Most Popular Outdoor Activities: The World's Top Ways to Get Outside
Jun, 14 2025
Most people aren’t spending weekends staring at screens—they’re out there climbing hills, pedaling old bikes, or figuring out how to pitch a tent that actually stays up in the wind. Outdoor activities aren’t just good for your muscles or your step count. They’re a straight-up mood booster, and, let’s be real, sometimes the best excuse to ditch your phone for a few hours.
But what’s trending worldwide? Hiking and cycling top the global lists, and there’s a reason you keep seeing packed trails and bike lanes in city after city. If you’ve got an hour, you can find a hill or path somewhere. Hiking gives you a quick escape no matter where you live—mountain, forest, city park, you name it.
Thinking these things have to be expensive or complicated? They really don’t. A good pair of sneakers can take you farther than you’d think. And if you’re worried you don’t know enough, there are trail apps and local groups that welcome newcomers every weekend. The best part? You don’t need fancy gear to get started—just the urge to move and maybe a water bottle and some snacks.
- Why Outdoor Activities Matter
- Hiking: The Universal Favorite
- Cycling and Running: Wheels and Feet in Motion
- Camping and Backpacking: Unplug to Recharge
- Team Sports and Recreational Games
- Tips for Getting Started and Staying Safe
Why Outdoor Activities Matter
You might hear people say, “Just get outside, it’ll make you feel better.” Turns out, this isn’t just small talk. Scientists at Stanford and the University of Michigan actually proved that spending time outdoors can lower stress levels, lift your mood, and even sharpen memory. And we’re not talking about full-day wilderness trips—a quick walk in a local park can do the trick.
Moving your body outside isn’t only about burning calories. It gives your mind a break from work or daily worries and gets you off the couch. Studies show folks who do regular outdoor activities, like hiking or cycling, reduce their risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes. Fresh air really does help you breathe easier, literally and figuratively.
Screen time is at an all-time high, and most of us feel it. Outdoor activities are an easy way to connect with others face-to-face, instead of just through a group chat. Even solo sports like running can give you a sense of community when you join a local event or running club.
- Improved sleep—people who spend a chunk of time outdoors, especially in the morning sun, fall asleep faster at night.
- Vitamin D boost—even 15 minutes outside can help keep your bones stronger.
- Better focus—kids who play outside before homework actually do better at school.
If you’ve ever felt stuck, grabbing your shoes and heading outdoors is practically a hack for clearing your head. The bonus? It barely costs a thing, and you’re always just a few steps from a quick reboot. That’s hard to beat.
Hiking: The Universal Favorite
If there’s one outdoor activity that seriously brings people together all around the world, it’s hiking. No matter if you’re trekking up Japan’s Mount Fuji, exploring Machu Picchu, or just walking a quiet trail in your local park, hiking grabs top spot for the most popular way to get outside. In 2024, more than 120 million people worldwide reported hiking regularly—that’s more than the entire population of Germany. And since the pandemic, trail visits are up by around 50% in places like the U.S., Canada, and Australia.
Ever wonder why hiking is so huge? You don’t need fancy gear, a gym membership, or special skills. Just some decent shoes, a bottle of water, and you’re in business. You can do it solo, with friends, or with family, and there’s always a trail that matches your fitness level. A quick trip can last 30 minutes or take all weekend, so it fits almost any schedule.
Check out how hiking popularity stacks up across different regions:
| Region | Hikers Annually (Millions) | Most Popular Destinations |
|---|---|---|
| North America | 54 | Appalachian Trail, Banff |
| Europe | 42 | Alps, Camino de Santiago |
| Asia | 18 | Mount Fuji, Himalayas |
Want to make it even better? Here are some simple tips to get started—no experience required:
- Check the weather before you head out.
- Pick a trail that matches your fitness—apps like AllTrails or Komoot can help you choose.
- Always let someone know where you’re headed, even for quick hikes.
- Pack water and a snack, but don’t overload your backpack.
- Bring a basic first aid kit, especially if you’re going off the beaten path.
