Summer Adventures!

Summer is in full swing and adventure is calling.  And while you might be ready for some fun, coming up with new and exciting activities can be hard.  To help you out, we have the beginnings of a great list of summer adventures waiting to be had. 

Heading outside for a little adventure is good for the body, mind and soul as it lowers stress, strengthens muscles, and helps regulate mood boosting hormones.  Here are a few summer activities to add to your adventure list this summer.

Go for a swim at the lake, in the ocean or down the river.  Change up your water routine by braving the cold and the discomfort of a cold plunge or buy a few rafts to float the river. 

There isn’t anything much sweeter than heading to the berry patch- out on the farm or up in the mountains- to pick some fresh fruits.  Then turn them into a yummy pie, sweet jam or a hot cobbler for a tasty summer treat!  

Find a new, adventurous way to take in your favorite summer flicks by going to a drive in movie.  Better yet, set up your own backyard cinema with a movie on the lawn, homemade cars for the little ones and your favorite movie snacks as you watch under the stars.

When swimming at the lake gets old, break out your old fishing pole or give fly fishing a chance.  Head out on a solo trip or bring along the friends and family to make summer memories like grandpa used to make.

Love the mountains and ready to elevate your adventure?! Make this summer all about mountain biking.  Find new trails, travel to higher heights and bring a new speed to your mountain exploring.  And just in case those trails get a little too wild, make sure to take along a helmet and a few bandaids.

If feeling the rush is something you’re aiming for, whitewater rafting should be top of your summer adventure list.  The spray of the water, plummeting down rocky channels and navigating the rough water routes are sure to be an adrenaline filled adventure you won’t forget.

If the fast paced river rafting isn’t quite your style, taking a slow kayak or paddle board across a glass smooth lake just might be.  Paddling is sure to be a low impact and high adventure for all ages. 

Nothing is more classic for a summer adventure than a picnic in the outdoors.  It can be at the local park, in your backyard, in the mountains or at a campsite.  Dining out is always fun, but dining outdoors takes it up another level.  

Don’t just sign the kids up for summer sports, join in yourself.  Put together a neighborhood softball game, play in a sand volleyball game or join a 3-on-3 basketball tournament.  Summer nights are for playing, for mom and dad too!

In fact, maybe your summer adventure list should include “let your inner child free!”  Fly a kite, run through the sprinklers, or join the kids in a cannonball contest.  Do those things that brought adventure to summer when you were a kid.

Make this summer, a summer on the hiking trails.  Trip up and down your old favorite trails, go on overnight hikes, or find new places to explore.  Hitting the trail is an adventure that strengthens your body, lifts your soul and brings balance both literally and figuratively to your life.  

Whatever you put on your adventure list this summer, be sure to try something new!  Run your first 5K, try water skiing or go to the driving range.  Push the limits and try something hard, crazy or outside of your comfort zone.  Learning new things can be an exciting way to reduce stress, gain confidence and expand your capabilities.  And most definitely, bring extra adventure to your summer!