When it comes to shared recreational activities, there is a wealth of options available. Whatever your interests, it’s possible to tap into resources to help you pursue those activities together. Sometimes, though, we need a little help coming up with ideas.
Just like you, we understand how busy life is and how hard it can be to come up with ideas when you’re tired and tapped out. That’s why we’ve rounded up six ideas for unique recreational activities you can enjoy with your spouse.
Let’s jump into it.
1. Boating
At a glance, the idea of boating might sound straightforward. However, there are many ways you can enjoy the river, lake, creek, or sea. If you live near a body of water, it might be worth looking into a boating adventure.
Depending on your tastes and the pace you want to go, there are multiple options for enjoying the water. Take a look:
- Take a pontoon boat out for a leisurely ride
- Rent a speed boat or jet ski
- Go fishing together
- Hit the local creek for a kayaking adventure
- Go tubing or whitewater rafting
- Rent a pedal boat
Keep in mind that you’ll need a boating license and understanding of how to operate a boat before you hit the water. It also goes without saying that the necessary safety items, such as lifejackets, are a must.
You and your spouse might need lessons and assistance to get started. Seek out a knowledgeable friend, family member, or trusted expert to help you out. Then, enjoy!
2. Festivals and Conventions
Festivals and conventions of all kinds can be a fun day or weekend trip for couples to enjoy, especially during the warm weather if outdoors. Put your heads together to come up with ideas on interest-related festivals you might want to check out together. Here are a few ideas:
- Music festivals
- Arts and crafts shows
- Renaissance fairs
- Entertainment-centric conventions
- Culinary arts festivals
- Cultural celebrations
3. Hiking
If you enjoy the outdoors, there are many ways to experience a satisfying hike. Hiking doesn’t have to be intense or perilous. Instead, you can enjoy a leisurely local hike on a peaceful trail. If you and your spouse want something more challenging, great. Just keep in mind that you can seek out trails that suit your speed, pace, and physical capacity.
4. Lessons in the Arts
The arts span a broad range of interests and skills. You and your spouse may enjoy delving into a new art, or an art that one or both of you have enjoyed in the past. The arts encompass a variety of activities you can share, including music, dance, drawing, painting, acting, and much more. Dig deep into each of your interests, whether they’re entirely new options or things you have experienced before.
5. Martial Arts
Have you or your spouse ever given martial arts a try? Like many other recreational activities, there’s a range of martial arts you can tap into based on your interests and the level of impact you want to experience. While some styles involve high-impact combat training, others focus more on technique and flow. If you and your spouse prefer a low-impact practice, styles such as Tai Chi or Qi Gong might interest you.
6. Trail Riding (on Horse or Bike!)
How long has it been since you took a mountain bike or horse on a trail ride through scenic territory? Trail riding can be a great way to enjoy the countryside, either on vacation or close to home. Whether you choose to go biking or on a horseback ride, you’ll need to be equipped with a helmet for protection. Regardless of your choice, have fun!
Conclusion
Recreational activities are a great way to reconnect and discover new adventures with your spouse. They’re also a way to add joy to your relationship. If you need more ideas for creating a joyful dynamic in your marriage, check out our book, Making Happy. You can pick up your copy here.
What recreational activities do you and your spouse enjoy? Do you have any to share? Drop us a comment and let us know.
We have found biking to be a great marriage saver. Whether it’s riding rail trails nearby https://www.railstotrails.org/ or taking a 1-2 week bike trip afar where you pick a company and they provide bikes, directions, accommodations, and move the luggage. We used to be able to bike 1 mile per anniversary year, we’ve switched to 1 kilometer per anniversary year. We’ve had some great experiences, some adventures and have seen the most beautiful scenery. I love planning them and hope we have a few more left in us (Portugal in Sept?)
Cooking classes are a fun thing to do as a couple. You end up with a meal at the end of the event, plus the know-how to make the same thing again later.
I have found the Recreational Interest Inventory on http://www.marriagebuilders.com to be a suitable tool to help couples discover mutually interesting recreational interests. Couples can easily slip into recreational ruts. This exhaustive survey can get couples thinking “out of the box” about recreational optoins.