7 outdoor activities to try after dark

By Renae Blum

Blazing temperatures can put a damper on outdoor fun during the day. So why not head outside after dark? Bring a friend and explore one of the following options under the cover of night.   

Fishing

Fishing at night is a great way to beat the heat. It also can make for a great fishing experience, depending on the species and location, said Daryl Bauer, Nebraska Game and Parks’ fisheries outreach program manager.

“Just about any species of fish is more active during low-light periods, which is late in the day, early in the morning and after dark,” Bauer said. He added that while most people think of fishing after dark in the summer, it can be a good opportunity year-round.

“Honestly, there are times I fish after dark when I’m ice-fishing, so it’s not just a summer thing,” Bauer said. “A lot of my best fish have been caught after dark.”

Anglers should seek out clear waters for the best opportunities. Consider using a headlight or a mini mag flashlight, as well as lighted or glow-in-the-dark bobbers, depending on what you’re fishing for.

Observe the night sky

The night sky holds wonders year-round. Find a place away from city lights to sit back and enjoy the view with family and friends.

In August, you can look forward to a couple astronomical sights. One is the Perseid meteor shower, the largest of the year, which peaks on Aug. 11 and 12. During the peak, you might spot as many as 50 meteors an hour, which rises to 90 or more if you can find a true dark sky location. This year’s display should be especially good as the moon will set in time to see the action. The best viewing is from midnight to sunrise, but any time after dark will work.

On Aug. 19, you can observe the full Sturgeon Moon, which is the first supermoon of the year. A supermoon occurs when the moon is full and at its closest point to Earth. It also happens to be a blue moon, which is the third of four full moons in an astronomical season.

Watch wildlife

Observing wildlife at night is a great way to connect with nature – and there’s a variety of opportunities. You might spot mammals like raccoons, deer, bats and coyotes, as well as owls, frogs, toads and fireflies. To prepare, familiarize yourself with the habitat and the types of animals you might encounter. Dress in dark, quiet clothing and bring a flashlight or headlamp with a red filter; binoculars; camera; insect repellant and comfortable shoes.

For your best chance at spotting wildlife, be patient, move quietly, use red light and stay downwind. It’s also important to be safe, so go with a friend and have a plan. Let someone know where you’re going and when you plan to return. Also, be respectful of the wildlife you see and practice leave-no-trace principles.

Campground games

Dark skies can add extra excitement to ordinary campground games – and give kids an alternative to screen time. After sunset, get your group together and play games like Truth or Dare, Telephone or Hide and Seek. You can modify Hide and Seek to be played with flashlights; whoever gets caught in the flashlight’s glare is out. Set boundaries so kids know how far they’re allowed to wander.

Light-up or glow-in-the-dark toys are great options as well. Before your next camping adventure, buy some glow-in-the-dark ring toss or cornhole equipment. Glow sticks or glow-in-the-dark Easter eggs can be another source of fun.

Listen for wildlife

It can be easier sometimes to hear wildlife at night rather than see it. For example, owls, coyotes, frogs and toads, and crickets and katydids all make distinctive sounds at night.

Before you head out, familiarize yourself with the typical calls of local wildlife species and know the habitat you’re heading to, as different habitats attract different wildlife. Position yourself near suitable habitats such as ponds for frogs, wooded areas for owls, or open fields for crickets and katydids. You might want to bring along a recording device or smartphone app so you can listen back later and work on identification.

Be sure to pick a quiet location away from human noise and activity, and once you’re there, let your hearing adjust to the environment. Be patient, staying quiet and still. You also can try listening at different times; some animals are more vocal during specific times of night. Try listening during dusk, midnight and early morning to catch a variety of species.

Go mothing

One fun way to discover the wildlife around you is through mothing – using a light to look for moths at night. Mothing can be done anywhere there are plants for their caterpillars to eat, so a backyard, forest, garden or woodland area can work. You’ll need a light source, such as a flashlight, lantern or porch light, as well as a flat surface such as a bedsheet, towel, shower curtain or laundry basket.

Before you head out, check the weather – clear nights with no rain are best. When ready, hang up your sheet and aim your light source at it. Then be patient, as it may take a while for nearby moths to see your light. Wait and see what lands on your sheet and be gentle. If you want to observe a moth up close, approach it slowly and gently. Moths can be easily startled and may fly away if disturbed.

Consider taking photos or notes to document what you see and to help with identification. You also can check back periodically from dusk to late evening, which is when moths are most active; you might spot different species.

Go boating

If you’re looking to stargaze or fish, boating at night can be a fun opportunity. This activity is best for seasoned boaters who are familiar with the lake in question, said Nebraska Game and Parks’ Boating Law Administrator Jeff Clauson.

Those boating after dark should avoid alcohol and be wary of other vessels, as well as hazards in the water. “Make sure you have your lights working and leave them on even when the bugs come out,” Clauson said.

For more ideas on outdoor fun, and to learn more about Nebraska’s wildlife, visit OutdoorNebraska.gov.