15 Adventurous Hobbies That Will Get You Outside

Updated February 27, 2024

Has reading graphic novels lost its luster? Does the thought of crocheting another sweater vest set you on edge? If so, consider taking up one of these adventurous hobbies to add a little spice to your life. The great outdoors is calling. 

Outdoor, adventurous hobbies get your adrenaline going, reigniting your lust for life. They’re the perfect anecdote to long, bland days back in gray office cubicles, offering trees, sunshine and surprises instead of predictably boring traffic. Add one of these outings to your weekend itinerary — we’ll give you tips on how to do so.

1. Camping

Whether you prefer roughing it in a remote mountain pass or putting a sleeping bag in the bed of your truck, there are so many ways to enjoy camping. Sit around a fire pit with your friends and roast marshmallows under the stars while sharing scary dogman stories to stir your blood.

Take a much-needed solo trip to a national park or spend the weekend with nobody but your dog. Hot spots like Yosemite require advance reservations, so work your computer skills if planning a family getaway. Another idea? Break into the sport gently by camping in your backyard — your kids will love it.

2. Scuba Diving

Want to get up close and personal with tiger sharks? Take scuba diving lessons and dive deeper into the ocean so you can admire corals, anemones, and tropical fish in all their glory.

Getting scuba certified usually only takes a few days, so you can even learn while you’re on vacation. What if you’re landlocked? Many recreation centers and community colleges with pools offer lessons, so check with your local parks and rec department.

3. Hang Gliding

If you’d rather glide through the air than the water, hang gliding might be the adventurous hobby for you. You get to sail through the sky in a metal frame with cloth wings and have a body harness to keep you safe. Hang gliding lets you soar for hours over the world, and, if you’re truly the adventurous type, perform acrobatics in the air.

Hang gliders follow federal aviation rules, so you’ll need to get certified. However, there’s no age limit, and minors can participate with their parent’s permission, although many locations apply separate age requirements to ensure the equipment matches passenger size.

4. Geocaching

Want to participate in a global scavenger hunt? Geocaching is a game where people hide small containers — called caches — in the bushes, under rocks, and in other sequestered places. Inside the cache, you’ll usually find a written log where you can write your name. Caches may also contain small toys or objects you can exchange for something you brought.

To participate in this real-life treasure hunt, download the Geocaching app from the app store. Once you find a stash, post it to social media, then return it to its original location to share the fun with the next adventurer.

5. Beekeeping

Also called apiculture, beekeeping is a unique hobby that rewards bravery and patience. Although many people are naturally wary of bees, raising them can be very relaxing. You also get homemade honey as a result! 

Raising bees is a healthy way to ease climate change anxiety. Trees and other plants that soak up carbon dioxide rely on these pollinators to proliferate, so you can consider your hobby your act of community service to the Earth.

6. Running

Of all the adventurous hobbies out there, running is probably the most accessible to the greatest number of people. You don’t need any money to start jogging around the block. You can participate in this healthy sport no matter where you live or who you know.

Running can improve your cardiovascular health and help you feel your best. Plus, you can do it alone or with a group of friends. Having a buddy can help motivate you, as can signing up for a race. Start slow, perhaps with a 5k or an even shorter “turkey trot” and build your way up to marathons.

7. Fishing

Few activities are as frustrating — and rewarding — as trying to catch your own food. In many ways, fishing is an exercise in patience and learning to sit quietly in nature. Even if you don’t reel in a big catch, you can still enjoy spending time outdoors, unbothered by the high-speed pace of daily life. And if you do snag a monster bass? Not only do you get bragging rights, but you also get an amazing dinner. 

8. Whitewater Rafting

If standing on the riverbank isn’t your speed, why not jump right into the action? Whitewater rafting combines the excitement of moving incredibly fast with an appreciation for the outdoors, letting you get directly involved with the landscape. It’s a fantastic workout and a great activity to do with friends. 

Whitewater rafting skills take time to hone, and the equipment can get pricey. Start your adventure at a facility with an experienced guide before planning solo adventures.

9. Skydiving

Up for something a little more dangerous? Few hobbies are as adventurous and thrilling as leaping out of a plane at 10,000 feet. Skydiving gets you outside and lets you feel the wind in your teeth — and, perhaps, a new appreciation for standing on solid ground when you come down. 

What if the thought of going airborne from the get-go terrifies you? See if you can find an indoor skydiving facility. Many such facilities are adjacent to outdoor jump facilities, although you can sometimes find them elsewhere, like the mall.

10. Flying Drones

If you want a bird’s eye view without the adrenaline rush, consider doing drone photography. You can vicariously soar through the mountains or over an alpine lake to take stunning scenery shots and videos.

This hobby also pairs well with video editing. Have you dreamed of starting a YouTube side hustle without putting your face out there out of fear of insensitive comments? Create a channel of video footage of gorgeous locations — or sell yours to other creators for profit.

11. Archery

Whether you’re deer hunting or just out at the shooting range, archery is an exciting hobby that gives you a great upper body workout. It’s very satisfying to hit a bullseye, especially in a competition.

Learning to care for and even craft a bow is another satisfying aspect of archery. Traditional recurve bows require special care to prevent warping. Search your local business listings for archery clubs where you can mingle with others into the sport and get care tips.

12. Rock Climbing

You know it’s an adventurous hobby when you get to wear a helmet. If you’re feeling a little blasé about the gym, rock climbing is a much more exciting way to squeeze in a workout. Get hands-on and scale a cliff or rock climbing wall, trusting your harness to bring you safely back to Earth when you’re done. 

What if you prefer to climb outdoors? Hone your skills by joining a climbing group, which is also a fabulous way to make new friends. When you feel confident enough, you can take a group trip to a bucket list location like Yosemite’s El Capitan.

13. Spelunking

Do dark, endless caverns inspire awe in you rather than fear? If so, then spelunking might be a great hobby to take up. Caves offer some of the most surprising natural beauty in the world, from thick, daggerlike crystals on the walls to underground lakes.

They’re also home to fascinating animals like salamanders and blind cavefish. Grab a headlamp and go exploring!  Be sure to wear a hat, especially if you have long hair. Getting a bat entangled in your locks when traversing a pitch-black tunnel goes beyond adrenaline-rush territory into downright scary-land.

14. Parkour

The world is your playground. Instead of viewing walls, fences, and railings as barriers, freerunners see them as obstacles to overcome in a three-dimensional space. Engage your whole body by running and jumping through the surrounding landscape. 

The beauty of parkour is you can do it anywhere — urban environments often present the best challenges. However, be sure you wear your pads, as missing a jump can result in skinned knees and elbows.

15. Birding

You don’t have to do front flips to see a crested caracara in the wild. Grab a pair of binoculars, a field guide, and your favorite birding app, then sit back and appreciate the natural world. Birding pairs well with camping and hiking, and you can do it practically anywhere. 

Live in the city? Look for peregrine falcons. On the beach? Keep a sharp eye out for oystercatchers. There is beauty to be found no matter where you live. 

Exploring the Possibilities

It’s a big, beautiful world out there, and there are so many ways to enjoy it. Whether you prefer a low-key activity or an adrenaline rush, you can find a fulfilling hobby to occupy your spare time. So, lace up your boots, grab a snack, and bring a sense of wonder — it’s time to go on an adventure.