10 Readers Share Their Favorite Outdoor Activities

How do you like to spend time outside? Here, 10 Cup of Jo readers share what they do in the great outdoors…

“Since having my second kid, I’ve been craving that ‘unicorn space’ (a term coined by Eve Rodsky meaning space to cultivate your own interests and creativity outside of work and family), so I signed up for weekly horseback riding lessons. I ride a rescue named Red — he’s a resilient, perpetually tired cutie, so I think of us as kindred spirits. It’s pure fun, and I love how we both push each other!” — Sindhoo (above), Littleton, Colorado

“I love to cross country ski. Jim Gaffigan has a funny bit about how cross country skiing is worse than downhill skiing, but in my opinion, it’s way better! I downhill ski to keep up with my kids but I nordic ski to be alone in the woods. It’s my prayer, it’s my church. It’s how I endure and enjoy winter.” — Lacey, Duluth, Minnesota

“Climbing feeds me on every level: body, mind, and spirit. It forces my mind to be both sharp and calm. Climbing also brings me to spectacular natural settings where I get to meet other awesome climbers, who are the friendliest community.” — Sharon Yeung, upstate New York

“One of our family’s go-to activities is visiting our local ‘pick your own’ farms. The kids love it so much, and it has inspired us to start planting our own garden this year.” — Aurelia Ugarte, Austin, Texas

“While a single bee can put many people into a tailspin, I actually find that tending to them is incredibly relaxing for me. A beehive is an efficiently run operation, where each and every bee has designated responsibilities. They wake up each morning and get.to.work. Even though I’ve been beekeeping for two years, and we have two hives at home, I still shriek with joy when I spot one of the ladies out pollinating a flower. Nature at its best.” — Sarah, Perrysburg, Ohio

“Strolling the Rose Bowl Flea Market with my best friend. We sometimes find tiny curiosities but mostly just love walking in the sun, breathing the fresh air, and talking with a cold brew in hand!” — Priscilla, Los Angeles

“I’m a goalie for a women’s ball hockey league. I was inspired by my son; during his first year, when his coach asked who wanted to be goalie, he just said, I’ll do it! I’d never played ball hockey before, other than in my driveway growing up. But I’m having a blast, and it’s fun to try something completely new at age 42.” — Mandy, Whitby, Ontario

“I started wing foiling a few years ago. The best analogy for how it feels is a magic carpet ride. You’re hovering above the water, almost flying. Growing up in landlocked Vermont, I never pictured myself feeling comfortable in wide open water. But now I eagerly watch the wind forecast. I feel immense gratitude for the ability to be outside, with the turtles and the rays and the waterfowl, moving and growing in new ways.” — Julia, Ketchum, Idaho

“Jumping rope brings me so much joy. I have three young children, and I’m a better mother after jumping. It gets me outside every day, and I learn new challenges from watching pros on Instagram, which keeps things fresh and fun.” — Jess, Vancouver, British Columbia

“My favorite thing about living in the Pacific Northwest is that I’m 30 minutes from backpacking up in the Cascades. Time passes differently in nature, and it reminds me that the earth doesn’t measure time in minutes and days. It’s reassuring to feel small in the grand scale of things.” — Sukhie, Seattle

How do you like to spend time outside?

P.S. 14 readers share their gorgeous gardens and 10 readers share their happy moments.