If you live amongst the hustle and bustle of a city, at some point you’d have felt the call of the wild to lead you away from your couch and into the great outdoors. Well, nature is undoubtedly a healthy and budget-friendly way to take things off your mind and appreciate the world around us.
While typical nature adventures like hiking are always a good idea, why not shake things up a bit? Get ready to explore 13 unexpected nature activities that you can try out this weekend with your friends or family.
1. Butterfly Watching
This may shock a soul that’s scared of these flying beauties, but for those who love these magical creatures, why chase happiness when you can chase butterflies?
Head to your nearby park or butterfly farm, and you’ll need nothing more than a pair of binoculars to discover the beauty of these winged wonders. It’s like bird watching, but more fluttery and fun! This is a great way to start identifying and discovering more butterfly species, which you can do with this website!
2. Rock Balancing
We suggest doing this somewhere near a quiet stream or waterfall! Find a good spot to settle down, then channel your inner zen by stacking rocks one on top of the other.
Many may think it’s boring, but it’s a surprisingly meditative process, allowing you to focus entirely on the task. It can help to improve your concentration and patience, helping you be more present while indulging in the sounds of nature.
3. Night-time Stargazing
If you prefer being out during the chilly night, stargazing opens up a whole universe for you to discover.
Find a spot far from the city lights, lay back, and let the universe show you its secrets. You can easily identify stars and constellations with apps on your phone. If you prefer this to be done in a more social setting, go on Facebook and look for a local astronomy club. They have frequent expeditions that are led by experts.
4. River Stone Skipping
Remember the excitement of finding that perfect, flat stone and watching it dance over the water? Well, skipping stones isn’t just for kids, and it’s time to bring it back!
This activity makes a perfect companion for a picnic by the river, where you can channel your inner child and even have some competition with some friends. It’s a perfect activity to discuss about stone skipping techniques, loads of laughter, and who can skip the farthest!
5. Urban Foraging Adventures
You might think foraging is only for woodland folk, well, think again!
Urban foraging is just like wildlife foraging, but in the community that you live in! Head to a local park or community forest with an open mind to learn about what actually lives there. You’ll be surprised to find edible gems such as dandelions or berries right in your city. You may even bump into a squirrel if you’re lucky!
Not only is this activity scientifically proven to boost your mood, but it also makes you feel like a scavenger of the concrete jungle.
6. Cloud Watching
If the weather forecast is good, put on a coat and pants you wouldn’t mind getting some dirt on.
Then, stretch out on the grass, look up, and let your imagination run wild by cloud watching! Let your imagination run wild as you watch the clouds morph into dragons or boats. This is all of our childhood nostalgia and creative relaxation all mixed into one.
Try to leave your responsibilities at home. As time goes by, this activity can also be meditative and helps you focus on the present.
7. Nature Photography Walks
You don’t need to have a photo gallery to be a photographer. All you need is your phone camera to embark on a photo walk.
Let your creativity go wild. Capture the unique patterns, textures, and wildlife that often go unnoticed. In this busy world that we live in, a lot of nature’s beauty is ignored in our day-to-day, but it’s time to stop and observe. It’s less about the final shot, more about seeing the world through a different lens. Who knows what beauty you might be able to snap today?
8. Organic Gardening
You don’t need a big space outside to start gardening. We can all start with a tiny plot or a series of pots on your balcony!
Get your hands dirty and your soul clean by starting an organic garden. In fact, tending to greenery is a proven mood booster. Plus, nothing tastes quite as sweet as the reward of your own homegrown veggies!
Reconnect with Nature’s Joy
From calming walks through a forest to observing the sky’s diamonds at night, these activities not only enrich our lives but bring us closer to our roots of nature, offering unexpected happiness in simplicity. So, what are you waiting for? Pick one of the activites today and that might just become your new hobby!