5 Great Outdoor Summer Activities (And Snacks To Pack)
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When the weather gets warm, there is no better way to spend an afternoon than by doing something outdoors with friends or family. But all that activity is sure to leave you hungry, and whether you're tossing a Frisbee or going for a hike in the woods, a candy bar or bag of chips won't suffice.
Before you rally your friends or family and pack up the car for your next outing, be sure to read our ideas below for what to pack to make this year's adventure better than ever. Looking for ideas? A weekend bike ride can be fun for the whole family (and if little Charlie can't keep up, look into renting or buying one of these). Looking to do something outside with your friends instead of the weekly happy hour? Try Frisbee in the park!
What's your favorite summer activity to do with friends and what snacks do you pack?
Bike Ride
Whether you're renting a bike for the day or are a seasoned cyclist, there is no better way to explore town on a hot day than with a set of wheels. Headed for a casual tour of town? Affix this fun basket to the front of your bike so you can pack a couple of sandwiches and Nutella bars for a picnic lunch. If you're heading out on a more serious ride, get one of these handy under seat trunk bags to stash some fruit and nut-studded energy bars for a mid-ride pit stop. And since it's hot out there, be sure to fill your water bottle with water!
Group Hike
Getting together with friends and looking for something active to do that doesn't require specialty equipment or the ability to whack a golf or tennis ball? Lace up your sneakers or hiking boots and hit the trails. If you live near a metropolitan area in the US, LocalHikes.com offers a variety of route ideas for every ability. Once you've chosen your trailhead, supplement the water by making a big batch of trail mix to enjoy at the top. Try this fruity mix or create your own; we like to combine dried cherries, M&Ms, salted mixed nuts, and pretzel nuggets. And if you're bringing along Fido, check out where you can find a dog-friendly route here, then be sure to pack one of these collapsible bowls for him to drink from, too.
Beach Volleyball
Spending a day at the beach doesn't mean have to sunbathe or sit in that chair all day. If you'd rather be roaming the tidal pools than reading on your towel, invest in a portable volleyball net and invite your friends to join in for a tournament on the beach. But as playing in the hot sun will surely to leave you parched, be sure to pack the cooler with all of your favorite snacks, like chips and salsa or baby carrots and hummus, and then rehydrate with some refreshing Blueberry Mocktails and a Tiger Blood cooler kept cold in thermoses.
Canoeing or Kayaking
When it gets to be unbearably hot outside, head to the water where the air is cooler. Spending a day on the water in a canoe or kayak is a great way to explore nature, enjoy the outdoors — and maybe spot some wildlife! If you're headed out for a couple of hours, pack some apple slices and hearty trail mix cookies to keep rumbling tummies silent. Going on an all day trip? Pack a picnic lunch and snacks and stash them in this water-tight ditty bag to ensure your food (and camera) will be safe, even if you "accidentally" go overboard!
Frisbee in the Park
After a day in the office, nothing is more relaxing than Frisbee with friends in a local park, followed by a casual barbecue. First check your local parks department website to see what parks have barbecue facilities on site (and be sure to bring lots of charcoal and a good brush for cleaning the grates before cooking). Some parks will allow you to bring your own grill, but if you don't have one that's readily portable, consider investing in this grill-and-tote-in-one. Have one friend prep some sliders to grill (and be sure to read our tips for avoiding grilling mistakes), and have another whip up a batch of these perfect margaritas to bring along in a beverage cooler. Round out the meal with a couple of your favorite cook-out side dishes — and don't forget a glow-in-the-dark Frisbee so you can keep playing after dusk.