New Year, New Adventures: 8 Ways to Spend Time Outdoors in 2026

By Jenn Pacheco, Contributing Blogger

I’m pretty adventurous, and I like to get out there and try new things. But around this time of the year - when we’re all thinking about New Years’ Resolutions and how to be more ‘active’ with our bodies for the next 12 months - I usually get stumped. Because I truly have participated in quite a variety of outdoorsy feats. So what is there left to do?

This year, I found the next 8 adventures I want to go on in the New Year. Some of them I’ve tried before and never gave my full effort, others I’ve tried before and never had the time to get back around to. But I can guarantee you and myself, in 2026, I’m going to put my best foot forward and make time to get this exciting and active to-do list done. How about you?

I hope you’ll join me in spending time outdoors this upcoming year with these super fun suggestions! With water sports to land adventures, winter activities to adventure sports, and even some low key alternatives thrown in there, you’re sure to find something tempting to lure you in. 

Let’s Try: Archery

Have you ever thought about archery? I think the closest I’ve ever been to this is a game of darts in a local dive bar. Pull back your hand, straighten the elbow, narrow your eyes, and focus on the target. The trick is you have to perfect the release from your fingertips just right, or the dart could fly out of control. Somewhat similar, right?

Whatever the differences may be, in 2026, I’m challenging myself and adding archery to my adventurous outdoor list of things to do - and I think you should, too. Trying something new is always exhilarating, and if it’s not something you’re interested in after an hour, you can retire the bow and arrow and never pick the set back up again. 

For me, I want to hone in on my concentration skills. Practice my accuracy and precision. I don’t have the utmost faith, but anyone can be good at something if they put the effort and practice in. 

How About: Outdoor Yoga

Most people’s experience with yoga is that it’s relaxing, but if you choose a strict enough video to follow or a tough enough course to take, your toning muscles will be sore for days after. 

I know what you’re thinking, “Can it be leisurely?” Sure, of course it can, you can choose the intensity your body is ready for. I just like to put a warning label on outdoor yoga from my past experiences, so that you’re aware not to underestimate the stretches and techniques the instructor encourages you to do. Just check out the description of the class before signing up, if you know what I mean

What I personally find to be the best part about moving through an outdoor yoga routine, though, is that you can do it just about anywhere, as it requires little to no equipment. Because of that, I'll be adding this feel-good exercise to my schedule in 2026, will you? It’s the perfect combination of spending time in nature and moving your muscles with intention for optimum physical and mental health.

Up Next: Snorkeling

Summoning all my water-life friends for this suggestion: Have you tried snorkeling? If you love the ocean and feel right at home swimming for hours on end, this may be the outdoor adventure you need in 2026.

The best part, in my opinion, is that you get to come face-to-face with sea creatures in their natural habitat. The clear water will envelope you while the fishies swim around like you’re a part of their posse. How neat is that? Just be careful not to tread into warning areas where there could possibly be sharks or other dangerous sea life. 

Prior to jumping in the water, make sure your mask, snorkel, fins, and any other necessary equipment is attached properly and in good condition. Your local snorkeling shop can give you a quick run through, or if you’re purchasing tickets through a professional tour, they’ll have you covered with training. 

My insider tip that I’ll leave you with is to attach a GoPro camera to your body. I did, and I had zero regrets. This will get you awesome real-life moments you’ll definitely want to keep forever - and show off to friends and fam with extraordinary bragging rights! 

Let’s Do It: Walking Your Pet

Going on walkies can seem rudimentary if it’s something you do daily; so I can see how you would be questioning me on this new adventure suggestion. Rest assured, I’m encouraging you to switch it up in 2026, not to stick to the same routines of 2025. I’ll do the same!

Instead of utilizing your round-the-block neighborhood, visit some new hiking trails instead. Head to a freshwater lake or pond that’s dog-friendly. Schedule time at the local dog park to throw the ball around. Do something you wouldn’t ordinarily do. Sometimes all it takes is a little reminder and a push in the right direction to hit the goal - which is to get your animal and YOU in a new environment, both bodies moving.

Though this suggestion primarily fits into the dog-owning homes, I would never discourage putting your cat or bunny on a leash and taking them for a stroll. 

Move Those Arms: Kayaking

When I think of kayaking, only fond memories come to mind. I can’t believe it’s taken me this long to revisit. The relaxing atmosphere, the slow pace I can glide the paddle against the water to, the partner I have in the narrow boat with me. It’s peaceful, serene. Especially when you just allow yourself to float there and take it all in. Close your eyes, feel the nearby subtle winds and listen to the call of nature.

