40 Things To Do This Summer If You Love The Outdoors

Summertime opens up the opportunity for spending more time outside. Being in parks and in the wilderness in general is one of the best ways to cope better with stress, feel happier and have more self-esteem, according to science.

Kiteboarding is an adventure water sport in which you are using a large steerable kite to pull yourself around on a board on top of the water.

This is also a fun idea for a date. People use a GPS receiver or navigational techniques to hide and look for certain items, called "caches," at specific locations marked by coordinates. You can download the app, create an account and let the fun begin.

This is a fun activity that you can also, believe it or not, do with your dog. Some of them are actually quite good at it. May be the two of you can later skate around town and play games jumping on and off the board. Bulldogs are especially good at this sport, as you can see from this video.

You don't have to choose between watching a movie you like and breathing some fresh air. Most free outdoor movies are shown in parks. Just go to your city's parks website to find a list.

The sport has some inherent advantages over surfing. For stand up paddling you can go out under almost any conditions. Plus, it's a full body workout.  You don't have the high impact of running, you work out your legs, you have hip rotation, your core is constantly working to keep you balanced, and your arms are working hard as well.

Maybe rollerblading is something you used to do when you were younger, or maybe it's something new you want to try. Either way, it's a fun and exciting way to get outside, move around and even meet new people who also love to skate.

Imagine catching a fish without several people and heavy machinery helping you pull it in – it's quite the accomplishment. It's a tug-of-war between you and the fish. Try kayak fishing – you're surrounded by nothing but water and gorgeous, natural, unspoiled scenery.

Surfing is one of those activities that offers major physical benefits – it's "the perfect blend" of cardio and strength training – in some of the most beautiful settings on the planet.

Archeologists and anthropologists are often grateful for volunteers. Just imagine the cool things you can find; not to mention what amazing facts of history you're going to learn.

Touring most scenic landscapes may just be even more incredible when experienced from a vantage point. Horseback riding is a simplistic and relaxing way to reconnect with nature and even allows for the navigation of terrains that might otherwise be inaccessible.

Going on a walking tour in your city or a new one may be one of the best decisions you'll make all day. This is a chance to explore historical sites the existence of which you may have never even suspected.

Picnics are a great opportunity to trick the kids into spending more time outside. Gather under beautiful trees and enjoy life with them – while you are literally getting healthier.

The process of finding new and interesting places is exciting and sure to make our day. Also, there will be plenty of Instagram-worthy photo-ops. A scavenger hunt is a playful activity that could take you all over your city or town.

Take the kids or be a kid yourself! You can also work out and get in shape. No need to bring any equipment. All you'll need is the swing set and a park bench. Do step-ups on the bench, triceps dips on the bench, rows on the swing (hold the ends of the swing seat, the bottom of the seat should touch your chest at the top of the movement) and knee raises on the bench.

Ever wanted to be an astronaut? City pollution killed that dream because you couldn't see the stars anymore? There are still wild spots in the U.S. and all over the world that have kept their natural nightscape and made it their goal to preserve the awe-striking experience of stargazing.

Go to a national park and capture photos of wildlife, the sunrise, sunset, landscapes, waterfalls and breathtaking scenery. The roadways, lodges and campgrounds make for outstanding photographs as well.

Rafting is a very exciting sport, but also a hard one. You are not on a boat floating in calm waters; you are in an inflatable vessel cutting through fast and powerful streams. Maneuvering around them is tricky and takes a lot of skills and team work.

Explore new places and criss-cross the country or your home state via its most iconic roads. Road trip is the perfect way to travel, especially if you feel like going on a getaway vacation. You just grab some food and water, fill up the tank and hop in the car.

You've probably been to may baseball games (and maybe even seen all MLB stadiums). Try a new sport for a change. Who knows? Maybe you'll like it even more that America's pastime.

Here is another reason to go jogging – it helps define abs. The abs are, unfortunately, some of the hardest muscles to tone in the body because when it is stressed, it tends to store fat in the midsection.

Many urban areas have become more bike-friendly. Biking in the city is one of the best ways to explore its beauty and secrets. You'll come across historic trails, canals, monuments, urban parks and recreational areas.

Climbing facilities are ideal for fans of the outdoors who happen to live in a city. Many people have picked the recreational sport as an alternative to working out. While it may not be the best option for people who are afraid of heights, it definitely is a killer workout.

And don't forget the marshmallows! Roasting marshmallows is many people's favorite tradition. The s'mores, sing-alongs and late night talks are what summer is all about. They are also delicious.

Kayaking is a great form of exercise any way you look at it. Not only does it benefit your physical body but it also benefits your mind. It's exhilarating; you get access to remote locations, the serenity and peace is relaxing; you're also working out because you're strenuously using your core and upper body.

Nothing represents the essence of summer better than a trip to the beach. And nothing is more fun than gathering people together, some of whom you probably don't even know, and play volleyball.

Swimming helps loosen up your body and mind. It increases serotonin and influences your mood by helping you de-stress while reducing your anxiety levels. It also helps burn unwanted calories.

If you know how to protect your skin, the benefits of sunshine seem endless – Vitamin D and immunity boost, lower diabetes and cancer risk, lower blood pressure, better mood and improved sleep.

Step out of your normal studio routine. Light colors and cool fabrics are the best to keep you dry and comfortable. Take time to gaze up at the sky, feel the breeze on your skin and the earth beneath your feet.

Before fancy climbing walls and gym there were (and still are) trees. Climbing a tree is certainly more interesting because the wide variety of their forms make each climb different.

Scuba diving is a fun and thrilling activity that most people would love to do one day. It may be the best way to experience marine life and touch centuries-old shipwreck remains.

The leisure hobby is not all about warm water, popular beaches and tropical fish. Sometimes your companions can be much bigger than you – like humpback whales or dolphins.

It not only sounds exciting, but it brings certain mystery to it. Go on a moonlight adventure. See the incredible landscape come alive with the sound of nocturnal creatures.

Set up this dual hammock on a trailer for optimal comfort and convenience while tailgating. Some even feature hanging footrests which allow for tailgaters to relax in a reclined position, keeping their feet and legs elevated.

Meditation is by far one of the best things you can do for your body. It reduces stress, depression, and anxiety, while improving the immune system, focus, and mood. It can only get better if you do it outside.

Make the most of a day in the wilderness and soak up awe-inspiring views. With thousands of spectacular trails in every state, picking where to spend a day trekking can be a challenging task. Here is a list of scenic day hikes you can do this summer.

Spend a day with hundreds of different creatures for a change. One place you can visit and expect the same kind of fun but always get a different experience is the zoo. Every park offers different local wildlife and an ecosystem.

Go to a meetup or just by yourself. See if you can draw some classic landmarks in your city, or just its skyline. It's a very relaxing experience.

Many parks have tennis courts. Some charge a small fee but you can often play for free if the courts are available.

Everyone should be lucky enough to witness a gorgeous sunset. Sometimes this often means to just sit back, relax and look up – wherever you are.

This is another total body workout. It uses nearly all muscles in your body. It's an activity that relies on your ability to think quickly and move swiftly. Also, it's just really fun.