Camilla Jessen
Here’s how to turn your weekend into a story worth telling.
You don’t need to cross continents to find adventure. Just a backpack, a little imagination, and the willingness to step outside your daily routine.
The trend is called microadventures, and it’s changing how people spend their weekends.
What Is a Microadventure?
Think of it as the stripped-down version of a holiday. No flights, no fancy gear, no complicated planning.
According to Esquire, a microadventure is anything from camping in a nearby forest to taking the train to a random stop and seeing where it takes you. You don’t need more than a free afternoon and a sense of curiosity.
The goal is to break away from the routine, even if just for a night, and do something completely out of the ordinary, without needing to take time off or book anything in advance.
Why This Trend Is Taking Off Now
We’re busier, more connected, and often more stressed than ever.
And yet, how many weekends come and go with nothing to show for them? Microadventures are a direct answer to that feeling of restlessness.
They don’t require time or money—just the desire to try something new.
And with everyone sharing epic weekend escapes on social media, these bite-sized adventures are the perfect low-key alternative for those of us with tight budgets or little time to spare.
8 Easy Microadventures You Can Do This Weekend
Ready to give it a try? You don’t need much. Just pick one of these:
1. Sleep Under the Stars
All you’ll need is a hammock or sleeping bag and a safe spot in nature. Even a city park can feel like a different world after dark. Bring a blanket, a snack, and your sense of wonder.
Bonus points if you wake up in time to catch the sunrise.
2. Paddle Down a River
Grab a kayak, canoe, or inflatable boat and hit the nearest lake or river.
Leave your phone behind (or seal it in a dry bag just in case), and enjoy the peace of gliding through the water with nothing but the sound of nature around you.
3. Go on a Night Hike
Grab some friends and a flashlight, and head into the woods. Choose a destination and make it an adventure.
At the end, light a lantern, toast some marshmallows, and share stories like it’s summer camp all over again.
4. Try Geocaching
Think treasure hunt, but modern. Use your GPS or smartphone to find hidden containers near your home. You’ve likely walked past them a hundred times.
Now, you’ll see your neighborhood in a completely new way.
5. Ride the Train to the End of the Line
Buy a ticket to a station you’ve never heard of. Don’t plan—just go.
Get off at the last stop and wander. Talk to locals. Try something you’ve never eaten. Every place has a story, and sometimes the best way to find it is to let the journey lead the way.
6. Spend 24 Hours Outdoors
No shortcuts. From sunrise to sunrise, commit to staying outside—eating, resting, even napping. Whether in a forest, a quiet beach, or your own backyard, the goal is to fully unplug.
You’ll return home with fresh eyes and maybe a deeper appreciation for your bed.
7. Unplug for a Day
No phone, no money, no internet.
For 24 hours, navigate the world without Google Maps, credit cards, or notifications. Maybe that means walking more, asking strangers for directions.
It’s uncomfortable—and that’s kind of the point.
8. Cook Outdoors
Make your dinner outdoors, the old-school way. Think stick bread, grilled veggies, or campfire skewers.
Invite friends, bring a bottle of wine, and make it a whole evening affair.
