7 Ways to Get Moving This Summer

Summer in Maine is short. Luckily, there are plenty of fun ways to squeeze more out of the season — and boost both your physical health and your mental well-being at the same time. As you consider your options, keep in mind that every suggestion here is free!

Try something new. Qigong is an ancient Chinese practice characterized by smooth, gentle movements and a focus on breathing. Give it a go at L.L.Bean’s Discovery Park, Monday and Wednesdays from 9 to 10 a.m. all summer. Learn more.

Walk in the moonlight. Night owls, this one’s for you. The Eastern Trail Alliance has two opportunities to get your steps in under a summer full moon: July 13 at 8:45 p.m. and August 11 at 8 p.m. Both walks leave from the Pine Point parking area at Scarborough Marsh. Registration is required. Learn more.

Visit some feathered friends. Join naturalist Doug Hitchcox to tour the beautiful rolling fields and woodlands at Maine Audubon’s Gisland Farm in Falmouth, where you’re likely to hear and see woodpeckers, jays, finches, hawks, warblers, gulls, egrets, and many more birds. Walks are held Thursday mornings from 7 to 9 a.m. through October, and cover one to two miles. 
Learn more.

Get on the mat. Yoga outdoors is wonderfully refreshing, whether you’re new to practice or a veteran. Head to the Brunswick Town Gazebo on Wednesdays for an hour of flowing postures starting at 7:15, courtesy of Brunswick-Topsham Land Trust and Sundara Yoga. This program runs June 29 through August 31. Learn more at 207-729-7694 or [email protected]. L.L.Bean offers free classes Sunday to Friday from 8 to 9 a.m. all summer as part of their Summer in the Park Celebration. Learn more.

Walk back in time. Greater Portland Landmarks created an amazing interactive map that makes it fun and easy to explore Portland’s rich history while you record your steps. From the Eastern Cemetery—where burials took place as early as 1718, to the Portland Observatory—the nation’s last historic marine signal tower, to the Abyssinian Meeting House—the third oldest African American church in the U.S., there’s tons to learn as you go.

Dip in. The Presumpscot Regional Land Trust invites you to try canoeing or kayaking on the scenic Presumpscot River in Gorham on Saturday, August 20 — free. Boats and equipment available. Space is limited, so it’s best to register early.

Take a walk with Portland Trails. Summer favorites include the Eastern Promenade Trail, where you’re likely to catch a refreshing Casco Bay breeze, and Oat Nuts Park, with a shady canopy overhead and views of the Presumpscot River.

Do you know of a free event that’s also a great way to get moving? We’re all ears. Share your information in the comments below.