If you and your family enjoy exploring the great outdoors, try engaging in some exciting outdoor activities. Hiking, mountain biking, and even paddle sports can be great options. These activities can be engaging and fun without the dangers of other outdoor activities. Several state parks and national forests host paddle sports leagues. In addition, some locations offer hiking trails for you to explore. There are plenty of options for activities for all ages, including water sports and ice skating.
Outdoor activities are great for improving your physical and mental health. Taking a morning walk can help you catch some Vitamin D. Playing simple games outdoors develops proper body coordination and agility. Even your mind benefits from physical exercise. Learning new things and exploring the outdoors can increase your mental capacity. If you enjoy nature and are passionate about being outdoors, try trying mountain climbing, or some other adventure sport. Outdoor activities can be a great way to bond with your family and friends.
Despite the many benefits of being outdoors, there is still a need to increase participation among people of color. Lack of parks and discriminatory outdoor culture are two primary reasons for the underrepresentation of these groups. Nevertheless, the report also found that the number of participants in outdoor activities has increased in recent years. It also showed that participation among youth was growing. In the same year, 77% of six to 17-year-olds participated in outdoor activities, compared to 91% in 2012. However, people of color are still underrepresented in outdoor activities, with only 7.2% of teen and young adult participants participating.
While many outdoor activities are canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, other outdoor activities are still safe to engage in, and do not violate local ordinances. It is advisable not to drive a car into an outdoor space if you can’t find a public restroom. Furthermore, if you do decide to go to the beach or the park, stop at a public restroom before and after driving to avoid the risk of contracting an infection. As a precaution, some cities have banned certain outdoor activities due to the risk of disease.
Apart from improving your cardiovascular health and strength, outdoor activities also enhance your cognitive abilities and social bonds. In addition to boosting your physical activity, participating in outdoor activities provides you with fresh air, a scenic view, and a better mood. You can engage in paddle sports, golf, birdwatching, and even skateboarding if you don’t feel like working out. The benefits of participating in outdoor activities are innumerable. They boost your self-confidence, improve your creativity, and improve your mental health.
Depending on where you live, outdoor activities can give you a different perspective of your destination. Some are gentle introductions to adventure while others are high-adrenaline adventures. Whatever you choose, outdoor activities can give you a new perspective on the city or town you’re visiting. For example, geocaching, an outdoor treasure hunt, uses GPS-enabled devices to find a hidden location. You can find locations to geocache all over the world, or participate in horseback riding and other outdoor sports.
Outdoor recreation is an important part of the American economy. It increases awareness of environmental issues and encourages responsible use of public lands. Furthermore, playing outside may increase environmental consciousness later in life. A study revealed that children who spent time in the great outdoors during their youth have a higher awareness of environmental issues later in life. By 2030, the U.S. outdoor recreation industry is estimated to support over five million jobs and produce $788 billion in consumer spending, which accounts for 2.1 percent of the U.S. economy.
Hiking, for example, is the most popular outdoor activity for white Americans, and it’s the second-most popular activity for people aged 18-24. Cycling, which includes road, mountain, and BMX biking, is another popular activity. Overall, US citizens engaged in cycling recreationally in 2019 – a jump of 3 million people from 2007 levels. This increase is indicative of a growing trend among Americans. In the future, however, cycling will become more popular as more people seek to improve their health and fitness levels.
Although STORP will not be operating this year due to COVID-19, there are other outdoor activities that students can enjoy, including cross country skiing and snowshoe rentals. Students are encouraged to get outside and enjoy the scenery as much as possible this fall. While outdoor activities may be limited to the summer and early fall, they can enjoy the great outdoors while hiking, biking, and exploring. It’s also an excellent way to build community and foster friendships among campus employees.