- Respect the trail: stick to marked paths and pack out your trash.
Last thing—don’t let social media fool you. You don’t need to tackle Everest or post epic mountain-top selfies to call yourself a hiker. A short walk in the local woods totally counts. The health boosts are legit—regular hiking can drop your risk of heart problems, lift your mood, and even sharpen your focus. Plus, it’s cheap (or totally free), which is honestly hard to beat.
Cycling and Running: Wheels and Feet in Motion
Cycling and running are everywhere—city streets, mountain trails, and even your neighbor’s driveway. Both sports don’t cost a fortune to get into and give you real results fast, which is why they keep getting more popular every year. Take cycling, for example. According to 2024 numbers from the World Bicycle Industry Association, there are over 2 billion bikes rolling worldwide. Cycling isn’t just for transportation in places like the Netherlands or Denmark—people in Japan, Germany, and even bustling cities like New York use bikes for fun, commuting, or crushing fitness goals.
Running is just as big. The World Athletics Foundation tracked over 60 million active runners in the U.S. alone in 2023. Add in the boom of community races, park runs, and running apps, and it’s no shock these numbers keep climbing. You don’t need a race to get started. Many folks run solo for the peace and the headspace, while others join group runs or use social apps for a little friendly competition.
Here’s a quick look at how cycling and running stack up around the world:
| Country | Estimated Cyclists (millions) | Estimated Runners (millions) |
|---|---|---|
| USA | 50 | 60 |
| Germany | 25 | 15 |
| Netherlands | 17 | 4 |
| China | 375 | 50 |
| UK | 20 | 11 |
If you’re itching to start, here’s the good news: you don’t need a fancy carbon fiber ride or pro sneakers. For cycling, check your bike’s brakes and gears—even a used model works if it’s safe. Stick to bike paths or streets with clear lanes, especially when new. Most local bike shops will show you the basics for free. For running, grab shoes that fit (don’t just go by looks), pick a route with some shade, and set simple targets like running for 15-20 minutes to ease in. Apps like Strava or Nike Run Club help you keep track and stay motivated.
Another cool thing? Both cycling and running eat up calories, boost your heart health, and lower stress. They’re also super social if you want them to be—clubs, races, or just a friend riding along. Don’t forget to drink water and use sunscreen for runs or rides over an hour, especially in summer. And if your knees or joints complain, try switching up your route or pace.
The bottom line: outdoor activities like running and cycling aren’t just trending, they’re sticking around because they work, they’re fun, and almost anyone can join the club without breaking the bank.
Camping and Backpacking: Unplug to Recharge
Sometimes, you just need to get away from it all—phones buzzing, emails pinging, and the non-stop noise of city life. That’s why camping and backpacking are huge right now. According to the 2024 Annual North America Outdoor Participation Report, over 58 million Americans went camping at least once last year. And it’s not a U.S.-only trend—Australia, Germany, and South Korea all report big spikes in camp bookings and backpack sales.
So, why bother sleeping in a tent or hauling a pack? It’s simple: camping lets you truly unplug. When you’re out there, you notice stuff you forgot about—stars, the smell of the woods, actual silence. Backpacking kicks that up a notch: you carry only what you need and move camp as you go. It’s both freeing and a workout.
“To walk in nature is to witness a thousand miracles.”
- Marie Davis (renowned outdoor educator)
Not sure where to begin? Try a weekend at a local state park or a public campground just outside town. Don’t worry about having the fanciest gear. Here’s what you actually need to get going:
- Tent or shelter (borrow one or get a starter kit)
- Sleeping bag and pad
- Basic cooking gear and a lighter
- Water bottle and some snacks
- Lamp or flashlight
Planning to go backpacking? Keep your backpack under 20% of your body weight—there’s a reason hikers are obsessed with weighing every sock.
| Country | Annual Campers (millions, 2024) | Avg. Nights per Trip |
|---|---|---|
| USA | 58 | 3.2 |
| Germany | 18 | 2.8 |
| Australia | 11 | 4.1 |
| South Korea | 9 | 2.6 |
Don’t forget to check weather, know the basic safety rules, and always let someone know where you’ll be. Most trouble comes from simple mistakes like running out of water or not knowing how to start a fire safely.
