Outdoor Activities: What Are They Really Called?
May, 23 2025
If you ask ten people to name outdoor activities, they'll probably rattle off hiking, biking, or maybe camping. But the truth is, the term ‘outdoor activities’ covers way more ground than most of us think. From backyard barbecues to overnight mountain climbs, if it happens outside, it likely counts.
People sometimes get tripped up by words like ‘recreation,’ ‘adventure sports,’ or ‘nature activities.’ They sound similar, but they can mean slightly different things. Recreation usually means stuff we do for fun and relaxation—think fishing, playing catch, or taking a stroll through the park. Adventure sports crank it up a notch: rock climbing, whitewater rafting, or mountain biking.
The names might change depending on where you live, your skill level, or even who’s organizing the event. But at the end of the day, all these activities share one thing—they get you outside and moving in some way. And honestly, that’s the best way to look at it: if you’re outdoors, enjoying yourself, and staying active, it’s an outdoor activity.
- Defining Outdoor Activities
- Types of Outdoor Activities
- Surprising Outdoor Hobbies
- Tips for Getting Started
Defining Outdoor Activities
So what really counts as an outdoor activity? At its core, it’s anything you do for fun or fitness outside—usually in a fresh-air setting. Sounds simple, but lots of folks picture only intense adventures or sweaty workouts. The truth is, outdoor activities cover a big range of things, from laid-back picnics to running ultramarathons.
Here’s the easiest way to tell: if you’re outside, spending time away from screens and closed rooms, you’re doing an outdoor activity. They can be solo or with a group. You’re not limited to the wilderness—backyards, city parks, riverfronts, gardens, playgrounds, even city rooftops all count.
Some facts make it clear just how common outdoor activities are. According to the Outdoor Foundation, over half of Americans ages six and older participated in at least one outdoor activity in 2023. That’s close to 170 million people! People spend anywhere from a quick 15-minute walk to a whole weekend camping, so these activities fit every schedule.
| Popular Outdoor Activities by Participation (US, 2023) | Percentage of Population |
|---|---|
| Walking/hiking | 58% |
| Biking | 25% |
| Camping | 20% |
| Fishing | 18% |
| Running/jogging | 17% |
No fancy gear is needed for most. Think about kids climbing a playground set or families tossing a frisbee at the park. It’s not just about wild adventures or gym-level fitness habits. If you’re outdoors and active—even just a little—it all counts. That’s what makes this category so easy to jump into, no matter your age or experience.
Types of Outdoor Activities
Outdoorsy fun isn’t just about hiking up a big hill. There’s a huge variety out there, and some options might surprise you. Here’s the breakdown of the main types of outdoor activities people enjoy, plus a few that get overlooked but are catching on fast.
If you ask most folks, they’ll mention classic outdoor activities like:
- Walking and Hiking: From easy neighborhood strolls to challenging backcountry trails. In the US alone, about 59 million people hiked at least once in 2024.
- Cycling: Think road biking or mountain biking on rough terrain. It’s not just exercise—lots of folks use bikes for exploring or commuting.
- Camping: This includes everything from pitching a tent in the woods to glamping with all the comforts.
- Fishing and Hunting: These hobbies connect you with nature and, for many, are family traditions.
- Water Sports: Kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding, surfing, and swimming in natural lakes or oceans all make the list.
- Team and Individual Sports: Soccer, frisbee, and beach volleyball keep things social and active.
Then there’s the adventure crowd:
- Climbing: Indoor walls are cool, but nothing beats real rock. Bouldering and top-roping keep growing like crazy.
- Trail Running: For folks who think jogging on sidewalks is just too tame.
- Snow Sports: Skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, and even sledding count during colder months.
- Obstacle Races: Things like mud runs or Spartan races combine running, climbing, and crawling for folks looking to test their limits.
Don’t forget niche hobbies:
- Birdwatching: Way more popular than you’d think—over 45 million Americans reported casual birdwatching in 2024.
- Geocaching: A real-life treasure hunt with your smartphone. People hide and seek containers using GPS coordinates.
- Backyard Activities: Even stuff like gardening, yard games, or grilling are legit outdoor pastimes.
