Summer is in full swing, which means it’s the perfect time to get outside and have some fun. Not sure how to spend more time outdoors this summer? Here are a few activities that will help you get outside more often during the summer months.

Gardening

Gardening is an excellent way to get outside and get your hands dirty during the summer. Whether you’re tending to your flower garden every day or you decided to plant vegetables this year, gardening is an activity that boasts a lot of variety. And when almost 50% of people say gardening helps them relax, it’s worth considering whether you want to take it up as a hobby. Want to get started, but you’re not sure where to start? The following vegetables are perfect for a beginner just getting into gardening.

  • Beets
  • Salad greens
  • Tomatoes
  • Potatoes
  • Radishes
  • Green beans
  • Cucumbers
  • Summer squash

And those are just a select few of the countless veggies you can grow in your garden. Reaping the rewards of your work here will definitely feel great. But beyond that, gardening provides you with an opportunity to get outdoors, get your hands a little bit dirty, and start sourcing food from your own backyard. And getting the whole family involved is easy. Simple tasks like watering and weeding can be left to the kids. Then when it comes time to harvest, everyone can pitch in to create a harvest feast!

Swimming

Whether you have an inground pool in your yard or not, swimming is one of the best ways to get outside during the summer. Like it or not, some summer days can feel oppressively hot. On those days, it’s easy to want to stay inside and do nothing. But when you opt to go swimming, you’re offering two great benefits. First, you and your family have an excuse to get outside and breathe in some fresh air. Second, you all get to cool down while you swim around in the pool or in another local body of water. That’s right — swimming doesn’t stop at backyard pools. In fact, making a beach day out of a swimming excursion can be fun for the whole family! And considering that swimming is already the fourth most popular activity in the United States, it’s a safe bet to say your family would definitely enjoy an afternoon in the water. If you want to make a whole beach day out of it, make sure you pack enough snacks and water for everyone. And don’t forget the sunscreen! Breathing in some fresh air near a local body of water can be extremely refreshing even if you don’t plan on swimming yourself. Bringing a beach ball also gives everyone an opportunity to get active!

Host a Bonfire

Bonfires are a great way to spend summer evenings and summer nights outside. While you’re not necessarily getting active during a bonfire, it’s a great opportunity for the whole family to sit together, tell stories, and enjoy the cool night air. If you want to make it a real party, collect an assortment of snacks that can be roasted over the open flames. Some options to consider for fire-roasted snacking include:

  • Marshmallows
  • Hot dogs
  • Bacon
  • Bread
  • Vegetables

Of course, classics like s’mores are a must at any bonfire. But if you want to get really fancy, you can make things like baked potatoes, fire-roasted ham and cheese sandwiches, and even whole kebabs with your fire. These meals require a little bit more time and perhaps a few more tools, but dinner around the fire will be an outdoor activity the whole family can enjoy. The best part? You all get to spend time outside together underneath the stars. Even the 45% of Americans who have trouble falling asleep will get some solid rest after that.

When it comes to spending more time outside during the summer months, these three activities are just the tip of the iceberg. But once you try them, there’s no way you’ll want to stay inside for another second this summer!