5/8/2021 Recreational Activities That Everyone Can Enjoy | MtnScoop

Recreational Activities That

Everyone Can Enjoy
By Miriam B. Weiner June 02, 2020

(Credit: anatoliy_gleb/Shutterstock)

Ask any health expert and they will tell you that exercise is a cornerstone of a healthy lifestyle.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, getting enough physical activity could
prevent one in 10 premature deaths. It can also reduce stress levels, improve sleep and leave us
feeling happy.

But when it comes to being more active, many of us don’t know where to start. While some people
love lifting weights at the gym and training to run marathons, these strenuous activities aren’t for
everyone. In fact, just spending time outdoors has been shown to improve overall health.

Below you’ll find examples of leisure activities and fun things to do outside that will inspire you to be
more active.

Recreational Activities You Can Do For Free: Hiking (Credit: Jacob

Lund/Shutterstock)

Recreational Activities You Can Do For Free

https://www.mtnscoop.com/features/recreational-activities 1/5
5/8/2021 Recreational Activities That Everyone Can Enjoy | MtnScoop

These recreational activities do not require you to purchase or rent equipment, or pay fees.

Hiking
A hiking trip doesn’t have to involve a 10-mile trek up a steep mountain. The United States features
thousands of acres of parkland traversed by paths that cater to all difficulty levels. To find hiking trails
near you, try AllTrails.com, where you can search for paths based on location, difficulty level and
length.

Yoga
If you think you won’t break a sweat practicing yoga, think again. This practice is ideal if you’re looking
to increase your flexibility, relieve soreness and improve your mood. The best part: You don’t need to
join an expensive yoga studio to practice. You can find instructional videos for all skill levels for free on
YouTube.

Swimming
Whether you have access to a swimming pool or live near a lake, swimming is a great way to stay fit
(and stay cool). Swimming elevates your heart rate and helps tone your muscles the same way
running does, but without the stress on your joints. If you don’t feel comfortable swimming laps, you
can also try water aerobics, or simply treading water.

Frisbee
Yes, you will need to purchase a Frisbee if you don’t already have one. But after that initial expense,
you will have a wide variety of recreational activities to choose from. Play a simple game of catch with
someone else, or get a group together for a raucous game of Disc Golf or Ultimate Frisbee.

Gardening
Studies show that gardening can greatly reduce stress levels. What’s more, you can save money at
the grocery store by growing your own herbs and vegetables. If you don’t have your own space to
garden at home, see if your home town has a community garden. You can also spruce up a small
space with window flower boxes.

Other Recreational Activities You Can Do For Free

Jog or run
Go to the beach
Bird-watch
Go for a bike ride
Play catch
Practice photography
Have a picnic
Draw or paint a landscape
Pick flowers
Walk in the park

https://www.mtnscoop.com/features/recreational-activities 2/5
5/8/2021 Recreational Activities That Everyone Can Enjoy | MtnScoop

Recreational Activities That Require Special Equipment: Skiing and

Snowboarding (Credit: Artur Didyk/Shutterstock)

Recreational Activities That Require Special

Equipment
These recreational activities require special equipment, or you may need to pay a fee or purchase a
ticket.

Skiing and Snowboarding

When the weather turns cold, take to the slopes. Both activities provide the opportunity to raise your
heart rate and exercise your muscles while providing an unforgettable adrenaline rush. Find the right
ski resort for you on our list of the best ski resorts in the USA. If you don’t have your own equipment,
you can rent skis and snowboards on site.

Surfing
Surfing is an excellent form of exercise. It strengthens nearly all the muscles in your body, challenges
your balance, and works your heart and lungs. This activity also provides an opportunity to exercise
your mind, as it requires extreme focus and determination. For a less extreme ocean sport, try boogie
boarding.

Golf
Mastering the game of golf requires years of practice. But if you make the commitment, you find
yourself rewarded not only with a killer short game, but also a strong community of fellow players. If
you’re just starting out, consider signing up for lessons. And if you’re not sure the game is right for
you, test it out with friends at a miniature golf course or a TopGolf facility.

Camping
A change of scenery can be the best way to clear your head and unwind. Combine the benefits of a
getaway with those of recreational activity by going camping. You will need to invest in some gear, like
a tent, sleeping bags, and outdoor cookware. But these initial purchases will lend themselves to years
of budget-friendly vacations.

Boating
Whether you prefer to sail on a tranquil lake, canoe down a peaceful river, or kayak on rolling ocean
waves, boating can easily become a lifelong passion. While frequent participation in other recreational
activities on this list may require you to purchase your own gear for comfort, you can easily become a
regular boater by renting canoes, kayaks and sailboats.

Other Recreational Activities That Require Special Equipment

Bowling

https://www.mtnscoop.com/features/recreational-activities 3/5
5/8/2021 Recreational Activities That Everyone Can Enjoy | MtnScoop

Paddleboarding
Tennis
Mountain biking
Nordic skiing
Snorkeling
Backpacking
Fishing
Waterskiing
Jetskiing

Recreational Activities That Require Professional Guides: Horseback Riding

(Credit: superjoseph/Shutterstock)

Recreational Activities That Require Professional

Guides
To try these activities, you should enlist the help of a professional guide, or take lessons.

Horseback Riding
When it comes to more adventurous leisure activities, horseback riding is on the laid-back end. But
you still shouldn’t hop in the saddle without first consulting an experienced rider. If you’ve never ridden
before, sign up for a guided trail ride. Even if you have experience, you would benefit from talking with
a professional about the specific horse’s traits.

Skydiving
This once-in-a-lifetime activity cannot be undertaken without first making the leap with a professional.
Many first-time skydivers participate in a tandem jump, where they are strapped to an instructor who
wears and controls the parachute. Some skydiving operators allow newbies to wear their own
parachute, but you will still be accompanied by professionals.

Caving
If you are interested in geology, caving (also known as spelunking) may be the ideal recreational
activity for you. But don’t even think about heading below ground by yourself. Join an experienced
spelunker for your first few outings. Not only will this help you avoid getting lost or injured, but you’ll
learn more quickly about the activity.

Scuba Diving
You won’t be able to go scuba diving on your own until you become PADI certified. If you’re planning
to try scuba diving while on vacation, you can take classes and get certified before your trip at one of
many accredited scuba schools found throughout the USA. Many vacation destinations and resorts
also offer lessons, allowing you to learn while also enjoying marine life.

https://www.mtnscoop.com/features/recreational-activities 4/5
5/8/2021 Recreational Activities That Everyone Can Enjoy | MtnScoop

Rock-Climbing
Rock-climbingexercises your entire body, and will leave you with a strong sense of accomplishment.
What’s more, this activity can be done both indoors and out, with many gyms featuring climbing walls.
If you are new to climbing, you should sign up for a lesson with a professional. An experienced climber
can show you how to properly secure your safety equipment, and how to improve your form to
maximize each movement.

Other Recreational Activities That Require Professional Guides

Parasailing
Bungee Jumping
Heli-skiing
Backcountry trekking

https://www.mtnscoop.com/features/recreational-activities 5/5