10 Ways to Add Some Fun to Your Summer Strolls

Summer is here! Those sunny summer days and later sunsets can be great for walking, I know how easy it is to fall into a rut—especially if you tend to walk the same path and take in the same scenery, day after day. So if you’re in a summer walking rut and need to spice things up a bit, we’ve got 10 tips for making your daily walks more fun again.

1) Will Walk for (Iced) Coffee!

Summer walks can be hot! And while I definitely recommend bringing a bottle (or pack) filled with lots of cool water (or your favorite hydration beverage), a little mid-walk treat might boost your motivation on a hot summer day. Plan your walking path around a favorite coffee shop—or an ice cream shop or smoothie place will do, too! Walk to your destination, order yourself a nice, refreshing iced coffee—or some ice cream or a frosty shake or smoothie—and enjoy your cool treat while you walk back home (or back to your car).

2) Walking Is Never Boring with a Buddy!

During the summer, I get to go on a lot of walks with my favorite walking buddy—my daughter. Even though we often walk on the same path, our conversations about everything from volleyball tryouts to last night’s dreams to some silly YouTube videos make the miles fly by.

If you don’t have a built-in walking buddy like I do, recruit one! Walk with a friend or a neighbor or even a furry friend. Having a little bit of company on your walks will add a little extra fun and entertainment to your time on the trail.

3) Go on a Color Hunt!

All month long, we’ve been walking the rainbow with our June Color Challenge—but you can have some coloriffic fun any time you walk!

Before you head out on your walk, choose a color (or, if you’re feeling indecisive, check out the color challenge graphic and go with the color that coordinates with the date). While you’re walking, see how many times you can spot that color. It could be a car…or someone’s shirt…or something in nature…or anything else! Be sure to share at least one picture (or selfie) to show off your finds!

4) Listen to Something Interesting

Some upbeat music can get you moving down the trail—but after a while, the same old playlist can feel just as monotonous as the same old trail. I love listening to a good book or a podcast that will keep me engaged on my walks. Do a search for a podcast or an audiobook that fits your interests—or something that just sounds like fun. When you get caught up in a fascinating topic—or an entertaining story—it’ll help to make the miles fly by.

Need some suggestions? Check out my book reviews!

5) Park Hop

A couple of summers ago, my daughter and I decided to visit as many of our metro parks as possible. For me, it was a great way to change up my walks with some new scenery—while getting my daughter to get out and get some steps in with me. For her, it was a chance to try some fun to playgrounds once we finished our walk.

Before you head out, do a little research, and make a list of parks in your area. As you visit, check them off your list. You can even take notes and put together your own trail reviews (like mine!) for future reference!

6) Go for a Golden Hour Stroll

I grew up just a few miles away from the eastern shore of Lake Michigan—which means that I grew up with a solid appreciation for a gorgeous sunset. Now, I rarely get a chance to enjoy a sunset over the water—but I still love walking as the sun is setting.

During the golden hour (the hour before sunset), you can enjoy cooling temperatures and a stunning display of colors in the sky as you stroll. It’s the perfect way to unwind a little at the end of another day.

7) Photo Safari

There’s a good chance that you’re so used to your usual walking trail that you fail to notice the more interesting aspects of the scenery. Before you head out on your walk, pick a fun theme for your adventure and take pictures as you go. Maybe your theme is colorful flowers, fun mailboxes, cool shadows, or lawn ornaments. Just get creative! Try to snap at least 10 pics before the end of your walk.

8) Water Walks

Walking in water is a great way to add some extra resistance to your regular walks (see my post from last summer). But walking near water can be scenic and cooling.

On those hot summer days, plan your walk around places where you can cool off in the water—whether it’s near a beach or by a splash pad. Sure, the kids (and their moms) might be a little baffled by the random grown-up joining them in the spray of the water in full walking gear, but you won’t care because it’ll feel amazing.

9) Change It Up!

It’s so easy to get caught up in the monotony of your daily walk: the same place, the same scenery, the same pace. So change it up! Set a timer, and when the alarm sounds, do something different!

Some ideas:
– Start with 3 minutes of power walking, then switch to 3 minutes of easy walking
– Every 2 minutes, turn around and walk backward for 10 steps (just be aware of your surroundings!)
– Count squirrels (or birds…or whatever). Once you get to 10, do 10 high-knee marches. Sure, it might look silly, but it’ll keep things interesting!

10) Flip a Coin!

Don’t worry about plotting your path! Bring a coin along on your walk. When you reach an intersection, flip the coin. If it’s heads, go right—if it’s tails, go left. It’ll keep your daily walk interesting—and you never know what you’ll find along the way!


Your Turn!

What do you do to keep your summer walks fun? We’d love to hear your ideas! Share your favorite ideas (and pics) with #WillWalkForCoffee and tag us on your socials!