How to Make Going Outside More Fun
From hammocks to snacks (of course) to lowering your expectations, we've got seven simple ideas for you
Simply put, we’re both happiest outside. We are, however, not naive to the fact that this is not reality for a lot of people. From bugs to dirt to rain to snow to cold to wind, we are understanding when people don’t have the same enthusiasm for the great outdoors that we do.
And so, we are taking a break from our summer programming of camping and hiking and biking and enjoying being outside (even with all the rain we’ve been getting). Today, we’re bringing you a list of simple things that make going outside more fun — whether you love the outdoors, or you’re trying to.
We’d love to hear your ideas in the comments. What do you do or pack with you to make going outside more fun?
Bubbles
You’re never too old for bubbles. Babies love them. Toddlers can’t get enough. Bubbles catch the light, they drift, they pop and they make you and everyone around you smile. Stash a bottle in your bag for spontaneous joy on your next outdoor adventure.
Knowing What You’re Seeing
Hiking with someone who can point out a wild gooseberry bush or tiny orchid or identify a bird call changes everything. If you don’t have a nature-obsessed friend handy, a field guide (we love this Alberta one) or a good ID app can unlock the same thrill. Every wildflower, tree, mushroom, or berry you find and can name adds a little spark of discovery to your day. It can also help liven up the same trail, as each season reveals something new. Cailynn experienced this recently, discovering a very wet July leads to a bumper wild blueberry crop in the foothills of Alberta. Who knew?!
Hammocks
Whether you’re curled up with a book, drifting off for a nap, loudly playing “bang bang” with your children (a hammock game they invented), or quietly watching leaves sway overhead, hammocks are awesome. Their gentle rocking slows time in the best possible way.
Annalise happens to have three hammocks. Is this excessive? Absolutely. Were two gifts? Yup. Does having three hammocks make it really easy to set up a hammock district while camping so others can stop being jealous of all the fun you’re having from afar and join in? Yup. Was some of this very newsletter written in a hammock? Yup.
Our favourite is the Therm-a-Rest Slacker Hammock, which we’ve enjoyed for nearly a decade, but Google is currently telling us it appears not to be made anymore, so any portable lightweight hammock that comes with adjustable straps should do. Then, all you need are two trees kinda close together and you’re set.
Snacks
Snacks make everything better and happier and more fun, full stop. We’re big fans of adjusting our outdoor snacking to the season. In winter, that means warm, cozy food, while in summer we opt for lighter fare. This summer we’re especially loving: Twigz Craft Pretzels, seaweed snacks and gummy candies.
Turning Off Your Phone
Just do it. Whether it’s a 30-minute walk around your neighbourhood or a full-day hike, try turning off your phone. Press that power button. Capture pictures in your brain, not on your device, and enjoy letting your mind wander without constant notifications. You don’t have to do this every time you go outside, but definitely give it a try and let it become a regular part of your routine.
Pool Floaties
A recent hike was elevated in the best possible way by packing along a few pool floaties. Think of them as portable summer happiness. When we arrived at the end point of the hike (a stunning but pretty chilly lake) we pulled out the floaties and went for a dip. Floaties don’t weigh very much and they transform an ordinary swim (or no swim at all) into a lounging, laughing, splash-filled afternoon. And yes, giant inflatable flamingos absolutely count.
Lowering Your Expectations
Before hitting publish on this post, we asked a couple friends about what makes going outside more fun for them. One had some great advice, which actually involved directly quoting life advice Annalise gives often: lower your expectations! “Maybe it’s an eight hour day of fun activity, maybe we only last 30 minutes, but still seeing any time spent outside as a win,” has made going outside more fun for our dear friend and her two small children.
What makes going outside more fun for you?
P.S. It’s subscriber summer!
We want to help more people go outside. If you enjoy what you read here, please help us out by forwarding this post to friends and encouraging them to subscribe. That small action makes a big difference — and helps grow this community of outdoor folks.
I love the guided hikes that Alberta Wilderness Assoc offers. They are paid by donation and you can’t beat the knowledge of the very qualified guides.
I recently downloaded the Seek app- it’s basically a field guide in my pocket. I love being able to identify plants on my adventures so this definitely added a new element of fun!