Ideas to Get Outside More if You’re Really Busy

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With the warmer weather and longer days, summer gives you more opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors. However, with life always being so busy, it can be easy to let days go by without getting some quality outdoor time.

We’ve put together thoughtful ideas for ways to spend more time outside, even if you’re really busy. You can schedule many of these ideas into a busy workday or weekend. Then, when you have a little more time, you can tick activities off your summer bucket list or try an outdoor hobby.

If you want this list as a printable, you’ll find it at the end of the article.

Ways to Spend More Time Outside This Summer

Let’s take a closer look at all the ideas we’ve listed. We’ve put them into different sections, so you can find something that works best for your busy schedule.

Outdoor ideas

Firstly, we’ve identified a few simple ways you can get some outdoor time in day-to-day life.

• Schedule in morning routines to get you outside, like coffee on the porch.
• Step outside for fresh air in the morning before you leave the house.
• Take a lunch break outside.
• Set a daily step target that encourages more walking.
• Tweak your commute to include a little more walking.
• If you have time, walk a more scenic route.
• Journal or write in your diary in the backyard.
• Take your yoga mat into the backyard.
• Go shopping at an outdoor market instead of an indoor mall.
• Go to an open-air street food market.
• Enjoy simple hobbies outside, like reading or knitting.
• Take day trips to simple outdoor spaces like parks.

Things you can do in the evening

These ideas you can do after a busy day. These activities are also great for unwinding and taking a moment to reflect.

• Take a sunset selfie every day.
• Sit on the porch with a cold drink.
• Watch the sunset from a window.
• Go for a sunset walk around the block.
• Watch the sunset from a local park bench.
• Write in a gratitude journal at sunset.
• Watch the sunset from the backyard or balcony with the family.
• Go for 5-minute stargazing walks around the block after sunset.

Micro-breaks you can take throughout the day

Very few of us can work for hours on end without at least taking a short break here and there. You can try taking those micro-breaks outside.

• Take a break by an open window with the sun shining through.
• Schedule 5-10 minute micro outdoor breaks between tasks.
• Do any meditation or deep breathing on ok the balcony or in the backyard.
• If possible, take some simple tasks or chores outside.

Ideas with the family

These are great for getting the whole family outdoors together.

• Organize a simple outdoor photo scavenger quest.
• If possible, eat dinner in the backyard or the garden once a week.
• Pack up lunch for a picnic one day.
• Go to a waterfront for walks and outdoor time.
• Take the dog for longer walks.
• Visit outdoor points of interest, like street art or monuments.

Activities you can try

These may require a little more planning. However, you can use these activities as opportunities to go outside either on your own or with loved ones.

• Do some one-off community gardening volunteering.
• Ride a bike to local places rather than drive.
• Find outdoor places to read, like under a tree.
• Watch community sports games at parks.
• Take part in a 30-day outdoor photography challenge.
• Utilize outdoor seating at coffee shops.

Nature at home

If you’re really pushed for time, you can try bringing nature to your own home. Try some of these ideas.

• Tend to potted herbs and plants in the backyard.
• Set up a mini bird feeder.
• Have succulents on the window ledge or porch.
• Do a little more gardening.
• Create a little nook or patio area outside to unwind or work on a laptop.
• Open the windows and patio doors to let in fresh air and sunlight.

Finally, here are some more ideas.

• Go for quick neighborhood walks and try a different route each time.
• Try a simple outdoor activity like birdwatching.
• Do simple exercises you can do in the garden or a park, like jumping jacks.
• Organize catch-ups with friends at outdoor spaces like picnic tables.

Get the Printable

Get the printable here. You can print it off, check off the activities you’ve tried, and journal about your favorites.

Join the Conversation

Getting outside more doesn’t have to be a big, planned event. Throughout your day, you can find opportunities to take breaks and do simple activities in the sunshine.

Let us know below if you have any fun and interesting ways to get outdoor time in a busy day. Also, don’t forget to save this collection of ideas to one of your summer or things to do boards.