Beat the Early Sunset Blues: Fun Ways to Stay Active Outdoors in PST

Beat the Early Sunset Blues: Fun Ways to Stay Active Outdoors in PST - Get Lit with Night Hikes

When the days get shorter and dusk starts creeping in earlier, it can be hard to stay motivated to exercise outdoors. But just because the sun goes down doesn’t mean your outdoor adventures have to end. Night hiking opens up a whole new world of exploration after hours. Trekking under the stars and moon not only lets you log extra miles, it also gives you a unique perspective on familiar trails.

“I love night hiking because it lets me see the woods in a different light,” says Janet S., an avid hiker from Portland. “Trails I’ve hiked dozens of times suddenly seem new and magical at night.”

Indeed, the woods take on an entirely different personality after dark. Sights, sounds and scents you’d never notice during the day make themselves known. Owls hoot, foxes dart through the underbrush, and nocturnal critters scurry up trees. With car noise dialed down, you’ll hear more rustling in the leaves and branches. Crickets and cicadas serenade you from all sides.

The lack of light also intensifies your other senses. Mosses, ferns and forest flowers give off fresh scents. Without sight dominating, you can better tune into the feel of the trail underfoot and the chorus of croaking frogs.

“I love hiking by moonlight when there’s decent visibility,” says Carrie Y., an evening trekker in Asheville, North Carolina. “It’s so peaceful to walk quietly along the trail and really soak up the sights and sounds of nature at night.”

If hiking sans flashlight, go slowly and give your eyes extra time to adjust. Trekking poles provide added stability. Tell someone your route and when to expect your return. Pack backup light sources, as trail conditions can be trickier to assess at night. And keep in mind that facilities and amenities like bathrooms and water fountains likely won’t be available.

“My night hike ritual includes sitting on a favorite rock to reflect on life,” Janet says. “Away from the distractions and pressures of daily life, I can decompress and tap into a sense of peace.”

Beat the Early Sunset Blues: Fun Ways to Stay Active Outdoors in PST - Illuminate Your Workout at Glow Runs

If you’re seeking a fun way to shake up your exercise routine, look no further than glow runs. These 5Ks and fun runs bathe participants in neon light, creating an electrifying atmosphere perfect for partying your way to fitness.

Glow runs imbue an ordinary jog with playful panache thanks to color stations positioned along the course. As you run through, volunteers coat you from head to toe in vivid dyed cornstarch. With each color station, your white T-shirt transforms into a vibrant canvas smeared with splashes of pink, green, blue and yellow. By the finish line, you're more rainbow than human.

“I first tried a glow run on a whim and instantly got hooked,” says Amy L., an avid Los Angeles runner. “It’s such an uplifting experience to run through clouds of color surrounded by people laughing and cheering. You can’t help but feel happy.”

Beyond providing a mood boost, glow runs energize your workout. The stations punctuate your pace with delightful distractions, making the miles fly by. The promise of the next burst of color keeps you moving forward.

“I use glow runs as interval training,” explains Tyler J., a runner in Dallas. “I push hard between color throws then ease up as I pass through. The stations give me something to focus on.”

Group runs like these also provide accountability. When you’ve committed to meeting friends, you're more apt to follow through. Running with a wave of people immersed in positive energy is inherently motivating. You'll be swept up in the enthusiasm.

“I always PR at glow runs because I get caught up in the excitement,” Amy says. “Everyone dresses up in crazy tutus, wigs and accessories; it's such a fun scene.”

These luminous runs also provide unique photographic memories. Against the dark night, you're a walking piece of neon art. Most events have professional photographers capturing glowing shots as you cross the finish.

Besides 5Ks, many glow run organizers offer untimed one-mile "color blasts." These focus solely on splashing Technicolor joy without the pressure of performance. Parents often run these with kids in tow.

