5 Fun Things to Do by Yourself Outdoors
By Debbie Hanson
Apr 14, 2020
List of fun things to do by yourself outdoors to find your calm, pick up new interests. Things to do alone outside like fly fishing, kayaking, gardening, more
Time to reflect, the opportunity to recharge, boosting feelings of independence and empowerment -- these are some of the benefits that come along with spending time outdoors in solitude. If you are looking for a few examples of fun things to do by yourself outdoors to take advantage these benefits, use this list as a resource.
1. Learn how to fly fish.
Fly fishing can be one of the most meditative things to do alone outside. If you don’t know how to fly fish, there are plenty of videos online that can walk you through the steps of a basic (pick-up and lay-down) cast. Practicing your cast is something that you can do solo in an open field or empty backyard.
2. Go kayaking on a waterway close to home.
If you are still learning how to kayak, it's a good idea to watch an online video or read instructional content that covers kayaking for beginners with helpful kayak fishing tips and safety guidelines. Make sure you have an appropriate PFD for kayaking, bring a sound-producing device (such as a whistle), and file a float plan with someone you know.
3. Start a garden.
If you live in an urban area and don't have a large yard, you can still plant container gardens out on your patio or balcony. Spring is the perfect time to plant and grow a variety of flowers, vegetables, or herbs. Some examples of vegetables that you can seed either directly into the ground or into containers are peas, beans, radishes, carrots, and lettuce.
4. Go on an outdoor photography adventure.
Get out the camera and start experiment with different settings to capture the very best shots of the natural world around you. Read up on the best techniques and equipment for wildlife photography, and then get outdoors to put what you've learned into practice.
5. Take a telescope to a nearby stargazing spot.
If you've always wanted to be an amateur astronomer, next up on the list of fun things to do by yourself outdoors is go on a stargazing mission. Use an online light pollution map to find spots that are most conducive to dark skies for optimum stargazing opportunities.
During these times, and when considering this list of things to do alone outside, confirm beforehand whether or not your state has issued a Shelter-in-Place or Stay-at-Home order. This may mean that access to the water, beaches, or parks may be discouraged or prohibited. As you plan your next outdoor adventure, please confirm beforehand that your preferred fishing and boat spots are still open to the public.
Always consider your health and wellbeing as well as that of others before visiting any outdoor activity spot.
