6 Great Outdoors Month Ideas to Get You Moving

If you want a few Great Outdoors Month ideas that will get you moving and help rekindle your love of nature, they aren’t hard to find. Take the time this summer to celebrate our beautiful natural spaces while participating in healthy outdoor activities. Great Outdoors Month in June is the perfect reminder to get out and explore our nation’s state and national parks, wildlife refuges, and national forests.

1. Kayak or Canoe Trip

Plan a kayak or canoe trip on a scenic river or stream to celebrate Great Outdoors Month. Did you know kayaking can burn up to 500 calories per hour? Plus, Kayaking and canoeing are great ways to develop arm, back, and shoulder muscles since paddling is repetitive. If you don’t have a kayak many state parks offer kayak rentals. For example, Silver Springs State Park near Ocala, FL offers kayaks, clear kayaks, canoes, and stand-up paddleboards for rent if you want to take a paddle trip down the Silver River.

2. Hiking

Take a hike in a state or national park that has walking or hiking trails. Do some advance research by checking the park websites to find out about the length and condition of the trails, as well as to learn about any points-of-interest along the way. Great Outdoors month activities (such as hiking) aren’t only beneficial for boosting your physical fitness; time spent outside can help reduce stress, calm anxiety, and lead to a lower risk of depression.

3. Volunteer

Get involved in volunteer cleanup or improvement projects at community, state, or national parks. Family, community, scouting, civic, and student groups can get outdoors and make a difference. Projects can include beach cleanups, trail maintenance, and other park improvements. Great Outdoors Month 2023 cleanup events are something you can do with your entire family, regardless of age.

4. Local Events

Research Great Outdoors Month events such as National Park Trusts’ Kids to Parks Day, American Hiking Society’s National Trails Day, National Fishing and Boating Week, National Get Outdoors Day, National Marina Days, and the National Wildlife Federation’s Great American Campout.

5. Fishing

Find a fishing spot near you or look for recreational fishing access opportunities throughout the country while on your summer vacation. To help you narrow down the best spots, use the Places to Fish & Boat Map.

6. Mountain Biking

Next up on the list of Great Outdoors Month ideas is to take in the views while mountain biking through a state park. In Florida, San Felasco Hammock Preserve State Park, south of Alachua, has seven mountain bike trails of varying lengths. For longer or more remote trails, consider bringing a bike pump, replacement inner tube, and multi-tool kit.

Since June is National Great Outdoors Month, use these ideas to pick a new healthy outdoor activity that keeps you moving while enjoying all the beauty and benefits nature has to offer.