Everyday Adventures, might not be big life-changing journeys, but they’re just as important as the epic ones. Within the last year, I’ve realized that any adventure that makes you smile is worthwhile. Every weekend I try to get out and enjoy the world right in my backyard. Here are 21 ideas for you to do the same.
Everyday Adventures
Try a New Restaurant
We’re starting simple with this one. Who else tends to go to the same restaurants all the time because they love them? I know I do. Granted there are only so many places to eat in my small Vermont town, but there are 3 restaurants that Will and I go to constantly.
I did this last week in fact. A new restaurant opened a couple months ago and I hadn’t gotten the chance to go, and it was the perfect everyday adventure! texted Will during the day, told him we were going out to dinner and we went. It was a great way to shake things up after a long day at work.
Everyday Adventures: Go on a Day Trip
You don’t have to go far from home to explore. We all have interesting things to do around us and most of the time we don’t need to travel more than a couple of hours to find something new. Pick that things you’ve been wanting to do for a while, but just haven’t. Or pick a direction and drive. You never know what you’ll find.
Everyday Adventures: Have a Picnic
WHen it comes to everyday adventures, this is an easy one! Go to the store or your kitchen, grab some food and a blanket and go. Your local park is perfect and great for people watching or you can get creative with your location. Walk to a waterfall, visit a state park, or do it in your backyard. This everyday adventure is perfect for the whole family.
Participate in a Race
You don’t have to be a marathon runner to do this. There are so many different types of races out there. Local charity run/walks are usually inexpensive and help the community you live in. I woke up one more about a year ago and decided to run a 5k organized by the Boy Scouts. I ended up winning my age group!
Or you can get crazy by doing a Color Run or an obstacle course mud run like the Dirty Girl. No matter what you choose it will be a great everyday adventure.
Everyday Adventures: Try something New
Go to a new park, trying kayaking for the first time, try starting the DIY project you’ve always wanted to do; This one is completely up to you. Not only will you have an Everyday Adventure, you’ll be expanding your own horizons. People that don’t try new things tend to become stagnant in their lives which can lead to being really boring. I don’t want that for you! Get out there on this everyday adventure!
Everyday Adventures: Make a New Friend
This is a tough one, even for me. My best advice is to go somewhere were there are people – a park, library, bar, fitness class – by yourself. While you’re there do a bit of people watching and find another person that is there alone. Go up and talk to them. If it turns out there not by themselves you can either do it all over, or maybe you’ll get lucky and they’ll invite you to hang out and you’ll make a bunch of new friends.
Go Backyard Camping
We used to do this when I was a kid. Set up a tent, if you don’t have one maybe borrow one from the new friends you just made, and go camping right in the backyard. Bring out board games and cards to play on the lawn or in your tent. Cook dinner and make s’mores over a camp stove. Do all the camping things you can think of to make it as authentic as possible.
Watch the Sunrise or Sunset or Both
Can you think of anything better than waking up early to watch the sun peak over the horizon? Maybe you’re not a morning person and you’d prefer to grab a beer and catch that last glimpse of the sun before she rests her head for the night. For the ultimate everyday adventure try doing both. Being present for these moments in a day can really center you. We all need that every now and then.
Everyday Adventures: Say, “Yes!”
For an entire day, even if you want to say no, say yes. You never know where this will take you and that’s half the fun. Saying yes can effect your whole day and beyond. I did this one time in college and ended up packing my tiny Chevy Aveo 2 weeks later and heading up to Canada for Spring Break.
However, if someone asks you to do something stupid that would hurt you or someone else, don’t do that. Use your brain.
Get Historical
Find something historic near your and go explore. Visiting a Fort or Historic Home can be an interesting everyday adventure plus you’ll learn a ton about local history. One of the most intriguing historical events is a reenactment. They can be tough to find, but if you do it’s a real treat.
Everyday Adventures: Take a Hike
Get outside and be one with nature for a bit. While this is easy for me as I live 10 minutes from the Long Trail/Appalachian Trail, this might be more difficult for some.
However, being outside can help you to de-stress and let loose. Want to go for a hike, but don’t know where to go? Check out All Trails. A simple search of your town/city will help you to find the right trail and all the information you’ll need to have a great adventure.
Be a Tourist in your own Town or City
In a recent post, I wrote about a New York City Food Tour I went on with my friend Linda. Linda has lived in NYC her whole life. One of the things we do when I visit is explore places and do things she’s never done before. That way we both get a fun, new experience.
Being a tourist in your own city could take you to that place you’ve never been because everyone else goes there and you want to avoid the tourists. It could also help you find a place you’ve never seen or experienced before.
Want to learn something special about your area and need a guide? Take a look a GetYourGuide and see who is available. Maybe there’s a local ghost tour or someone can take you around to the best local wineries. Whatever you end up doing, have fun!
Everyday Adventures: Take a Class
This one could be for a day or for a longer period of time. There are so many opportunities to expand your knowledge. Maybe take a pottery class and get your creative juices flowing.
Have you always wanted to learn the tango? Get out on that dance floor! Or how about a cooking classes? The options with that are endlessly delicious! This is one of my personal favorites from the list. I love learning new things and try to take a class a few times a year.