I bet, if you’re a newbie to kayaking, that sounds heavenly. If you’re more experienced and prefer to do the opposite of my tranquil suggestion, you’re totally welcome to choose more chaotic waters than I’ve described.

Either way, you’ll find it relatively easy to rent a kayak for the day - or buy one at a sporting goods store if you become pleasantly addicted! And before I move on to the next, having a life jacket handy is always recommended, even if you can swim. 

A Cold One: Snowshoeing

I didn’t want to list snowboarding or skiing as new adventure options for 2026, because chances are if you haven’t tried it yet, you probably don’t have much interest in gliding down a mountain now. Some reasons being risk of injury, scared of heights, and lack of coordination. That’s just what my closest peeps that don’t participate in these say!

So, instead, I chose to include a much simpler winter-friendly activity called snowshoeing. It’s just walking through the snow in specialized gear called snowshoes! They clip to your winter boots and provide much needed stability through deep areas of snow. With this clever invention, you don’t have to wait for Spring to get some hiking in. 

Second to not waiting for Spring to hike is that people of all ages and intensity levels are welcomed to participate. The only complexity involved depends on the type of trail you personally choose to walk through. So plan accordingly, and remember that inches of snow will make it more challenging. 

Though I haven’t tried it in the past, I’m super eager for snowy weather. I know I’ll have hiking poles with me to increase my body’s efficiency the first time around, and to minimize the struggle as a beginner. I totally suggest you follow in my footsteps if this is something you’re new at.

Higher Up: Horseback Riding

Ah, to be up on a horse again, riding with the wind in my hair. I miss the sensation, and so I’m going to take action and book a refresher horseback riding session with a trainer after the winter months have finished being cold and frigid. 

Personally, in my endeavors with a stallion, I like to trot along in fields and pastures. Sometimes I’ll go for a short run to get my heartbeat up, but nothing crazy. No competitions. That’s just the extent I’m willing to take it. If you’re looking for advice on riding competitively, I’m not your gal. Better to be truthful!

Based on my experience, I’m going to give you tips to consider for your ride. For starters, always hug your horse with your inner thighs if they start to pick up speed. To avoid flopping all over the place during a short run, crouch down, and be “one” with the animal. You don’t want to get injured, and flailing your body left and right can lead to injury very quickly. Lastly, only book professional stable experiences, don’t choose a place lacking in credibility. Safety is of the utmost importance with this adventure! 

Down Below: Gardening 

When I have “down” time, I still enjoy breathing in the fresh air. That’s why I’ll read a book outside, listen to music while the AM sun is rising, or sip my homemade iced tea on the porch if it’s beautiful outside. But sometimes my body gets bored being at a standstill. So, a few years ago, in that crazy mind I have of mine, I thought to myself, “What can I do to keep busy?”

My solution was gardening, in the Spring, Summer, and Fall months. Getting my hands dirty and staying in tune with the Earth sounded like a solid deal to me. Not to mention it saved me money when grocery shopping and ensured I consumed fresh fruits and vegetables. 

Now, truth be told, the first year my produce yield was lacking. I genuinely hope you’re luckier than I was. But as time passed, I got the hang of it. Adding compost soil when necessary, controlling the weeds as soon as they sprung up, rotating the crops at desirable times. It became like second nature.

So have a little faith if you choose to add this to your adventure list in 2026. Customize your garden to your needs and wants, as they truly can be fully versatile. And remember, if something goes wrong, there’s a crop fix 99% of the time. 

Relax Haven: Picnic Outdoors

I chose to end this blog with an opportunity to slow down, breathe in, be present, and practice intentionality. Like lowkey yoga, but instead, with eating!

Having a picnic alone or with a loved one isn’t just about eating a meal; for me, it’s the perfect chance to pick a nature haven and be present in the moment. Take some pictures of the world around you while you snack on fruit produced by the ground underneath your feet. Enjoy every bite, breath in the smells of the ripe berries, gently sip on that overnight brewed iced coffee. 

What you choose to bring inside that picnic basket is technically up to you, and the variety combinations are endless. My favorite go-to has to be a mini charcuterie board with some meats, cheeses, olives, fruits, honey and crackers, and dark chocolate. 

And, if you’d much rather make this an *active* picnic, my suggestion is to bring some outdoor activities. A frisbee can be thrown just about anywhere, a volleyball can be bumped back and forth, and cornhole boards can spark a little bit of competition. 

There you have it! The 8 ways I’m going to spend 2026. I hope you’ll add one or two of these to your New Year roster of things to do. If you’re anything like me, maybe you’ll fall in love with your new adventure and it’ll become a part of you moving forward! Hint, hint: For me, it was gardening. 😉