We all know a super outdoorsy person– dressed head to toe in Patagonia or North Face, looking like they just stepped off a mountain, probably gets everywhere on a fat tire bike, always has a Cliff Bar on them, and never far from their next “expedition”.
Maybe you know the person that never met a species they didn’t like. Usually a scientist or naturalist, carrying a notebook, binocs dangling from their neck, probably has a life list and uses their vacation to pursue the elusive purple throated flamingo.
Or possibly you know the Git-R-Done variety: wears lots of Fleet Farm camo and some blaze orange depending on the season; hunts, fishes, and rides the ATV trails.
I’m a mix of all of the above, mostly, but I wasn’t always. True, I grew up in a very outdoorsy family, but as I got older I moved farther and farther from the outdoor life. Outdoors in my 20s meant reading on my balcony and once in a while, a day at the beach. Until I gave birth to a tiny bawling human with an enormous appetite for activity. I had an energetic (no seriously, ENERGETIC) child who needed to be moving for hours a day. If he wasn’t active for two or three hours a day he was a beast. Out of necessity, I started to lean back into my childhood outside experiences. It wasn’t long before being outside became my preference.
I don’t need science or trendy therapies like forest bathing to know that I just feel better when I spend time outside. Now, I find opportunities (read: excuses) to get outside as much as I can.
So what if you’re not ready for the full-on camping experience?
I believe everyone’s an outdoorsy person; they just need to find the right fit for their interests and limitations. Maybe you’re not ready for full-on camping but there are other way to enjoy the outdoors. Want to spend more time in nature but aren’t sure where to start?
Outside from the Inside
During sweltering summer days and below-zero winter days…well, really any day, I love drinking my coffee and reading while I sit on the couch and watch what’s going on in our backyard. Even if your patio doesn’t face woods, there can still be plenty to observe in the average backyard. Add a bird feeder to your setup and the funa) (and squirrel drama) doubles. Bird watching is an easy way to wade into nature. If your yard just isn’t a good bird watching spot, you can also head to the Wildlife Sanctuary where they have dozens of spots for you to observe, inside and outside.
Nature centers
Nature centers are perfect for those new to nature and the great outdoors. You get to decide your comfort level. Want to stay inside and experience the hands-on exhibits? That’s cool. Talk with naturalists and volunteers, observe and learn about rescue animals, or find a good seat near a window and observe. Up for heading outdoors? Hit a trail, check out the animals, talk a guided nature walk, or just explore on your own. Feeling adventurous? See what opportunities are unique to each nature center. The Ledgeview Nature Center offers awesome cave tours, the Green Bay Botanical Garden rents snowshoes, and Barkhausen has a special all-terrain motorized chair for those who may not otherwise be able to walk the trails.
Barkhausen Waterfowl Preserve: Barkhausen not only offers a trail system but also themed Adventure Packs Adventure packs with field guides, tools, and other resources.
New Zoo– Not technically a nature center, but offers many of the same things
Hiking (& Biking)
When people say they’re going “hiking” what do you envision? People in sturdy hiking boots, carrying all their gear on their backs, navigating the Appalachian Trail? That is hiking, but hiking can also be wearing tennis shoes and slow-walking through the woods. Don’t let how other people hike deter you from hitting the trail. I love walking at a pace that allows me to be curious. I often employ a trick learned from my famously outdoorsy father: When you need a breather stop to “take a picture” or take in your surroundings. I look up into trees stretching into the sky, down into ponds, and under the occasional rock, but most of all, I just savor the experience. You don’t have to go far for our favorite, easily accessible hikes.
Outside is outside regardless of whether you’re hiking, chatting with a friend on a bench, or losing your lunch on a spinny ride. There are many ways to be outside without committing to a new lifestyle. These are great spots to explore, picnic, or just enjoy the entertainment.
Summer music series at parks, museums, libraries, universities, bars, and restaurants
Lunch on your patio or a restaurant patio
Walking, biking, or driving for ice cream and eating it outside
Farmers Market
Any beach or outside pool
Think Outside the Box
Go for a Sunday…or Monday or Tuesday drive
Sidewalk chalk in the driveway with kids
Hammock in a backyard, your cottage, or a campsite
Selfies: Pick a few murals in town and mural-hop.
Sidewalk sales & Garage Sales
Blowing bubbles on your porch with your family
Watching any outdoor sporting event (and therefore tailgating counts as an outside activity!)
Reading anything anywhere outside
Watching fireworks
Stargazing
Draw, knit, crochet, embroider, write stories or songs, or paint at a park or in your backyard
Ghost tours
Beer on and brewery’s patio
Watch the sun rise or set
Door County Fish Boils
Apple, cherry, strawberry picking
People watching
It’s time to rethink ‘outdoorsy’. Let’s stop telling ourselves we’re not outdoors people. We’re not tough enough, we don’t like bugs, we need to shower every day, we don’t have the gear… we tell ourselves so many lies that keep us from being “outdoorsy”. The minute you walk out your door you’re…outside and that makes you an outdoorsy person.
Your Patagonia and North Face comment made me laugh! So true, especially in the college town I’m near.
My parents took me camping my whole life growing up and now I don’t like it. I’m happy at a motel with a pool, I think because I was always envious of those who got to stay there on vacation while I lived in a sleeping bag on the ground for 2 weeks every summer. Funny how that worked out. My kids will probably turn into big campers since I haven’t taken them that much.
Your Patagonia and North Face comment made me laugh! So true, especially in the college town I’m near.
My parents took me camping my whole life growing up and now I don’t like it. I’m happy at a motel with a pool, I think because I was always envious of those who got to stay there on vacation while I lived in a sleeping bag on the ground for 2 weeks every summer. Funny how that worked out. My kids will probably turn into big campers since I haven’t taken them that much.
Sitting by the hotel pool totally counts as being outdoors. If the pool is inside, if it has a skylight it’s all good. Ha!