Beat the Early Sunset Blues: Fun Ways to Stay Active Outdoors in PST - Go Stargazing and Spot Constellations

For centuries, humans have gazed upward in awe at the night sky's celestial showcase. When the sun sets and darkness descends, an entirely different universe reveals itself overhead. More than just scenic beauty, the heavens provide insight into our origins. Connecting the dots of stars allows a glimpse into the myths, legends and cosmology of cultures past.

Amateur astronomy need not be complicated. Armed only with curiosity, you can explore space from your own backyard. Tracking the phases of the moon throughout the month marks time's passage. Watching the constant procession of constellations trace the seasons. Witnessing meteor showers streak across the blackness. Identifying the planets and their moons. All this is possible with the naked eye.

Adding a pair of binoculars opens up even more celestial features. You can spot star clusters, galaxies from millions of light years away, and craters on the moon. With the help of star charts, you can match major constellations like Orion the Hunter or Ursa Major with their outlines in the sky.

"I love teaching my kids the constellations using just a star map," explains Sara P., an amateur astronomer in Flagstaff, Arizona. "Finding Ursa Major helped them see how the legends of the past related to the actual sky."

A beginner telescope takes things further. Galileo's early models magnified objects 30 times; now, backyard telescopes average magnifications of 75 to 300 times. This lets amateurs zero in on planets like Saturn and Jupiter and glimpse their rings and moons.

"I'll never forget the first time I viewed Saturn's rings through a telescope," describes Chris W., an astronomy enthusiast from Toronto. "Something seen only as an illustration in books suddenly became real. It was magical."

Apps like SkyView make identifying celestial objects even easier. Point your phone at the sky, and it displays the constellations visible. Click on a star or planet, and you'll learn its name. For armchair astronomy, web tools like Stellarium let you view the sky from any location at any time. Zoom in for close-ups of nebulae.

Heading to darker skies unlocks more celestial wonders. Drive just an hour from city lights, and the haze lifts to reveal thousands more stars and objects unseen from urban areas. National and state parks hold frequent star parties with astronomers offering telescopic tours.

"Camping in Idaho's Sawtooth Wilderness, the Milky Way glowed so bright, I could see clouds of stars," describes Lily R. of Seattle. "I felt tiny yet connected to the wider universe."

Beat the Early Sunset Blues: Fun Ways to Stay Active Outdoors in PST - Light Up Your Life with Luminaria Displays

As dusk blankets your neighborhood, transform the twilight into a magical world aglow with luminaria. These candlelit paper lanterns line sidewalks, driveways and gardens with flickering light. Arranged en masse, they cast a dreamlike aura perfect for cozying up the chill of early winter nights. Beyond just ambient lighting, luminaria symbolize holiday spirit and community connection.

"My family loves gathering together to line our driveway and yard with bags glowing warmly in the darkness," explains Jenna R., a longtime luminaria fan in Albuquerque. "It's our new holiday tradition that brings joy and light as Christmas approaches."

This beloved custom traces its roots to 16th-century Mexico, where people floated candles in sand-weighted paper bags on Christmas Eve. Luminarias then spread throughout the American southwest in the 20th century as a central part of holiday decor. Here they lent a regional flair that set evenings aglow in the week leading up to Christmas.

"Growing up in New Mexico, luminaria displays transformed our neighborhood into a magical fairyland at Christmastime," recalls Sofia M. "Walking at night, the candles flickering everywhere evoked such a powerful feeling of holiday spirit."

While the seasonal sights spark nostalgia for many, the act of assembling luminaria together also forges lasting memories. Neighbors gather for informal arranging parties, sharing food, drinks and laughter as they construct each lantern. Kids take part, too, carefully pouring sand into bags and lighting the candles with care.

To craft your own display, fill brown paper bags one-third full with sand. Place a votive or tea light candle inside and light just before dusk. Line walks, driveways, rooflines and trees, spacing bags about a foot apart. Take care placing them where passersby won't accidentally knock them over.

