Summer is officially here and with the beautiful warm weather, it’s time to start spending more time outside! Not only is it good for your mental and physical health to get outside for your vitamin D levels but it’s an easy way to help with joint movement. But, keep in mind that extreme heat can cause dehydration, heat stroke, and sunburn so it’s important to be prepared when you go outside. Make sure to apply sunscreen, wear a hat, and bring water with you!

If you’re looking for ways to stay active and get outside this summer, give these summer activities a try!

9 Summer Activities to Get You Moving

Have a Picnic - Whether you simply bring your lunch outside or set up a full picnic in your local park, eating lunch outside is an easy way to break up your day while still keeping a similar schedule. It’s also always an adventure getting to experience the different sights and sounds.

Reinvent Your Green Thumb - There is no greater feeling than growing something yourself from a seed! Try making a vegetable garden outside or plant a few herbs and flowers inside. There are so many options depending on your mobility or lifestyle, too.

Join or Start Your Own Book Club - The best part about reading is that you can do it from anywhere! Grab a friend (or 15!), decide on a book, and get reading. Book clubs are a great way to meet new people and are a fun way to encourage quieter friends to come out of their shell. On nicer days, try meeting outside!

Sign Up for an Exercise Class - It’s no secret that exercising is one of the best ways to move your body! Depending on where you live, your community might have outdoor exercise classes like yoga in a park that you can attend. This is a fun and easy way to get moving and get outside.

Go on a Fishing Excursion - Whether you stay on land or go out in a boat, fishing is a relaxing but fun activity, especially for those with limited mobility.

Visit a Museum - On days that it’s not as nice out, museums are a great way to get moving but stay educated. Most museums offer discounts for seniors and have free admittance days, making them more affordable.

Find a New Hobby - The warm summer weather is a great time to find a new hobby! With all of the birds out, you can give bird watching a try. You can also try knitting and finding a bench in your local park to work on a design. You could also set up a blanket and try painting outside!

Work on a Puzzle - Puzzles aren’t just a great activity for indoors! Find a 500 or so piece puzzle you could complete in a day and bring it outside to your patio. This is a great way to get fresh air and work on your cognitive skills and hand-eye coordination.

Ice Cream Socials - No one wants to pass up ice cream on a hot day! Try hosting an ice cream social with friends and neighbors to get moving, enjoy a cold treat, and stay social.