Sometimes it seems like the kids get to have all the fun in nature. But it doesn’t have to be that way! There are plenty of outdoor nature activities for adults too. Which is where this post comes in. Here I share some ideas and activities to get you (and your friends/colleagues/family) outdoors and enjoying nature that little bit more. Whether you are in the city or the countryside.
Outdoor Nature Activities for Adults
Whether it is sunny or rainy, there are lots of ways that adults can enjoy some time in nature. The activities I share are for inspiration to get you started. Once you get used to wrapping up on cold days, waterproofing in the rain and hunting our shade in the sun, you’ll be able to adapt each idea to the season. Get creative and enjoy some of your own outdoor nature activities for adults!
Hunt out (and identify) some ‘shrooms
All year round there are mushrooms and toadstools hiding in the shadows and shade. Hunting them out is an interesting way to explore nature. You have to look in places you might not normally spend time. Pick up leaves and peer into dark cubby-holes of tree trunks. In the city, you can often find some fungi growing on walls or in damp cracks on the pavements. Keep your eyes peeled and see how many different kinds you can spot.
I like to take a photograph of the ones I find so that I can identify them from the comfort of my desk when I get home. If you like, you can also carry a book – my favourite is the Collins Gem book on Mushrooms, which slots nicely into my bag. Of course there are plenty of apps too, but it is nice to not be delving into the depths of the internet while you’re out exploring nature.
Have a game of Nature Bingo
I am the first to confess that I am nowhere near an expert on identifying nature. But that certainly doesn’t stop me from spotting the things I do recognise and enjoying learning some new things. I have created this little bingo card for you to work with. Grab it on your lunch break or before/after work and head out for some bingo. Fancy making it a bit more competitive? Then give some to your friends and colleagues so you can see who wins on each walk (take photos of the things you spot for proof)
Remember when you’re playing to give me a tag if you’re sharing on social media – I’d love to see how you’re doing! @hiurbanwanderer on Instagram with #naturebingo.
Mindfulness Walk
You don’t have to be an expert or need any equipment whatsoever for this one, so it is a handy one to have up your sleeve. Simply head outside with an open mind and your senses ready to discover new things. Take the time to listen to your environment. Can you hear birds? Water moving and sploshing? What can you feel? Can you hunt out some different textures in nature and touch them? What do they feel like? What smells are there? Is it moist and damp or dry? Can you smell anything in particular?
Take your time to explore and experience your surroundings and the nature present there. You will be surprised how much nature there is on your doorstep – even when you are in the heart of the city centre. When you look for it and experience it with your senses, you will find it much more often wherever you go.
Pressing Leaves
Another nice quick activity, but one which will come into your daily life as a nice reminder of your time in nature (and one to nudge you to get out again!) When you are out and about keep an eye out for beautiful leaves. Unusually shaped ones, pretty coloured ones or simply the ones which catch your eye at the time. Collect them and take them home with you. Once home, place the leaves between two pieces of tissue and put inside a book. Weight it down and leave it in a warm room for a week or so. In that time, the leaf will dry flat.
Once your leaf is nicely flat and dry, you can use it as a bookmark. A lovely way to bring nature into your daily life and also give you that little reminder to get out there again.
Gather a posy
It is always nice to bring some nature into our homes and this is a really simple way to do it if you have a garden. My friend Bec from Views From My Garden Bench does a lovely thing called ‘In a vase on Monday’ where she collects bits and pieces from her garden to create a pretty posy to display in her home. I have done it a few times and plan to do it much more often this year. You simply need to go out into your garden and choose a few pieces which would look nice in a vase/egg cup/mug/anything really. And enjoy the process of choosing and displaying them in your home.
There are five outdoor nature activities to get you started. If you fancy checking out some more playful ones, then you might like this post too: 10 Fun Outdoor Activities for Adults.
Whether you are heading out for some Nature Bingo, or simply heading into some green space for some mindful walking, I am sure you will enjoy getting outside for a break and some fresh air.
Have you got any ideas for outdoor nature activities for adults you think I should have included?
Let me know in the comments and they might make it into the next post.
And if you have a go at Nature Bingo, remember to tag #naturebingo and me @hiurbanwanderer (Twitter) and @the_urban_wanderer (Instagram)