Our friends in the northern hemisphere might be shivering their way through a freezing cold January, but here in Australia, it’s the best time of year – right in the middle of a scorching summer!
Which can only mean one thing; getting in touch with nature and making the most of outdoor activities. With Christmas and the New Year done and dusted, it’s time to start planning some fun activities. Meeting up with friends, visiting new places, and generally having an awesome time. If you’re looking to make the most of summer, here are a few outdoor activities you should have on your bucket list.
Throw a Garden Party
Who needs a reason to throw a party when the weather is nice? Why not get everyone together just because! You can fire up the BBQ or serve a picnic-style afternoon tea; anything that gets you out in the sunshine. To make it a party to remember, hire some inflatables. Companies like JollyJumps.com.au have a great range from which to choose. They’re not just for kids; you can hire adult sized bouncy castles and inflatable games too – so much fun!
There are lots of ideas for fun, and cheap, outdoor activities. Hang a white sheet in the garden and have an outdoor cinema. Or build teepees with sticks and fabric then load up with cushions. Read a book, tell stories, drink wine, play board games – all the while communing with nature.
Attend an Outdoor Programme
Investigate the types of outdoor activities that are available in your area; you’re likely to see everything from wildlife watching to mountaineering. There are companies that offer zip wires, archery, hiking, group activities (paint ball, anyone?) and more for people of all ages. It’s a fun way to get outside and try something new. Who knows, you might discover a new hobby out of it. If there’s something that interests you and you have been wanting to try it, grab the bull by the horns and take the opportunity while the weather is GORGEOUS!
Go on a Bike Ride
Dig out your bike and helmet and arrange a long bike ride with friends or family. Take a picnic and some drinks and make a full day of it. If you are not sure of the best bike trails near you, have a look online. If you’re in a built-up area it might mean loading the bikes onto the car and driving to the destination first. You’ll get some exercise in and stay active without it feeling like a workout.
Volunteer
Helping others is incredibly rewarding, you’ll meet new people and learn new skills. It could be working at your local nature reserve to keep it neat and tidy, improving the area for the animals and helping towards different schemes. There are lots of conservation efforts in Australia so finding volunteering opportunities shouldn’t be too difficult. It could be working with kids summer camps, or taking supplies to the homeless. Either way, you can be safe in the knowledge that it’s time well spent doing outdoor activities while helping others.
What kind of things do you have planned while the weather is still nice? Do you have any of these ideas on your bucket list this year?
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