Take Microadventures This Summer!
A microadventure according to Author Alastair Humphries: “is an adventure that is short, simple, local, cheap – yet still fun, exciting, challenging, refreshing and rewarding.”
Humphries writes, “As the world’s population becomes increasingly urbanized, busy, and stuck in front of a screen, microadventures offer a realistic escape to wilderness, simplicity and the great outdoors, without the need to ski to the South Pole or go live in a cabin in Patagonia.”
Humphries’ book about microadventure has inspired people to camp out in their backyards or on hill tops, to stargaze, and to climb hills.
I love the idea of taking a microadventure to a nearby natural area like a county park, but I also think microadventures can also be urban adventures, like exploring your town by foot, or biking to the next town.
The point is: microadventures are small and achievable outings for people with real lives.
Summer is a great season for microadventures with good weather and long days. Taking microadventures is a key strategy for making the most of summer even if you’re working full time.
A microadventure could be:
- A midweek adventure where you go somewhere after work and enjoy a full evening or even an overnight somewhere relatively close by.
- A day trip to nearby natural or urban area that you’re curious about
- A weekend getaway to a natural area or a new town that is a reasonable distance away.
The sky's the limit for microadventures. Here are some ideas:
- Spend an evening stargazing at a nearby park or lake
- Spend an afternoon or day bird-watching in a park or natural trail
- Have a midweek campout in your backyard
- Sleep out in nature somewhere you haven’t been before
- Volunteer at a local farm
- Plan an urban park picnic or cookout
- Spend the day at the beach
- Rent kayaks or canoes for the day
- Swim in nearby lake or river
- Explore a state park you’ve never been to before
- Bike somewhere new
- Explore your town by foot
- Spend the day visiting a new museum
- Take the bus or train to the next town and explore it by foot
What microadventures will you plan?
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