7 Unique Ways to Get Moving Outside this Spring

The birds are chirping, the sun is shining (well, sometimes), and the snow piles are finally melting—spring is officially making its way to Wisconsin! While we love seeing you crush it in class, dominate on the courts, and lift heavy in the Strength Studio, we also know that after a long winter, there’s nothing better than getting outside for some fresh air and much-needed Vitamin D.

So, as the temperatures rise and the sun sticks around a little longer, here are some fun, fresh ways to get moving outside this spring!

1. Hike or Bike the Trails

Nothing says "hello, spring" like hitting the trails and soaking up the sunshine! Whether you prefer a peaceful walk, a heart-pumping run, or a breezy bike ride, Green Bay and the surrounding areas has miles and miles of trails to explore.

Looking for a scenic adventure? Check out spots like Baird Creek, Maribel Caves, or Fonferek’s Glen for beautiful nature hikes. Want to enjoy the water views? The Fox River Trail and the UW-Green Bay Arboretum Trail are perfect for a relaxing stroll or ride.

For those who like a challenge, the Mountain-Bay State Trail (one of Wisconsin’s longest rail-trails!) is waiting for you with 83 miles of adventure. If you're up for a mental workout, try the orienteering course at Baird Creek—because nothing says "spring reset" like getting slightly lost in the woods (don’t worry, we believe in you).

If you want to try something a little more off-the-beaten-path, try fat biking. Hit the trails at the Reforestation Camp, He-Nis-Ra Park, or Hilly Haven Golf Course. Rentals are available at local bike shops if you want to give it a try! (And yes, you can still ride through the snow because it’s Wisconsin and we’re never totally safe from a surprise April blizzard.)

2. Roller Skating

If you haven't been on roller skates since your middle school birthday party at the local rink, this is your invitation to lace up again! Roller skating is a killer lower-body workout, great for balance, and most importantly, it’s ridiculously fun.

If you already have your own pair of skates (it’s okay if there’s a layer of dust on them), lace them up and head out! If you don’t have a pair, check out Howard Commons where you can rent a pair. It transforms from an ice rink into a roller rink in late March.

3. Geocaching

If you love a good adventure, geocaching is for you. It’s a high-tech scavenger hunt where you use GPS to track down hidden treasures—aka caches—left by other adventurers. Caches can be as small as a film canister or as big as a lunchbox, and sometimes they even have little surprises inside!

With over 200 geocaches hidden around Green Bay, there’s no shortage of quests to tackle. So, grab your phone, download a geocaching app, and get out there. You’ll kind of feel like you’re in your own personal action movie, minus the explosions (hopefully).

4. Disc Golf

Green Bay has a huge disc golf scene, with awesome courses at Baird Creek, Pamperin Park, Pinecrest, and UW-Green Bay. If you’re willing to take a little road trip, Plamann Park in Appleton and Rolling Ridge in Chilton are top-tier courses. And if you just want to keep it casual, Legion Park in De Pere has a beginner-friendly course with a playground and pool nearby—perfect for a family outing.

5. Kayaking

Few things are as peaceful as floating on the water while getting a solid upper-body workout. As the ice melts, it’s the perfect time to take a kayak out and explore the area’s waterways.

Launch from Green Isle Park for a calm paddle on the East River, enjoy some bird-watching, or take on a more adventurous paddle in the bay itself (bonus: you’ll catch an incredible sunset if you time it right). For a mix of paddling and relaxation, make your way down Duck Creek to Pamperin Park where you can stop for a picnic and some playtime. (Because paddling your way to snacks is extra motivating.)

6. Take a Stroll Through the Blooms

Sometimes, the best way to reset is to slow things down and take in the beauty around you. The Green Bay Botanical Garden is the perfect place for this, offering 47 acres of vibrant gardens to wander through. The early tulip blooms are absolutely stunning, and as daffodils start popping up, the whole garden turns into a rainbow of color. Take a moment to slow down and enjoy the fresh air—you’ve earned it after surviving another Wisconsin winter.

7. Spring Cleanup: Functional Fitness at Its Finest

Before you roll your eyes at this one, hear us out—yard work is a full-body workout! Moving patio furniture, raking leaves, prepping the garden beds, and even cleaning out the garage all get your body moving while giving you a major sense of accomplishment. Not only will you be burning calories, but you’ll also have the satisfaction of checking things off your to-do list. Multitasking at its finest!

Spring is Here! Let’s Move!

Spring is the perfect time to mix up your fitness routine and soak up some fresh air. And don’t worry, we’re not saying you should ditch your workouts at Western. In fact, we have plenty of outdoor activities coming your way as the weather warms up. Stay tuned for tire flipping season, outdoor group-ex pop ups, and more coming your way! 

So, get out there, enjoy the fresh air, and move your body, then come back to the club and tell us all about it. We’ll be here, ready to help you keep crushing your fitness and wellness goals, indoors and out!