The weather is warming up, and it’s time to get outside! Here are five activities that you may not have considered.

Spring brings some of the best weather of the year, making it the perfect time to get out and get active. We understand, however, that going out to do the same things each day can get a bit monotonous. That’s why we’ve come up with five outside-the-box ideas for you to try this spring. Whether you’re looking for fun, exercise or a little bit of both, we think you’ll find enjoyment in some of our favorite sports and recreational activities!

Train Your Pet

Training your pet can be an extremely fun and rewarding way to stay active and get exercise. Whether you’re teaching your pet to fetch, play hide and seek, do tricks, or even simply walk nicely at your side, your furry friend can help get you up and moving. You can even incorporate more training into your daily walk by practicing commands, which can be physically demanding depending on what you’d like your pet to do. Training your pet can also help you stay mentally active, as it requires focus and problem-solving skills, all with the intention and hopefully the satisfaction of achieving a goal. Your animal companion will thank you, as you’ll not only be improving your physical health but also the strength of your bond.

Play Pickleball

If you’ve been to a local park lately, you might have wondered why those smaller courts have been packed with kids, adults and retirees alike, all appearing to play a strange game of extreme ping pong. Well, they were likely playing pickleball, a sport gaining traction as a combination of tennis, ping pong and badminton. Fun and exciting for all ages, it’s easy to learn while still providing a challenge for more experienced and skilled players. The smaller court size is also easier to cover, allowing for more action and faster gameplay that keeps players engaged and on their toes. Additionally, pickleball is also a social sport, giving those looking for an outlet a great way to make friends. It’s often played in doubles or mixed doubles, allowing you to train with your go-to partner or pick up a brand-new teammate. We should caution you, though, because you might just catch the bug and get addicted, just like nearly 40 million other Americans.

Go Geocaching

Geocaching is a fun and exciting outdoor activity that involves using GPS coordinates to find hidden treasures, which are also known as caches. One thing that makes geocaching so special and so fun is the thrill of the hunt and the satisfaction of coming across the cache, and the excitement of discovering a new treasure can quickly become addictive. Geocaching also offers a unique way to explore and appreciate the outdoors, as caches can be hidden in various locations, including parks, forests and cities, allowing you to experience the beauty of nature and the history of your home. Additionally, geocaching attracts a large community of enthusiasts who often encounter each other and become friends, sharing tips, stories and cache locations. It’s a family-friendly activity that promotes teamwork, problem-solving, and a sense of adventure. Just remember the three simple rules: Take something, leave something and log your discovery!

Play Disc Golf

Disc golf combines various elements of golf and frisbee and can offer the thrills and fun to match both. The objective is to throw a specialized disc into a series of baskets, and similar to golf, the goal is to reach each basket in as few throws as possible. Though it definitely involves perfecting a craft, the game can be relatively easy to learn, giving players of all ages, strengths and skill levels a chance to succeed. The different courses can also offer unique and challenging experiences, with each hole designed to present the player with a variety of obstacles, such as trees, hills and water hazards. This requires players to employ different techniques and strategies, giving the game a problem-solving aspect. Furthermore, disc golf can be played in groups, promoting camaraderie and friendly competition, or helping you come across new players with similar interests. It’s a great way to get out into nature, experience local parks and get exercise.

Go Paddleboarding

Paddleboarding is a great way to enjoy the outdoors and get exercise. It’s a fun and exciting water sport that involves standing on a large board and using a paddle to move freely and swiftly through the water. While presenting a great way to experience new water attractions and new landmarks, it can also be an effective method of getting exercise, engaging the core, legs and arms. Just as important is the mental aspect, as paddleboarding can help you clear your mind and find peace, and the quietness and tranquility make for a great space to think productively or forget about larger problems. Moreover, it’s an incredibly versatile sport, as it can be done in various bodies of water, including lakes, rivers and oceans, all of which offer different experiences and bring seasoned paddleboarders back for new adventures. Accessible to people of all ages, paddleboarding can potentially offer both an active and social outlet, helping you find your fitness and your friends this spring.