Here we are, in the midst of spring again. The weather is gradually warming the trees are blossoming and it is beautiful outside. After a long and cold winter, everyone craves for nature and some time spent outside of the house. It’s refreshing to step away from the routine of binge-watching series on Netflix curdled up in a warm blanket with a hot drink – at least, that’s how I like to spend winter. Now, I encourage you to embrace the season with these five spring outdoor activities to replenish your vitamin D levels.
1. Geocaching
Geocaching is an exciting activity both for children and adults and elevates a simple hiking experience. If you haven’t heard of it yet it’s a real-life version of a treasure hunt. All over the world boxes with “treasures” in it are hidden in nature. These treasures are mostly commonly used objects, I have already seen pens, stickers, small toys, and jewelry, but the list is long. The rule is simple: when you find a box, you can take one item but must replace it with something new. To find a box the coordinates help you and usually, there is a description as well which gives you hints. The hints can refer to the location, the size of the box, or the surroundings. To play you can use the map on your phone but according to my experience, it’s not always accurate. Instead, if you are already an enthusiast I recommend you to use a GPS device. If you became, interested visit the website and download the application containing the box list. Happy hunting!
2. Photography Challenge
As a hobby photographer, I often find solace in capturing moments whenever I have the chance. I’m sure that inside everyone lives a photographer. You don’t need an expensive, professional camera to take stunning photos anymore — a smartphone will suffice. Spring, with its blooming flowers and budding trees, serves as the perfect backdrop for photography enthusiasts. It’s a win-win as you spend time outside which charges your energies and at the same time you have some fun. It also activates your creative side and it is commonly known that creating gives a satisfactory feeling and makes you happy. If you would take it a step further you can also turn it into a friendly competition with friends or family. Head out for a hike or leisurely walk and everyone should snap photos along the way. At the end of the day, gather to vote for the best pictures, creating a memorable collection of the day.
3. Mushrooming/Foraging
For those with a penchant for wandering in the woods and an interest in local flora, mushrooming or foraging for food offers a rewarding experience. Nature provides an abundance of edible plants and various mushrooms waiting to be discovered. Isn’t it better to find the ingredients on your own rather than buying them in the shop? It reconnects you to the natural world and to your roots. From the mushrooms, you can cook a super delicious dinner. You can also collect wild garlic which is the perfect ingredient for many different dishes. My favorite is the creamy wild garlic soup. Yummy. Consider joining guided tours in your area but you can do it on your own – just be sure to verify your finds with an expert before consumption. Mushrooms can be tricky to identify and potentially dangerous if mistaken for poisonous varieties.
4. Stargazing at Night
In spring the sky is finally clear again and you won’t freeze at night, perfect for stargazing. Get in the car and go further away from the city/town where the city lights are not disturbing anymore. In full darkness, it is inspiring to look at the starry sky and think about the big questions of life. The universe is huge and you can only realize it when you look up at the night sky. You can lie down on a blanket and just wait, you may catch one or more shooting stars or satellites. You can also count how many airplanes you see, the sky is full of them. If you’re particularly passionate about astronomy, bring along a telescope for an even closer look at distant stars and planets.
5. Outdoor Sport Activities
Sport is essential to our everyday life as it keeps us healthy and fit. I’m not a huge sportsman and I admit I don’t do any sport consistently. However, in the spring the good weather motivates me to do something active outdoors. The season presents endless opportunities for physical activity and it offers something for everyone to enjoy. I’m sure if you go regularly to the gym you can’t wait to finally run in a park instead of a closed place crowded with people. Biking is also the best in the spring. You can get to beautiful places in an environment-friendly way. Also, many yoga classes are now held in the local parks. As an extra, I can recommend trying out aerial yoga, which combines traditional yoga poses with the support of a hammock. Lastly, playing fields are available to play football or basketball.
Bonus: Cherry Tree Blossoming
While somewhat of a classic, witnessing cherry trees in full bloom is a must-spring experience. Seek out locations where these iconic trees flourish and stroll beneath their blossoming canopies, capturing their beauty in photographs. It is only once a year so don’t miss out on it!
I hope this list inspires you to seize the wonders of spring and embark on unforgettable adventures. In case you are interested read my post about a perfect spring getaway to Colmar, France.
