Quick Outdoor Activities for Shorter Days

By Jem Hanan, Contributing Blogger

As night begins to set in earlier and earlier, you might feel like you’re chasing the waning rays of sunshine trying to enjoy the dwindling fall days. However, there are plenty of quick activities that allow you to embrace the great outdoors while the sun is still out. Below, you’ll find a list of the best quick outdoor activities for the shorter days. 

1. A Quick Picnic 

A checkered blanket, a plot of grass, and your favorite (transportable) fall treats are all you need for a quick autumn picnic. Bring a book, do some work, or just lay out on the lawn. A picnic is a simple way to get outside and make your day feel a little bit special. 

2. Visit Your Local Park 

Although it may not be realistic to hit a national park in your day-to-day life, there is plenty of nature and fall foliage to see in your own neighborhood. Take a leisurely stroll and appreciate the warm hues of the fall leaves, or get your blood pumping with a casual jog. Morning or afternoon, the park is a great place for a quick breather on those busier days.

3. Frisbee

With minimal prep required, a game of frisbee is the perfect way to enjoy the cool fall air in a pocket-sized amount of time. Grab a disc, some friends or family, and a bottle of water for some guaranteed fun because, really, when was the last time you played a real game of frisbee? Play a p game right in your own backyard or visit a park if you want to be more adventurous.

4. Bonfire 

A bonfire is an easy way to make the day’s warmth last just a little bit longer. Sit around with friends, family, or both and soak up the heat from the crackling flames. Pull out the marshmallows, graham crackers, and chocolate if you want to take the bonfire to the next level with something sweet. The cold air makes the atmosphere even cozier.

5. Cycling

Take a relaxed cycle around the neighborhood and get in that last peek of the autumn flora. It may be a bit chilly, so make sure to bundle up, but the feeling of winding around streets laden with crunching leaves makes it all worth it. You can also kill two birds with one stone and cycle to your desired picnic destination.

6. Leaf collecting & pressing

An unexpectedly charming fall activity, leaf collecting and pressing is a great way to get outdoors with very little hassle. It’s especially great to do with younger kids. Go out and collect the prettiest leaves you can find, making sure to avoid ones that are too wet. Once you’re finished collecting, press the leaves in parchment paper between some heavy books for up to a few days. Then, you’re done! Use them for some fall crafts as it begins to get colder and you’ll want to spend more time indoors.

7. Outdoor Meditation

Some people can meditate for hours, but you only need a couple of minutes for a mindful reset. If you have your own practice, take it outside for a change of pace, or if you’re more of a beginner, there are plenty of meditation ideas on the wonderful web. There’s no better way to enjoy the fleeting autumn days than by appreciating everything the season has to offer – from the birds to the breeze. 

Just because the days are getting shorter, it doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice the time you spend outside. There are so many little ways to enjoy the outdoors without committing an entire day to an excursion or activity. Your body and mind will thank you for the kernels of time you take to enjoy the last of the autumn season.