If you’re looking for an out-of-the-box way to get active outdoors this season, we’ve found six fun ideas. Whether you prefer biking, forest bathing, or zip lining, here are some interesting local ways to take advantage of the sunny weather this spring.
Go Paddle Boating With Wheel Fun Rentals on the Canal
WHEELFUNRENTALS.COM/IN/INDIANAPOLIS/CANAL-WALK/, @WFRINDY
Wheel Fun Rentals at Canal Walk in Indy offers paddle boat and kayak rentals for you to get out on the water and explore the history, artwork, and museums the canal has to offer. The company also has guided evening kayak paddle tours during the summer that will take you on a trip around the canal with an informative host that will let you in on all the secrets and history of the canal. New for the 2022 season, they will be introducing 5-person swan-shaped boats that will be perfect for a date night or a girls’ night out. Wheel Fun Rentals at Canal Walk is opening for the season on March 18th for weekends and will open daily starting in May.
Hike the Indiana Dunes “3 Dune Challenge”
INDIANADUNES.COM, @INDIANADUNESNPS
Challenge yourself, your friends, and your family to climb the three tallest sand dunes at Indiana Dunes State Park with the “3 Dune Challenge.” The self-guided 1.5-mile challenge trail is the toughest in the area, with 552 vertical feet to climb. The reward: breathtaking views and the self-proclaimed title of “Dunes Conqueror.” Start your adventure at the Indiana Dunes State Park Nature Center or learn more at indianadunes.com/3dc.
TRY PADDLE BOARD YOGA WITH PURE SOUL
PURESOULPADDLEBOARDYOGA.COM, @PURESOULSUPYOGA
Pure Soul was launched from personal injury and loss by Trisha Young, who is now striving to create a positive impact for the health and happiness of others. The Lakefront at Keystone location boasts 37 acres of clear water and is home to Indy’s only floating harbor for paddle board yoga fun. With group yoga classes or rental party options, you can get in on the fun this year from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Go on a Ziplining Adventure With Indiana Zipline Tours
INDIANAZIPLINETOURS.COM, @INDIANAZIPLINE
Indiana Zipline Tours, Inc. offers a thrill of a lifetime for anyone aged 3 and up. Nestled in a woodsy area in Crawfordsville, the company offers eight ziplines, a swinging bridge, and Indiana’s only suspended platforms that hang from the trees. Indiana Zipline Tours will be opening for the season on March 26th—so start thinking about planning your adventure now.
Take a Bike Ride With Black Girls Do Bike
BLACKGIRLSDOBIKE.COM
Led by Chyri McLain-Jackson, the Indianapolis chapter of Black Girls Do Bike is inclusive to all women, and it’s a comfortable place where new and seasoned female cyclists can support one another and promote skill sharing by going on group outdoor bike rides.
Recognized as the 2020 Bike Club of the Year by The League of American Bicyclists, Black Girls Do Bike also works to promote bike advocacy, awareness, education, and safety.
Experience “Forest Bathing” With Balanced Soul
BALANCEDSOULINDY.COM, @BALANCEDSOULINDY
The term “forest bathing” comes from a Japanese practice called shinrin-yoku, which literally translates to “forest bath.” This practice asks the participant to “bathe” in the atmosphere of the forest by simply walking in the woods, unplugged and undisturbed. Studies have shown this practice can reduce stress and increase alertness. You can try the concept on your own, or attend a free guided forest bathing experience on April 9th at Newfields with Shiela Dimof and Jennifer Foley of Balanced Soul.
Stephanie Groves is the Executive Editor of Indy Maven and has never tried any of the activities on this list, so she really needs to get out more.
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