Top 7 Recreational Activities in America

Top Outdoor Recreational Activities of America

Americans love the outdoors, and there are lots of great activities to do in the natural world that help you bond with friends and family. These experiences are lifetime memories, and many of these activities can be done as you advance in years.

Therefore, learning how to engage in these different activities is a great way to enjoy the natural world. America is such a diverse place, there’s a lot to enjoy.

Here are the top 7 recreational activities to enjoy in America:

Archery

Archery in USA
Archery in America

This is clearly a lifetime skill and one that you can idle away many hours honing. Archery is relatively inexpensive as a hobby. There are many little things to learn about archery.

For example, understanding the use of bow release for accuracy is a skill that takes a good amount of time to learn. The good news is you can always create different circumstances for practice along with entering different competitions based on your skill level.

Archery is also a great way to keep fit. There are many archers that have strong backs, shoulders, and core muscles. This is due to the discipline of archery and the need to use all your muscles to make a perfect shot.

Archery 360 Participation Survey 2023: A preliminary survey conducted by Archery 360 in July 2023 suggests continued growth, with an estimated 6.2 million participants in the first seven months of 2023.

Camping

Friends camping in forest
Friends camping in a forest

There are few things as majestic as the great outdoors. Setting up a tent and sleeping outside is a great way to experience the world in a stripped-down way. Whether it is on a campground or doing primitive-style camping, you can get a lot out of this activity.

In a world where we are constantly bombarded with content, camping is a way to unplug and be alone with your thoughts. It’s also a great way to get exercise. Spending time hiking and taking in nature is an excellent way to get away from the world for a while. Having a base camp set up allows you to roam around without feeling lost.

Getting the right supplies for camping is critical. Make sure you have a good tent along with lots of non-perishable food and water. Being prepared is an easy way to make camping a lot of fun.

25.9 million households in North America went on more than three annual camping trips in 2021. (Source: Statista – Number of households that went camping in North America)

Fishing

Fishing rod fisherman fishing hobby vacation
Fishing rod fisherman fishing hobby vacation

The sport of fishing is another way that you can get out into the great outdoors and enjoy yourself while being alone with your thoughts. Whether you are catch and release or catch and eat, this is a good way to get out in the world and appreciate the natural beauty around you.

Getting set up with the right fishing equipment is pretty easy, and finding bait is simple. If you have a boat available, then fishing becomes quite easy.

The time spent on a lake or in a bay is great to spend either in solitude or in the company of a good friend. Fishing is an easy way to enjoy all that the natural world has to offer.

54.5 million Americans went fishing at least once in 2022, representing 14.2% of the population. (Source: Statista – Recreational fishing in the U.S. – statistics & facts).

SCUBA Diving

Scuba diving - Man dives among corals fishes ocean
Scuba diving – Man dives among corals fishes ocean

Seeing the undersea world is something that we are able to do thanks to SCUBA diving. SCUBA (an acronym meaning Self-Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus) is a great way to explore a world that we can’t usually see.

With many great dive locations, you can get SCUBA certified or just head out with someone who knows how to dive. This is a great way to see different types of fish along with undersea land formations like reefs.

SCUBA diving is one of the best ways to spend an afternoon. Go out on a boat and check out all the different lifeforms lurking just beneath the surface.

2.59 million Americans participated in SCUBA diving in 2020, with most being casual divers (1.88 million) making 1-7 dives per year. (Source: Scuba Diving Industry Market Statistics)

Mountain Climbing

Young woman climbing steep wall rocky mountain
Young woman climbing steep wall rocky mountain.

There are many different types of mountains to climb, some require the patience needed for a hike while others require specialized equipment. Climbing mountains requires something inside you to emerge, and that level of persistence is needed to conquer large hills or big mountains.

The best way to climb mountains is to start on easy climbs and then advance. Having the right equipment is critical too, lightweight packs are great for a single day’s climb.

Summitting a mountain is a great accomplishment. In many ways, you are on top of the world, pack the right equipment and supplies and you’ll have a rewarding experience.

Mountain climbing consistently ranks among the top 10 most adventurous activities in the United States. (Source: Statista)

Canoeing

Happy friends kayaking river with sunset background
Happy friends kayaking river with sunset background.

Is there anything more tranquil than spending a day on a lazy river? Canoeing is something you can do with a friend or alone. Kayaking is similar to canoeing in that you need to paddle around as well. One of the best things about canoeing is you can see a natural vista unspoiled.

Because the canoe is quiet, there’s a good chance to see some amazing wildlife. One of the best parts about canoeing is that you get low-stress exercise. This is a good way to stay active while not stressing your body.

Finding a good canoe is quite easy. Head to a sporting goods store and make sure to get lifejackets just to be safe. This activity is a great way to spend a weekend with a loved one.

An estimated 7.7 million Americans went canoeing at least once in 2022, representing a 2.4% increase from 2021. (Source: Statista – Number of canoeing participants in the United States)

Biking

Young man riding mountain bike cycling biking
Young man riding mountain bike cycling biking.

There are lots of options with bikes, and one of the best things to do is take a long ride with a friend. Whether it is mountain biking or riding through your city, having your bike is a perfect way to get some much-needed exercise along with having fun with a friend.

Biking to lunch, for example, is one of the best ways to enjoy lunch guilt-free. Having a bike is like having freedom. Whether you ride for competitive reasons or ride to enjoy yourself, biking is one of the best ways to get into the sunshine.

Many cities are becoming increasingly bike-friendly. Make sure you have a helmet and other safety equipment, but above all, have some fun and enjoy the ride.

Over 51 million Americans ride a bicycle each year, making it the 3rd most popular outdoor activity in the US. (Source: Complete Tri – Cycling and Biking Statistics)

Final Thoughts

Spending time outside is a great way to reinvigorate the soul. Outdoor time allows you to get in touch with your thoughts and see the world in a different way. The natural world has beauty in the most simple ways. Immersing yourself in this beauty is a way to make life a little less stressful and a little more fun.

Image source: Freepik Premium

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