Let’s Get Outside in 2026!
“Those who contemplate the beauty of the earth find reserves of strength that will endure as long as life lasts.”
—Rachel Carson, The Sense of Wonder
With 2026 here, it’s the perfect time to fulfill your dreams about getting yourself, and your family, outside more this year!
Why Should I Go Outside More?
So many studies, alongside countless personal anecdotes, have shown that being outside has a wealth of positive benefits for humans! Check out some of the research below:
Some Advice
You don’t have to wait until “perfect” weather to go outside! Check the weather forecast and gear up appropriately! See if you have the gear already (layers, warm coats, wool socks, boots, etc.) and if not see if you have a local store, thrift store, outdoor exchange, free Facebook Marketplace entry, or gear library near you where you could get it from.
You don’t have to jump in right away with being outside a full day if you’re not comfortable with that yet! Remember that for all of us, adults and kids alike, we have to build up our resiliency. This means do little bite sized outings or experiences, and slowly build up to longer ones.
Try doing what you love, but outside! If you love reading, grab your book, a blanket, and hot tea/coffee/cocoa and enjoy reading for a bit on a porch or at a local park or green space. If your kids love building with magnetic tiles, take them to build something outside with those or other natural materials they can find. If your family loves animals, go see if there’s a local farm to visit!
Make a pact with family/friends! Sometimes it’s easier to keep motivated throughout the year when you have someone else who is doing it alongside you. See if a best friend wants to catch up with weekly “coffee on the go” walks. Schedule regular playdates with another family at a local park or green space so everyone can enjoy being outside together.
If you’re feeling really motivated and excited for this type of project, check out the 1,000 Hours Outside Challenge’s Free Tracker!
Activities to Try
Outdoor Photography — take a class, watch free tutorials online, just enjoy taking photos on your phone’s camera!
Hiking / Nature Walks — remember it could be a short hike in a nearby area, visit to a nearby lake, walk in the hills, or even just around your neighborhood!
Picnics — this could be in your yard, schoolyard, a local green space, park, etc. Bring delicious food or snacks; just remember to pack up and Leave No Trace when you’re done!
Geocaching — there are so many fun ways to do this individually or with family or friends! You can learn more about it here.
Birdwatching — check your local area to see if there is a birding group; chances there are! In our area, we have the Golden Eagle Audobon and the World Center for Birds of Prey. You never know who you could meet and what adventures that could bring!
Gardening - check out your local area to see if there are community gardens! If not, reach out to your city’s Parks & Recreation to see if there are any areas needing volunteers. In our area we have a local Botanical Garden, Rose Garden, Community Gardens, and parks that need volunteers year round to keep them going! You can also see if there is a local gardening club (check Facebook or Instagram) or garden store that could point you in the right direction.
Share with Us!
Members have access to NOLA’s exclusive Facebook Group, and anyone can tag us @outdoorlearningalliance on Instagram or Facebook to share your successes with us and find like-minded individuals!
Winter Resilience Challenge
Jumpstart your journey to more outside time with our Winter Resilience Challenge! Click the button below to download the PDF.
