Free time looks different for everyone. Some people want quiet moments, others want to be social, and many are simply trying to fit something enjoyable into an already busy schedule. Looking at how people actually spend their leisure time helps explain why outdoor activities in New Jersey continue to grow in popularity.
Recent national data paints a clear picture. People are making time for leisure, and more of that time is being spent outdoors.
How much free time do people really have
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, nearly everyone age 15 and older spent time on leisure and sports activities on an average day. This includes everything from watching TV to socializing and exercising.
On average, people who participated in leisure and sports activities spent just over five hours per day doing so. Men spent about 5.8 hours, while women spent about 5.1 hours. These numbers show that even with work, school, and family responsibilities, leisure time remains a meaningful part of daily life. You can view the full data here.
For New Jersey residents, this often means fitting leisure into smaller windows of time. That is one reason activities that are flexible, close to home, and easy to join are becoming more appealing.
Outdoor participation keeps growing
Outdoor recreation is not just holding steady. It is growing.
The 2024 Outdoor Participation Trends Report shows that outdoor participation increased by 4.1 percent, reaching a record 175.8 million participants. That means more than half of Americans age six and older are now taking part in outdoor recreation.
One of the most notable shifts is participation among women. For the first time ever, more than half of American women participated in outdoor activities, with a participation rate of 51.9 percent in 2023. The report also highlights strong participation among LGBTQ+ adults, who remain the most active cohort.
These trends reflect a broader shift toward outdoor activities that feel inclusive, accessible, and enjoyable without requiring elite fitness or expensive gear.
What this means for New Jersey
New Jersey is uniquely positioned when it comes to outdoor recreation. Residents have access to beaches, mountains, forests, and parks, often within a short drive. For many people, outdoor time is not about long trips or extreme adventures. It is about getting outside, moving a little, and spending time with others.
As free time becomes more limited, people tend to choose activities that feel rewarding without being overwhelming. Outdoor activities that are easy to start and easy to enjoy fit naturally into this pattern.
Outdoor activities that fit real life schedules
Not every outdoor activity needs to take an entire day. Short format experiences are becoming more popular because they allow people to enjoy fresh air and social time without major planning.
Activities that work well tend to share a few traits:
- They are easy to learn
- They welcome all ages and skill levels
- They encourage conversation and connection
- They fit into a morning, afternoon, or early evening
This shift helps explain why certain outdoor experiences are gaining traction across New Jersey
Park golf at 1Club New Jersey
One example of an outdoor activity that aligns closely with these trends is park golf at 1Club in New Jersey.
Park golf is a simplified version of golf that focuses on accessibility and enjoyment. There is no dress code, no prior experience required, and no long time commitment. Players use basic equipment and move through a course designed to feel relaxed and welcoming rather than competitive.
At 1Club, park golf is designed to be social. It works just as well for friends, families, couples, and small groups as it does for first time players. The outdoor setting encourages conversation, and the pace allows people to enjoy being together rather than rushing through the experience.
This makes park golf a natural fit for how many New Jersey residents want to spend their free time in 2026. It combines light activity, outdoor space, and social connection in a way that feels easy and approachable.
Final thoughts
The data is clear. People are making time for leisure, and outdoor activities are becoming a bigger part of how that time is spent. In New Jersey, where access to nature meets busy schedules, activities that are simple, social, and flexible continue to stand out.
Whether it is a walk, a paddle on the water, or a round of park golf, outdoor experiences offer a way to step outside, reset, and connect. As these trends continue, outdoor activities near you will likely play an even bigger role in how free time is enjoyed across the state.
We can’t wait to welcome you to 1Club.