Take a step away from the chaos of everyday life to enjoy the sights, sounds, and smells of spring. Whether it’s biking to the library, hosting a garden party, or pressing flowers, these hobby ideas are some of our favorite ways to enjoy the outdoors.

If you’re looking for ways to be present in the moment and make the most of springtime this year, consider picking up a new hobby or learning a new skill. Choose an activity (or two!) from our list, grab a friend, and get outside.

1. Host a ‘Picnic and Paint’

Combining a creative activity with a beautiful setting (and great snacks!) is a recipe for success. Pack paintbrushes and paint with your finger foods and cool drinks the next time you have a picnic in the park. If you’re painting with friends, set a timer to work on each of your paintings, and when the timer goes off, switch the painting you’re working on.

2. Go Hammocking

Sit back and relax (literally) by taking up hammocking this spring. This no-fail hobby only requires a hammock and two trees or hammocking posts. Bring a blanket and pillow to snuggle up with if the weather’s chilly, or kick off your shoes and take a nap in the sun on a warm afternoon. Hammock with friends or take some time to yourself to read, draw, or write in nature.

3. Take Up Biking

Biking is a double-win—it gets you out in nature and is a good workout. Instead of automatically reaching for your car keys this spring, consider biking to your next destination. Or, take a leisurely bike ride after work to enjoy the warm, spring nights. You can also bike to other springtime activities. Put a basket on your bike to carry books back from trips to the library or flowers from the farmer’s market.

4. Read in the Park

Whether sitting on a bench, lying on a blanket, or in the grass, few things are as relaxing as reading a book in the park on a sunny day. Go early on a weekend to enjoy a slow morning with your book, a coffee, and a pastry. Or, head to the park in the late afternoon and pack dinner to eat while you’re there for a picnic during a reading break.

5. Host Garden Parties

Combine a love of hosting with a floral-filled setting to create the dreamiest springtime event. Garden parties are the epitome of spring hosting, and preparing for one is easier than you’d think. Set up seating in your garden or backyard, and arrange bouquets of fresh flowers to decorate the space. Whip up fruit-flavored cupcakes and finger sandwiches for savory and sweet food options, and ask everyone to bring a beverage or appetizer of their choice to lighten the hosting load. If you don’t have a garden to host in, a patio, front yard, or park will work just as well.

6. Go Hiking

You don’t have to live by the mountains or be a fitness junkie to go for a good, long hike. While it might seem intimidating at first, hiking can be good for both your body and your mind. Find trails around your area, or try walking around your local park. To make the hike more fun, listen to your favorite podcast or audiobook. Or, invite a friend along to chat with while you hike. When hiking in the warm weather, make sure to pack snacks and plenty of water to refuel along the way.

7. Get into Photography

Spring is the perfect time to pick up photography since everything is bursting with life and color. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or have never picked up a camera, flowers and gardens make for easy and impressive subjects. If you want a more hands-on process, try using a film camera and developing the photos yourself in a dark room.

8. Press Flowers

Capture the beauty of spring flowers or the memories of a special bouquet by drying and pressing them. Start by snipping the head of the flower from the stem, then place the bloom between two sheets of parchment paper. Slide the sheets between the pages of a heavy book, and place other books on top to add more weight. Let the flowers dry for one week until you check to see if they’re dried and pressed. Use the flowers for scrapbooking, creating wall art, or give them as a gift.

If you keep a garden, consider pressing flowers from each of your harvests, and pasting them in a journal or log for planting seasons to come. The log will help to remind you which flowers grew well, which ones didn’t, and what you haven’t planted yet.

9. Play Pickleball

Pickleball has quickly become one of the most popular recreational sports. If learning to play seems intimidating, don’t be discouraged. Pickleball is a beginner-friendly sport that can be as quick-paced or laidback as you want. Not only is it good for your body and health, but it’s a way to connect with friends and family. All you need are two paddles, a ball, and a court (which can be found at many local parks).

10. Outdoor Yoga

Take 15 minutes to relax and ground yourself by doing a quick yoga flow outside this spring. See if your local gym or recreation center offers yoga classes, or watch a video online to guide you through poses and breathing techniques. Turn on some zen music or choose to listen to the sounds of nature instead.

11. Watercolor by the Beach

If you live by water, bring paints and paper with you the next time you go to the beach. Lay down a blanket on the sand, and set up your paints. Fill an empty cup or jar with ocean water, and use it to create watercolor paintings. Better yet, go to the beach for the sunrise or sunset and use it as inspiration for your painting.

12. Mail Letters

Contrary to popular belief, sending snail mail is not a lost art. While it takes longer than sending a text or voice message, few things are as special as receiving a thoughtful letter or card in the mail from a loved one. Pull out the envelopes and stationary this spring, and create a list of people you’d like to send letters to. We’re sure your loved ones will thank you later.