EXAMPLES OF OUTDOOR RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES

Last Updated: April 28tth, 2022 

As the name implies, outdoor recreational activities are done outside of a building, in open air. Many indoor sports and games can be played outdoors as recreation (since recreation rules and regulations can be modified). For example, competitive badminton can only be played indoors, however when it comes to recreation it can be enjoyed outdoors even with no centre net or dimension, and the rules can be modified.
Outdoor recreational activity can be played among friends, family members, colleagues or even with strangers. Examples of outdoor recreational activities includes;

1. Playing “TAG”
This is one recreational activity that requires lots of cardiovascular endurance, agility, speed, reaction time and quick thinking. It is a great game to burn calories among individuals. It is usually played by more than 2 people in an open space. One person starts as “IT” (the catcher) and tries to tag another player as they run to avoid being tagged and made the “IT”. Only the catcher “IT” can tag another player in the game and that person automatically becomes the next “IT” and the game goes on like that till everyone is exhausted, players give up or someone get injured (hopefully not). That’s why it’s important that I mention, safety as a major priority when playing Tag. Things could go wrong in the quest to avoid being tagged or to tag someone, that’s why it should be played in a safe environment with open space away from the road with fast moving traffic.

2. Playing Ball Games (e.g Soccer, Basketball, Volleyball, Golf, American Football, Handball, etc)
Ball games are very common recreation games that is active in nature. It helps improves physical fitness and overall quality of life. Recreational ball games rules are usually modified to suit the players involved and the equipment available. For example, individuals playing soccer can use two bags to form an improvised goal post, basketball players can play 2 vs 2  using only one rim and half of the court, among others.

3. Racket Games (e.g Tennis, Badminton, Table Tennis)
They usually require a racket (a handed frame usually with an open hoop across with a network of strings) used for striking the ball or shuttle cock over the net into the opponents court/area. Recreational tennis is usually enjoyed better on the court (grass, clay or artificial smooth floor). However badminton can be on almost any smooth surface on on the beach in an open space. Most racket games require an open space vertically and horizontally. During competitive sports, badminton, table tennis are played indoors because of the significant effect of wind direction on the table tennis egg and badminton shuttle cock. However, tennis is usually played outdoors during competitions.

4. Mountain/Rock Climbing
This is usually done in an area with lots of mountains, rocks and hills. Many people do this for fun and enjoyment. Mountain climbing can range from climbing a relatively easy obstacle through a network of roads by walking to climbing a difficult  height using ropes. Mountain climbing is better done with a partner or group of people. However when it comes to climbing a difficult or very high mountain, it is necessary to have an expert around.

I took this picture at the top of a mountain in Nigeria

5. Hiking
This involves taking long walks usually following a trail (footpath). It involves lots of exploration and individuals can determine the distance they want to cover based on their perception or fitness level. Hiking is relatively cheap as it requires no special equipment.
                                          My morning walk at the University of Lagos

6. Nature Viewing and Photography Activities
As the name implies, it simply involves things we do to enjoy the environment and natural things. It may include going to the zoo, conservation centre, going on a canopy walk, going to the beach to relax, among others. With the advent of smart phones and high quality cameras, it also includes taking pictures of these things and putting them on social media. This is a common recreational practice today.

7. Cruising
This may involve a journey on a large ship or boat without a preside destination just for fun. Lots of companies offer these services to individuals for recreation, where everything they need is on the cruise ship and they can be on it for days and worry about nothing but having fun.

8. Cycling
Usually done with a bicycle, cycling is a great example of an active recreational activity. Cycling varies based on the type of bicycle used, the distance covered and the group of people involved. Cycling helps in weight loss and preventing various non communicable diseases like stroke, heart attack, diabetics, arthritis among others.

9. Swimming
Depending on the location of the swimming pool, swimming can be an indoor or outdoor activity. However, since most body of water (sea, lakes, rivers, etc) are outdoors, I’ve decided to rate swimming as an outdoor recreational activity. While swimming, there is need to have a life guard present so as to prevent drowning because even experienced swimmers can drown.

10. Skating, Skiing, Surfing
This requires special equipment to practise. They are also a good active recreational activity. Skating can be done on ice skates or roller skates. Skiing is the act of traveling on snow with a skit. Surfing involves ringing a wave towards the shore while standing or lying on a surfboard.


How to reference this article
Ademola, V. D. (2019). Examples of Outdoor Recreation. Retrieved from https://www.youdread.com/2019/01/examples-of-outdoor-recreational.html


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