Here’s a quick comparison of participation trends in some popular outdoor activities:
| Activity | Number of Participants (USA, 2024) |
|---|---|
| Hiking | 59 million |
| Cycling | 51 million |
| Camping | 41 million |
| Fishing | 54 million |
| Running/Jogging | 60 million |
When you’re figuring out what type of outdoor activity might fit you, don’t be afraid to try something new. A lot of people start with walking or biking and end up discovering a passion for paddleboarding or ultimate frisbee. Pay attention to the weather, the gear you’ll need, and if you want something chill or challenging. There really is something for everyone once you see how big the outdoor world is.
Surprising Outdoor Hobbies
Everyone knows about soccer and hiking, but some outdoor hobbies might actually catch you off guard. It’s not all about dirt and sweat—sometimes, it’s about weird skills, new friends, or just finding creative ways to have fun out in the open air.
For example, have you ever seen a group of folks in a field tossing Frisbees at metal baskets? That’s disc golf. It’s huge in the US right now, with over 10,000 courses across the country. It’s easy to pick up and the equipment costs way less than a set of golf clubs. Another one: geocaching. This hobby is basically a worldwide treasure hunt using GPS. People of all ages try to find hidden containers, called “caches,” tucked away in parks, trails, and even cities. As of 2025, there are more than three million active caches around the world.
Birdwatching isn’t just for retirees—lots of younger people are joining in too, especially since it gets you outside and requires nothing but patience, maybe binoculars, and a smartphone app. Stats show birdwatching has grown 20% among people under 30 since the pandemic started. Not a fan of birds? Beekeeping is buzzing among city dwellers now—lots of big cities allow rooftop hives, and some local governments even offer workshops to help new beekeepers get started.
- Outdoor activities can even include stuff like foraging for wild mushrooms, nature journaling, or slacklining (that’s like tightrope walking, but the rope is a bouncy nylon strip stretched between trees).
- Cyclocross—an off-road bike race that goes through fields, forests, and mudholes—is gaining traction in the US and Europe and now has national championships.
- Parkour is another one: basically turning urban spaces and parks into obstacle courses where people practice running, vaulting, and jumping over benches or walls.
Check out how these unusual activities are growing:
| Activity | Estimated US Participants (2024) | Growth Rate (2021-2024) |
|---|---|---|
| Disc Golf | 1.8 million | +14% |
| Geocaching | 450,000 | +11% |
| Slacklining | 120,000 | +30% |
| Urban Beekeeping | 62,000 | +19% |
The best part? Most of these hobbies are low-cost or free to start, and you don’t need much fancy gear. If something catches your eye, give it a shot. You may just end up with a story that’s even better than your last camping trip.
Tips for Getting Started
Jumping into outdoor activities is easier than most people expect. You don’t need fancy gear or loads of experience to begin. In fact, starting simple works best.
First things first: pick something you actually want to try. Too many folks head straight for hardcore stuff, get overwhelmed, and quit. If you love the idea of being near water, try kayaking or paddleboarding at a local lake. Prefer to keep your feet on the ground? Short hikes or local bike paths are a safe bet.
Here are a few steps to make your first outdoor experience enjoyable (and safe):
- Check the weather, and dress for it. This sounds obvious, but a lot of new people either forget or guess wrong. A simple rule: layers help, especially if the temperature shifts.
- Start small. A two-mile trail walk is way less intimidating than a ten-mile mountain trek. Build up as you get comfortable.
- Let someone know your plans, especially if you’re solo. It’s just smart.
- Bring water and snacks, even if you think you won’t need them. Most people underestimate how quickly they get thirsty.
- Download a trail or route map to your phone, or bring a paper copy. Apps like AllTrails or Komoot can help you find and follow popular routes.
- Try group events or classes—local clubs often offer beginner-friendly meetups, and you might make new friends along the way.
Don’t let the cost of gear hold you back. If you’re not sure you’ll stick with an activity, borrow or rent equipment. Public parks often have rental options for bikes, canoes, or even skis. Plus, most outdoor sports shops will let you try before you commit.
Check this quick data table to see how much time most people spend outdoors (and how easy it is to join in):
| Activity | Avg. Time per Session | Recommended Gear |
|---|---|---|
| Hiking | 2 hours | Comfy shoes, water bottle |
| Biking | 1.5 hours | Bike, helmet |
| Kayaking | 1 hour | Kayak, life jacket, water shoes |
| Outdoor Yoga | 45 minutes | Mat, water bottle |
One last tip: enjoy the process. Outdoor activities aren’t a race to the top—everyone starts somewhere. Focus on having fun and learning as you go. That’s the real win.