GROUPON GUIDE TO COLUMBUS

15 Summer Outdoor Activities to Do with Your Friends

BY: Groupon Editors |May 18, 2017

Ah, summertime. The sun is shining and the birds are chirping. More importantly, it's your day off, and you're not about to waste it. Time to round up your crew and enjoy a few summer outdoor activities. When it comes to options, it can be difficult to please everyone in the friend group. That's why we rounded up a master list things to do this summer that will suit everyone's interests.

For the competitive group...

Does your friend group enjoy a bit of friendly competition? Well, everybody wins when you spend a day outdoors with friends (okay, some win more than others). If you and your friends love to compete, focus on these outdoor games for adults.

1. Hit the fairway for a round of golf.

A nice round of golf on a hot summer day is the ideal activity.
Pro tip: Make it interesting with a bet, like whoever comes in last has to buy the first round of drinks.

2. Shoot paintballs in the woods.

Careful, this could get ugly. But don't just run and gun. Study up on paintball strategies beforehand so your friends won't know what hit them.

3. Sign up for a summer tennis league.

All games begin with a score of love-love. What could be better for friends?

4. Keep it casual with a mini-golf showdown.

But not so casual that you're not trying to win. You'd be surprised at how seriously most people take those 18 holes.

For the outdoorsy types...

Mother Nature is quite the event planner, and there are plenty of things to do with friends that take advantage of the great outdoors. Take a look at some of these treks.

5. Get active with a rock-climbing excursion.

There's a reason everyone loves this sport. If you're a beginner, start here to learn how to get into it so it's a safe and fun activity.

6. See the scenery on a horseback ride.

After all, riding a horse can make you a happier person. It's science.

7. Get your adrenaline pumping with a whitewater rafting trip.

Nothing says adventure more than a couple runs down a river. Just remember to smile for the action shots to show everyone on social media how outdoorsy and daring you are.

8. Go whale-watching.

If you're in the right location to see some marine life, make a day of it. Try to catch a glimpse of some of nature's most majestic creatures.

For the artsy ones...

You don't have to spend the day cooped up in a museum to get a dose of culture. Here's how to take in the arts when the weather gets warm.

9. Celebrate food, wine, and culture at a local festival.

Summer festivals never get old. No one says no to food and drinks, and if they do, we wouldn't trust 'em.

10. Own summer music season with concerts.

Concerts during the summertime are simply magic. Find an artist or group that the whole gang likes, and score some good seats.

11. Go sightseeing in your own city.

There's nothing wrong with being a tourist in your own city for a day. Plus, most tours have an emphasis on food and culture that you most likely haven't learned about or explored yet.

For the travelers...

Come summer, everyone's itching to get away. If you've got a tight-knit crew—and you can all tolerate being around each other for an extended period of time—then it's time to take things to the next level: a friend vacation.

12. Take a challenging, scenic hike in the mountains.

Hikes can be a lot of work but the views are worst every step. Check out some of our favorite National Parks for hiking.

13. Marvel at the crashing waters of Niagara Falls.

Prefer to look at the falls instead of riding them? Take a trip to Niagra Falls, where you won't risk falling out but might get as wet as you would whitewater rafting.

14. Jet off to an international destination.

With Groupon Getaways, you don't have to spend years saving money to take a big trip. Our deals are traveling on a budget. Start planning your next trip with the crew. We recommend Greece, Italy, or Jamaica for the summer.