienteering Skills: Learn to read maps, use a compass, and navigate without GPS. Orienteering combines mental agility with outdoor exploration.
Learning Survival Skills: Could you build a shelter, find edible plants, or start a fire if you were stranded in the wilderness? Take survival courses or read survival manuals and practice outdoors.

Food and Cooking

Outdoor culinary adventures like these are fun things to do outdoors by yourself:

Outdoor Grilling: Why not make a meal on the grill in your garden or one of the many available in local parks? Don your apron, flip those burgers, and toss a salad. Eating alfresco makes everything taste better.
Campfire Cooking and S’mores: If you’re outside when the sun sets, consider campfire cooking. S’mores are a classic, but there are lots of options. Wrap potatoes in foil for perfectly baked potatoes or skewer sausages and vegetables for tasty kebabs.
Farmers’ Markets: Wander along to your local farmers’ market. You’ll find fresh produce, artisanal cheeses, crusty bread, and homemade jars to satisfy your inner foodie.
Foraging Wild Ingredients: Become a forager and identify edible plants. Harvest nettles for tea or dandelion greens for salads and transform outdoor time into a culinary adventure.

Community Engagement

Stepping out of the front door by yourself doesn’t mean you can’t join in with local community outdoor activities like these:

Joining Local Outdoor Clubs: Join a local hiking club, birdwatching society, or trail maintenance group.
Community Cleanup Initiatives: Expand your cleanup initiatives by joining an organized group and see the results and impact your combined efforts have on the local environment.
Participating in Outdoor Group Events: Check local event listings. Is there an outdoor movie screening or a band playing in the local park? Head along and enjoy the show.

Safety and Preparedness

Packing Essential Outdoor Gear

Packing the right gear can make or break your outdoor adventure. A first-aid kit is non-negotiable if you plan on doing anything more than heading out for a stroll. If you’re hitting the trails, a map, compass, or GPS device ensures you stay on track. Familiarize yourself with the area and plan your route in advance. Even if you don’t plan on being out long, it’s worth packing a reliable light source like a headlamp or flashlight – darkness falls quickly outdoors.

Understanding Weather Conditions

You can enjoy the outdoors in all seasons, but it’s best to be prepared and alter your plans based on weather updates:

Temperature: Dress accordingly. Cold weather demands insulation; hot weather requires breathable fabrics and plenty of sunscreen!

Rain: Rain, snow, or hail affects visibility, trail conditions, and comfort. Pack waterproof gear.

Wind Speed: Wind can chill you quickly. Layer up and secure loose items.

Storm Warnings: Heed severe weather alerts. Seek shelter if thunderstorms, lightning, or blizzards are forecasted.

Emergency Planning and Communication

Make an emergency plan – share your trip details with a reliable person. Include your route, estimated return time, and emergency contacts. Make sure you always have a charged cell phone or satellite device if you’re headed for a no-service zone.

Leave No Trace Principles

It’s important to respect nature and follow Leave No Trace principles:

Plan Ahead & Prepare: Research the area, know regulations, and pack responsibly.
Travel & Camp on Durable Surfaces: Stick to established trails and campsites.
Dispose of Waste Properly: Take out everything you bring in.
Leave What You Find: Preserve natural features and artifacts.
Minimize Campfire Impacts: Use established fire rings or stoves.
Respect Wildlife: Observe from a distance; don’t feed or disturb animals.
Be Considerate of Others: Keep noise levels down and yield the trail.

FAQs

Is it safe to do outdoor activities by myself?
- Yes, if you take sensible precautions. Inform someone of your plans, carry essential gear, and be aware of your surroundings. Start with familiar trails and gradually explore more challenging terrain.
Do I need special equipment for these activities?
- Appropriate gear is crucial if you’re tackling some of the more adventurous suggestions. Invest in quality hiking boots, weather-appropriate clothing, navigation tools, and safety items (like a first-aid kit and communication devices).
What should I consider when planning a solo outdoor trip?
- Plan thoroughly. Research the area, check weather forecasts, and know your limits. Create an itinerary, share it with someone, and stick to established trails. Prioritize safety over speed.
Are there any specific guidelines for eco-friendly outdoor adventures?
- Absolutely! Follow Leave No Trace principles: minimize impact, stay on designated trails, take away trash, and respect wildlife. Be a steward of the environment.
How can I find like-minded individuals for the group activities mentioned here?
- Social media groups and outdoor forums are excellent places to find outdoor clubs, events, and workshops.

As you step out alone into the great outdoors, remember that you’re not just venturing into nature – you’re embarking on a fun-filled journey of self-discovery. Why not start your own YES! Journey outdoors today?

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