Your Top 3 Paid Recreational Activities for Midlife? Here Are Mine.

We all know the importance of staying active, but let’s be real — it’s a whole lot easier (and more fun) to stick with movement when it doesn’t feel like “exercise.” That’s where paid recreational activities come in. You put a bit of money down, and what you get back isn’t just fitness — it’s energy, community, purpose, and sometimes, even a rush of adrenaline.

So, what are your top three? I’ve thought about mine — not from a “status” or “gear” point of view — but from the standpoint of: what activities do I pay for that genuinely light me up and help me age better?

Here are my top three picks right now:

1. America the Beautiful Pass – $20 USD (Senior Pass)This is hands-down one of the best deals around. For just $20, you get lifetime access to 63 National Parks and more than 2,000 federal recreation sites across the United States. That includes national forests, monuments, seashores, wildlife refuges — the whole spectrum. Whether it’s hiking through Bryce Canyon, paddling in the Everglades, or wandering the redwoods, this pass gives you a front-row seat to nature’s best. And from a healthspan lens? Time in green space reduces stress, boosts heart health, and supports cognitive function. Win-win.

"America the Beautiful” Interagency Pass Program – A handy chart outlining annual and lifetime federal recreation land passes, including a Senior Annual Pass card.

2. Cypress Mountain Silver Ski & Cross-Country Ski Pass – C$518As someone who lives near Vancouver, I’m lucky to have this gem just a short drive away. Cypress is my go-to for winter — and this pass covers both downhill and cross-country. For me, it’s the perfect combo of high-intensity bursts and long, steady cardio. Plus, skiing forces you to engage your balance, core strength, and reaction time — exactly the kind of stuff that keeps you sharp as you age. Add fresh mountain air and those panoramic views? It’s like a workout and a reset button in one.

Downhill Ski or Cross-Country today at Cypress Mountain?

3. Krav Maga Lessons – C$200 for 10 Lessons This one’s a bit of a curveball, but stick with me. Krav Maga is a no-nonsense self-defense system developed in Israel. It’s not flashy — it’s effective. The workouts are intense and practical. You’re building full-body strength, quick reflexes, endurance, and mental resilience. There’s something empowering about training in a way that prepares you for real-world situations. And let’s face it — being able to move fast, stay grounded, and defend yourself if needed is part of a well-rounded future-fit life.

Krav Maga training at ImpactKMF – A self-defense system rooted in real-world combat, taught in a safe and empowering environment. The image captures a hands-on moment from class, illustrating instinctive techniques in action.

So that’s my current Big Three: nature, snow, and self-defense. A close 4th was the indoor climbing gym.

What are yours? Drop them in the comments, or better yet — go try something new. Movement should be meaningful, and a little fun (or fire) never hurts. 🔥