Beat the Early Sunset Blues: Fun Ways to Stay Active Outdoors in PST - Make Shadow Puppets on an Outdoor Movie Night

Outdoor movie nights offer a fun way to keep active after sunset. But don’t just sit back and watch the film. Have everyone get in on the act by putting on a shadow puppet show. When projected large against a sheet or bare wall, your hands transform into a menagerie of dancing animals and creatures.

"We love staging impromptu puppet shows before our outdoor movie starts," explains Aidan T. of Los Angeles, who often hosts film screenings in his backyard. "Guests of all ages join in, laughing as we try to guess each other's animals. It's become an expected part of movie night."

Anyone can craft creatures using just hands and a light source. Form chickens with thumbs meeting atop interlocked fingers. Rabbits appear from two upraised fingers. Link fingers overhead, and swaying elephants emerge. Collapsing thumbs and wiggling fingers conjure anything from birds to dinosaurs. Let your imagination roam.

"It's amazing what you can create with shadow puppets," describes Mia R., an amateur puppeteer from Denver. "Even basic hands can transform into animals. I also use my body to make shadow sculptures on the sheet."

You’ll impress the crowds by rehearsing more intricate designs ahead of time. Look online for inspiration and directions for multi-hand creatures like dragons and eagles. Practice your synchronized moves before premiering them.

Shadow puppetry also provides lively entertainment for younger audiences. Avoid scary or overly complex concepts. Appealing animals elicited oohs and aahs. When Aidan’s niece and nephew visit, he lets them pick creatures and acts out their suggestions.

Outdoor spaces like yards, patios or decks offer ideal screening venues. Angle a bright portable light at sheet hung from a structure or stand. Position the "stage" far enough back to allow the shadows to grow large and sharp.

For a more guerrilla approach, flashlights or bike lights aimed at a building wall also work. Get creative with locations. Viola B. from Minneapolis casts creature shadows on the side of her white garage before movie time.

Beat the Early Sunset Blues: Fun Ways to Stay Active Outdoors in PST - Explore City Lights on an Evening Bike Ride

As dusk settles on the city, the landscape transforms, with buildings, bridges and boulevards illuminated in an entirely new light. What better way to experience this nocturnal renaissance than on two wheels? An evening bike ride lets you soak in the sights, sounds and energy that emerge after dark.

"I love biking around downtown once the sun sets and the city lights up," explains Leah S., an avid cyclist in Portland. "Seeing familiar streets illuminated at night makes it seem like I'm exploring a whole different place."

Indeed, the interplay of darkness and artificial light lends a magical ambiance to urban lanes. Street lamps cast tree-lined roads into chiaroscuro, while neon signs splash color onto sidewalks. Look up, and skyscrapers form striking silhouettes, accented by the glow of a million flickering office windows.

Pedaling under the cloak of night also spotlights neighborhoods' distinctive personalities. Trendy areas like theater districts take on an electricity. Twinkling strings of bulbs and marquees awaken the streets. In historic squares, lampposts and facades washed in warm light feel both elegant and inviting.

An evening ride also amplifies the background symphony of city sounds. Catch snippets of music spilling from jazz clubs. Inhale aromas wafting from bustling restaurants. Watch subways rumble past, headlights illuminating underground stations.

Night cycling requires extra precautions, including using lights, keeping pace slow, and wearing reflective clothing. Stick to familiar areas or bike lanes. But don't let safety concerns discourage you. The rewards outweigh the risks.

"Biking at night lets me destress and clear my head after a long workday," shares Andre C., a regular Chicago night rider. "The cool air, beautiful city views and less traffic help me unwind."

For optimal visibility and safety, equip your bike with front and rear lights. Amber alerts vehicles to your presence, while bright head beams illuminate your path. Reflective stickers add visibility. Plan routes along low-traffic, well-lit roads or bike paths. Go slow, stick to the right and follow all traffic laws. Ride defensively and always stay alert.

