With the summer solstice on June 21 and schools officially on break, we’re looking forward to getting outside and enjoying the warm months to come. Whether it’s gardening in the backyard, walking in the park, or taking a swim in the ocean, recent studies have shown that spending time outside in nature can contribute to our health and happiness.

Here are some healthy outdoor activities to consider this summer.

Go for a hike – One of the best ways to take advantage of what nature has to offer is by going for a hike. Find a local trail or nearby state park or plan a day trip to a mountain you’ve been wanting to check out. Don’t forget to bring along healthy snacks and a water bottle to stay fueled throughout your hike!

Head to the beach –There is no better feeling than being barefoot in the sand. Next time you take a trip to the beach, play some volleyball, throw a Frisbee, or go for a run. Exercising in the sand makes your legs work just a little bit harder than usual. Plus, it’s a great way to connect with the earth!

Plant a vegetable garden – Gardening can be beneficial for your health in many ways. Besides getting physical exercise while planting fruits and vegetables, gardening can help boost your mood and create healthy eating habits down the line. There’s nothing like fresh produce from a garden you’ve planted yourself!

Try kayaking – Hit the water! Kayaking is a great low-impact outdoor activity that can improve your aerobic fitness, strength, and flexibility. In addition to kayaking’s physical benefits, being out on the open water can be extremely meditative and can even help bring clarity to your mind.

Join a group class – Many fitness and yoga studios offer outdoor group classes during the summer months. Group classes often create a sense of community and accountability. Taking things outdoors is a way to change things up while soaking up some vitamin D (but be sure to protect yourself with sunscreen)!

Take a walk after dinner – Now that the sun is staying out later, take a post-dinner stroll with the family, a loved one, or a neighbor. This is a great way to incorporate some light exercise outside while supporting digestion before bedtime. The temperature will begin to drop as the sun goes down, so you won’t have to worry as much about overheating.

No matter what you decide to do, warm weather is a great excuse to get moving. Let us know what you’re up to!