Do you enjoy being outside? Are you energized by the fresh air and sounds of nature? The call of the wild draws humans and animals alike into the warm sun every spring and summer, but personal preferences may prevent you from rushing into the woods. Additionally, health conditions may keep you from taking up a strenuous outdoor sport. If you enjoy being outside but prefer relaxing entertainment options, consider three low-impact but popular outdoor activities.

Outdoor Entertaining

Enjoy a leisurely morning cup of coffee or entertain guests after work without leaving the comfort of your patio. Attractive and comfortable patio furniture entices you to sit outside and listen to the birds sing, read a good book or chat with a neighbor without getting your feet dirty.

When purchasing outdoor furniture, consider your needs. How big is your patio? How many people will be sitting outside? What style and colors do you prefer? After you answer these questions, find the furniture that fits your outdoor space and personal style. A small bistro patio set provides an intimate setting for conversation or you can purchase a larger set that seats your extended family. Consider investing in durable, all-weather material that withstands the weather conditions in your area and lasts for years to come.

Enhance your outdoor experience when you move a television onto your patio. Watch the big game or your favorite weekly shows while enjoying the fresh air and sunshine. Install an umbrella or retractable awning for shade and comfort while you sit comfortably outside. The more amenities you add, the more “inside” you will feel while still enjoying beautiful weather.

(Backyard) Camping

Experience the joys of camping minus the hassle of a port-a-potty when you camp in your backyard. Assemble an outdoor raised campfire pit on your patio, and roast marshmallows and hot dogs to perfection. Enjoy the outdoorsy smell and relaxation of an open fire while staying within reach of modern conveniences like electricity and refrigeration. Campfires are fun for cooking, but also keep off the evening chill. Having a warm fire can add weeks of use to your deck or patio. The smoke also helps keep bugs at bay.

You could set up your recreational vehicle or tent in your yard for a close-to-home camping experience. Instead of navigating an RV on the highway, parking in a tight spot in the campground and fighting off the bugs at night, stay home and camp out in your own backyard. Sleep in your sleeping bag under the stars with your family, and enjoy the benefits of home. Use air mattresses, cushions or even your own bedding. When all the amenities of home are a few strides away the outdoor experience is anything but rough.

Enjoy (Garden) Wildlife

Your local library or bird watching society can give you tips about bird watching in your backyard. Discover the best methods for enticing and feeding birds, attracting migrating species or watching local species build nests and hatch their young. With a pair of binoculars and patience, you can watch all types of bird species from the comfort of your backyard patio or living room window. You’d be surprised the diversity of beauty that will fly through your yard just by adding a birdbath or the right feeder.

Having a beautiful garden can also attract beauty. You could focus on plants that attract butterflies, dragonflies or other attractive critters. Gardens can be as low or high maintenance as you prefer. A bed of perennials or bulbs will yield beautiful blossoms year after year with little effort.

Participate in outdoor activities from the comfort of your home, and receive the best of both worlds. From your patio, entertain friends and enjoy fresh air. Build a fire in your patio fire table or set up a tent in your backyard. Watch birds flock to your backyard all year long. You don’t need to hike or bike to enjoy nature. These low-impact outdoor activities keep you involved in the great outdoors without the inconveniences and provide you with pleasure year round.

(This is a guest post by Jessica Stark.) Jessica is interested in fitness and outdoor activities. She enjoys DIY projects and writing in her free time. She is also admin for www.eatbreatheblog.com and a number of other blogs.

Image Credit: by Jackal of all trades