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25 Ways To Celebrate National Get Outdoors Day

If you haven’t spent much time outside lately, it’s a great time to change that. June 14 is National Get Outdoors Day. This day is coordinated by the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable and the US Forest Service and takes place on the second Saturday in June each year.

It’s a day that encourages people to get outside, whether you go exploring, relax, or play. I’m sharing 25 activities that you can do to celebrate National Get Outdoors Day this year.

National Get Outdoors Day

Fun Ideas To Do On National Get Outdoors Day

I’ve split up the activities into different categories so that you can find what interests you most easily.

Bring Out Your Inner Child

Thinking of all the fun we had outside playing as kids brings back fond memories. The great news is that you don’t have to give up that child-like excitement for spending time outside. Think of what you used to love doing the most, then just do it. Your inner child will thank you.

  • Water Balloon Fight: This would be a fun way to cool off and bring out that child-like joy.
  • Draw With Sidewalk Chalk: Remember how much fun we would have drawing on the sidewalk or driveway with sidewalk chalk? Whether you want to get artistic with it, or just doodle around, grab some chalk and get drawing.
  • Ride Your Bike For Fun: If you use your bike for transportation, don’t think about it like that today. Just ride around your neighborhood or take your bike down some trails. Have fun with it.
  • Jump Rope: This was the classic recess activity when we were kids. I can’t remember the last time I jumped rope, but it sounds like a great time.
  • Cloud Watch: Let your imagination run wild as you look up at the sky and see what you can find. 

Get Active

There are a plethora of options when it comes to activities to get you active outdoors. Whether you are a thrill seeker, have a competitive streak, or just enjoy moving your body, you can find something your speed to do outdoors. 

  • Go Hiking: If you enjoy hiking, National Get Outdoors Day would be a great time to find a trail to hike. But, just make sure to stay hydrated if it is hot out.
  • Go Kayaking: This one is for those that like water activities. Kayaking is a great way to spend the day outside.
  • Walk A Trail: If you’re not quite into hiking but still enjoy walking, find a flat trail in your area or head to your local park and take a stroll around.
  • Play A Sport: When you think of being active outdoors, sports probably isn’t too far from your thinking. I personally love playing volleyball outside, but you can do anything. See if there are any pickup games near you, or start your own game just for fun.
  • Participate In A Run: If there are any 5ks, half-marathons, marathons, etc. going on on National Get Outdoors Day, why not sign-up? If there isn’t a race going on, but you feel like running, go for a run anyway.
  • Go To The Park: Parks are a great way to spend time outdoors. Some may even be having special events during National Get Outdoors Day. 
National Get Outdoors Day

Enjoy Nature To Celebrate National Get Outdoors Day

Sometimes it’s nice to take a step back and relax while you enjoy being outdoors. Life is full of hustle and bustle. So, let National Get Outdoors Day be a time where you can simply enjoy being outside. I bet it will feel revitalizing once you’re done.

  • Go On A Nature Walk: Find a trail and pay special attention to everything you see around you while walking. What kind of trees are around? Do you see any flowers? Embrace all the beautiful scenery around you.
  • Have A Nature Scavenger Hunt: Take your nature walk a step further by challenging yourself to a nature scavenger hunt. Can you find everything on the list? Check out Pinterest for scavenger hunt ideas.
  • Take Photos of the Flowers, Plants, and Trees: If you like taking photos, take a step outside and photograph the scenery around you. 
  • Watch the Sunrise/Sunset: This is one of my favorite things to do. Seeing the sky change colors, and how it’s different every time, is truly a wondrous experience. It’s a great way to either start or end National Get Outdoors Day.
  • Spend Time In A Hammock: If you have a hammock, this would be a great day to spend time relaxing in it. Read a book, take a nap, or just lay there and soak up the sun.

Spend Time With Friends

Lots of things are better with friends, and that includes spending time outside. You can make some great memories together by enjoying a nice day. Plan some time on June 14th to hang out with some of your favorite people. Pick an activity you’ll all enjoy.

  • Go To An Outdoor Movie: Outdoor movies are a classic summer activity. See if your town is putting one on that day, or create your own backyard movie night.
  • Have A Picnic: Grab your friends and some food, and head to the park to set up a picnic. Your backyard works too.
  • Have A BBQ: Speaking of food, grilling out and having a BBQ is another classic summer activity. Plan one for National Get Outdoors Day and invite your friends and family.
  • Go To A Festival: If there is a festival going on that day (music, art, food, etc.) grab your friends and plan to attend. Not only is it a great way to spend time outside, it’s also a great way to get involved in the community.
  • Go Camping: Camping isn’t for everyone, but if it’s something that you enjoy, you should make plans to go.
outside barbecue with friends

Give Back To The Earth

Lastly, a great way to spend National Outdoors Day is to spend time making the Earth a better place. You’ll feel good, and it will benefit the place you spend outside. In order to keep enjoying the outdoors, we have to take care of it. Here are some ways you can do that.

  • Plant A Tree: Planting a tree is a great way to better the environment. 
  • Pick Up Trash That You See Around You: If you see litter in your neighborhood, spend some time cleaning it up. It will make the neighborhood look nicer, and it helps the Earth.
  • Volunteer For A Cause: Find a cause that supports the environment (like a beach cleanup organization or community garden) and join in.
  • Spend Time Gardening: If you have a garden, spend time today giving it some care. 

Final Thoughts On Entertaining Ideas For National Get Outdoors Day

There are so many creative ways to spend time outside and we hope this list has inspired you to get out there! How will you be spending National Get Outdoors Day? Let me know in the comments.

National Get Outdoors Day
spending time outside

About the Author

Kelly Clark

Kelly graduated from Liberty University with a degree in Advertising and Public Relations and a minor in Journalism. Even though it took her a little while to find her career path, she was always meant to be in Communications. She remembers writing poems and songs when she was a little girl and pitching to my parents the reasons why I should have a cell phone when I was a teenager. She currently has a blog (budding-joy.com) where she talks about her weight-loss journey, mental health and personal development. Her hope is to encourage and inspire readers and let them know they are not alone. Reading blog posts like that are what helped her in tough times and she wants to pay it forward. She loves dance fitness, listening to music, and creating layouts in her bullet journal. She's a big fan of planning, especially when cute notebooks and pens are involved. Her dream job has changed so much over the years; right now she'd love to co-own a dance studio.

Website: budding-joy.com