Beat the Early Sunset Blues: Fun Ways to Stay Active Outdoors in PST - Enjoy Sunset Yoga or Tai Chi in the Park

As the sun sinks below the horizon, an ethereal glow settles over the park. The grass glows emerald in the fading light as people unroll yoga mats and settle into cross-legged seats. Nearby, a Tai Chi class flows through repetitive motions, bodies harmonizing in unison. When dusk descends, green spaces take on a magical atmosphere perfect for centering practices like yoga and Tai Chi. Transitioning your routine outdoors combines physical and mental benefits with the restorative power of being surrounded by nature.

"After work, I head to the park for an evening yoga class under the trees," explains Ava T., a healthcare administrator in Minneapolis. "Connecting movement with my breath in the fresh air washes away stress from the day."

Indeed, yoga's emphasis on controlled breathing and body awareness helps quiet racing minds. Holding poses while tuning into sensations creates an immersive experience. Focus zeroes in on the present. The worries of daily life fade into the background.

"My evening yoga class transports me into the now," shares James Y., a lawyer in Portland. "The glow of sunset, breeze on my skin and smells of grass block out everything else."

"After class, I feel refreshed and ready to fully engage with my family," explains Rosa L., who practices Tai Chi weekly at her local park. "My mind settles and resets."

Beginner-friendly evening yoga classes offer recovery-focused sequences to wind down from busy days. Options like gentle Hatha or restorative yoga emphasize relaxation through simpler poses. Arrive early to claim a spot near the instructor. Tai Chi instructors will guide newcomers through basic stances and forms. Let them know you're new.

Beat the Early Sunset Blues: Fun Ways to Stay Active Outdoors in PST - Dance into Dusk at Outdoor Concerts

As daylight dwindles, the first strains of music drift through the park. People spread blankets and set up folding chairs or sway together near the stage. For live music lovers, outdoor concerts in the evening offer the perfect mix of groovy tunes, fresh air and community connection. Dancing into dusk under the stars beats screens and walls any day.

"I hit as many outdoor shows as I can in the summer," shares Xavier R., a live music fanatic in Austin. "Two of my favorite things - tunes and nature. It just heightens the musical magic for me."

Indeed, open-air venues lend a magical aura absent from enclosed event halls and clubs. The music floats freely under the wide sky, unobstructed by walls and ceilings. Sound resonates differently, weaving naturally into the environment.

Trees and landscaping frame idyllic backdrops, transporting you from urban grit to Eden-esque escape. "Seeing a great indie band at the botanical gardens with flowers all around overwhelmed my senses in the best way," describes Alicia Y., a frequent outdoor concertgoer in Tulsa. "It was almost surreal being surrounded by all that beauty."

The interplay of fading light and stage lights also imparts ambiance. As the vivid hues of sunset blend into twilight, inky indigo overhead meets the luminous beams raking across fans' faces. Glow sticks wave like fireflies darting through the grass.

"I love when they turn off the big lights and everything's just the magical glow of the stage," shares Xavier. "You feel more connected to the music and people, all immersed in the energy pulsing from the band."

That collective euphoria courses through the crowd, forging ephemeral connections. Strangers dance together and share laughs over spilled drinks or lame security checks. Lifelong friendships spark from brief exchanges between sets.

Outdoor concerts also encourage dancing, with open space to groove worry-free. A wonderful freedom accompanies belting out lyrics under the stars, bellowing at the top of your lungs alongside fellow fans. No noisy neighbors to bother here.

"I let loose at outdoor shows way more than at clubs - hopping around singing with zero self-consciousness," says Alicia. "Being able to fully rock out improves the live music experience so much."

The welcoming atmosphere invites all ages and types to join the revelry. Parents sway toddlers on blankets as tweens play tag by the porta potties. College students share swigs from thermoses as Baby Boomers nod along in folding chairs. Music unites.