BlogSeptember 2021

6 Ways To Spend A Weekend in Nature

6 Ways To Spend A Weekend in Nature

By Jeff Bogle

Sep 08, 2021

From boosting immune systems to reducing stress, there are health benefits of nature! Here are 6 things to do outside on a nature weekend getaway.

From boosting your immune system to reducing stress, there are numerous health benefits of nature. As you prepare to send your kids back to school indoors, make escaping to nature a part of your family routine! Here are 6 fun and healthy things to do outside during a weekend in nature.

1. Hiking for Treasure

Whether you search for a geocache or embark on a DIY hiking treasure hunt, a weekend in nature with kids can be made more fun by giving them goals. The best way to do this is to create a bingo card of natural treasures they'll likely find during a hike — a stick shaped like the letter 'Y', red rock, butterfly, and a stream for example — and make a game of your weekend getaway in nature!

2. Camping Trip

There are different ways to camp — a wooden cabin in the woods or a tent pitched at a campsite — and each of them are an immersive way to spend a weekend in nature.

3. A Weekend in Nature on the Water

If time spent on the water with music playing and a breeze blowing through your hair is your ideal weekend getaway in nature, rent a pontoon boat and experience the health benefits of nature.

4. An Al Fresco Weekend Nature Getaway

Even if camping isn’t your thing or your budget won’t allow a boat rental this year, there are still things to do outside in nature! Enjoy the benefits of being in nature and eat well at the same time when you plan to dine exclusively al fresco one weekend. Have tea and scones on the patio in the A.M., a picnic lunch with carrots sticks in a local park, and cedar plank fresh fish grilled outside for dinner.

5. Fishing Trip

There's no better way to connect to nature then to head out to the edge of some water with your rods, reels and tackle box.

6. State Park Family Reunion

It's likely that you've been missing out on spending time with family. As summer becomes fall, temperatures drop and leaves start to change color, plan a family reunion weekend in nature. Book a pavilion space at a local state park and let your kids play with their cousins and reconnect with the most important people in your life.

Still not convinced you need a nature weekend getaway? Check out these 10 benefits of being in nature!

Jeff Bogle
Jeff Bogle
Jeff is a dad of teen daughters, avid traveler, photographer, and freelance writer. He’s penned stories on family travel, outdoor recreation, the environment, parenting, and more for Fodor’s, Reader’s Digest, Parents Magazine, Good Housekeeping, PBS, and Esquire, among other publications. Find him on his blog, OWTK.com and on Instagram @OWTK. Jeff is also the publisher of the quarterly literary zine, Stanchion