Above anything, camping and backpacking are about recharging both mind and body. Even a single night out can give you a fresh perspective. Once you try it, you might get hooked.
Team Sports and Recreational Games
Nothing draws a crowd like a game of soccer in the park or a basketball court packed with weekend players. Team sports aren’t just local pastimes; they’re a global obsession. According to the International Olympic Committee, soccer (football, if you’re outside North America) has over 4 billion fans worldwide and is the most played team sport across all continents. That’s massive. Basketball, cricket, and volleyball also pull huge numbers in every corner of the world.
Why do so many people join in? One big reason: you don’t need much to start. Most public parks have soccer goals or basketball hoops, and pickup games usually welcome anyone with decent shoes and the guts to jump in. Plus, these games are an excellent way to work out without feeling like you’re exercising. You run, jump, laugh, and often forget just how many calories you’re burning in the process.
Here are some of the most popular outdoor activities when it comes to team play:
- Soccer: Played year-round in most countries. A ball, a patch of grass, and jumpers for goalposts—that’s all you need.
- Basketball: Urban favorite. Streetball culture is huge in places like the US, Philippines, and Lithuania.
- Volleyball: Beach or grass, it’s super easy to set up a net almost anywhere.
- Cricket: The go-to in South Asia, Australia, and the UK. Blue jeans or whites, it doesn’t matter—backyard games never went out of style.
- Ultimate frisbee and touch rugby: Fast-paced, zero-contact, and easy to learn, these are super popular at universities and city parks.
If you want to see just how much these games catch on, check out the numbers:
| Sport | Estimated Active Players Worldwide | Top Regions |
|---|---|---|
| Soccer | 275 million | Europe, South America, Africa, Asia |
| Basketball | 450 million | USA, China, Philippines |
| Volleyball | 800 million | Brazil, Europe, Asia |
| Cricket | 300 million | India, Pakistan, Australia |
Trying team sports for the first time? Just ask to join a local group on social media or show up and watch a few games. Most groups are way more welcoming than you’d expect—there’s always someone looking for an extra player. And the best part? You’ll probably make friends faster than at any gym class. You get exercise, social time, and a break from digital overload—all for free. That’s why team games are here to stay.
Tips for Getting Started and Staying Safe
Jumping into outdoor activities doesn’t need to be overwhelming. Most folks overthink the prep, but it’s really about being smart and covering a few basics. Here’s how you can start, keep things fun, and avoid common mistakes.
Choose the Right Activity: Think about what you actually enjoy—don’t sign up for rock climbing if you hate heights. Start with what feels comfortable. If you’re new, try shorter local hikes or a casual bike ride before planning anything big.
Gear Up, Not Go Broke: You don’t need pro gear for your first steps outside. A sturdy pair of shoes, weather-appropriate clothes, and a backpack for water and snacks get you started. Save the fancy stuff for down the road, once you know what you like.
- Always carry water—most people underestimate how much they’ll need, even for short trips.
- Snacks matter—energy bars or a banana beat that empty-stomach feeling halfway through any outing.
- Check the weather before heading out (it beats getting surprised by rain miles from your car).
- Map your route—mobile maps are great, but a printed one’s a good backup if you lose signal.
Don’t Go Solo—at First: It’s always safer to go with a friend, especially when you’re starting out. If you want to go alone, tell someone where you’re going and when you’ll be back. Apps like Strava or AllTrails let people know your route and location.
Know Basic First Aid: You don’t have to take a full course, but knowing how to clean a cut or recognize heat exhaustion can help. Bring a small first aid kit—think bandages, wipes, and anything you need for your health.
And those social media shots of daredevils hanging off cliffs? Most outdoor injuries come from plain stuff like twisted ankles or sunburn, not Instagram stunts. Respect your limits. If a trail looks tougher than expected, it’s smarter to turn back and try another day.