Get Dirty
It doesn’t matter what you do as long as your filthy when you’re finished. Get outside and in the garden, go puddle jumping during a rainstorm or have a good old-fashioned mud fight! If you’re going to be in the garden, make some painted rocks to brighten it up!
Everyday Adventures: Try Geocaching
Geocaching is like a treasure hunt with a GPS. People, called cachers, hide plastic containers of various sizes and mark their location with a GPS. It sounds really strange, but once you try it, it’s a blast!
While on a trip on New Orleans, I was able to step foot on the roof of the tallest building in the city to find a geocache. I also got the best 360 degree view of the city that most people never see.
To participate in this everyday adventure go to Geocaching.com and make an account. It’s completely free and there is plenty of information on the site to give you a full explanation. Then, using your smartphone download the app and get rolling. Have fun!
Build a Campfire
When it comes to everyday adventures campfires are my favorite! A good campfire brings me back to the Girl Scout Camp I went to growing up. Everyone gathered around the fire roasting s’mores and singing songs. Invite friends over, make your favorite adult beverage and relax. If someone has a guitar, tell them to bring it. As the light of the day fades the stars and crickets will come out to complete the campfire vibe.
If you’re serious about your backyard campfires. Try building your own with these simple instructions from the DIY Network.
Everyday Adventures: Just for the Kids – Try Outschool
This website has been so great for my Nanny Kids over the years!
Outschool is a website with thousands of online classes ranging from learning how to play Dungeons and Dragons, practicing a new language, learning to play an instrument and everything in between.
Some classes are live and others are pre-recorded for easy access. No matter the subject your kids will find a class they’ll love!
Go to a Festival or Fair
I don’t care where you live, there are festivals and fairs happening all the time! As I write this I know there are 2 fairs and 1 festival going on near me next weekend. Food Festivals are my personal favorite because of all the yummy snacks! I have a few friends that are music fanatics that are always going to Festivals.
In the U.S. during the summer we love a good Fair! You can go just for the carnival rides or you can get in on the action and submit a personal creation for judging. Last year my twist on bread and butter pickles won best in preserves at the Bondville Fair in Bondville, VT!
Everyday Adventures: Volunteer
According to Volunteer Hub, people who volunteer show improved mood and are less stressed than those who don’t volunteer; Not to mention that it helps the community at large. It is so easy to volunteer too! Community events are always looking for volunteers taking/selling tickets, parking cars, and running water stops at races to name a few. And if you have a great time you can make it a regular thing.
I volunteer every December as a Conductor on my local Lions Club’s annual event the Elf Express in Manchester, Vermont. It’s my favorite weekend in December and I help make so many children and families have an amazing holiday season. Volunteering helps everyone, so why not be a part of something bigger than yourself?
Everyday Adventures: Build Something
I’m not asking you to go out and build a house, but if you want to you can with Habitat for Humanity. I see build as a word interchangeable with make, so get creative! If you really want to build a house, start small with a bird house. Here are 23 free bird house plans to help you get started. Want to get a little more crafty? Check out these fun and easy projects you can whip together.
Yoga
Yoga has helped me with my mental health for years and I look forward to my weekly class when I’m home. My yoga teacher is amazing and has taught me so much over the years. I’m thankful she’s in my life for me mental health and for all the poses she has taught me for after hiking.
Not ready for an in-person class? Try YogaDownload! They have thousands of classes ready for you anywhere, anytime. When I’m on the road I have this app ready to go so I can practice. Sign up now and receive 50% off an Elite Yoga Package.
Everyday Adventures: Go Stargazing
Stargazing always leaves me in awe of the universe. You can go low tech with a blanket and your eyes, which has the possibility of getting romantic. Bringing along a telescope is helpful too! Or you can go to an observatory to get a better idea of what you’re looking at. This list on Go-Astronomy can help you find an observatory near you.
Catch a Show
Sometimes you need to give your body a rest and let your mind escape the real world. Spending the afternoon or evening at a local playhouse or movie theater may be exactly what you need. Everyday adventures are easy at the theater! Let yourself be transported to another world, but not move an inch. If find this perfect on chilly Vermont days when it hurts my face to go outside. You never know where this type of adventure will take you!
Everyday Adventures: Try Forest Bathing
People in Japan practice Forest Bathing to connect and be one with nature. This can be done in a park or even in your backyard!
Forest Bathing isn’t exercise. You’re not out there to crush miles on the trail or to go running. The entire purpose is to just be.
To learn more about Forest bathing pick up – Your Guide to Forest Bathing or Forest Bathing: How Trees Can Help You Find Health and Happiness to help get you started.
I should go back to running though. I love this list.
I need to do the same!
My all time favourite when to comes to weekend activities, other than sleeping of course, is camping. I don’t do it as often lately, but I still enjoy it nevertheless. Now that I mention it, I might as well do it while the weather still serves me.
Thanks for the reminder! ☺
There is no such things as bad weather, but inappropriate clothing. You can go camping any time of year if you’re prepared.