Overview of Leisure and Recreational Activities

Leisure and recreational activities provide people with an opportunity to socialize, enjoy nature, learn a new skill, or simply relax. Leisure activities can be pursued on a volunteer basis, an individual basis, as a family, or with a team. Popular leisure activities include sports, outdoor recreation, performing arts, religious activities, camping, hobbies, and entertainment such as going to movies or theaters.

Career Opportunities Associated with Leisure and Recreational Activities

Careers associated with leisure and recreational activities include administrators, managers, instructors, trainers, guides, counselors, academics and researchers. Administrators and managers often work in facilities such as recreation centers, parks, and sports fields. Leisure instructors teach classes on a variety of activities such as swimming, golf, and cycling. Guides ensure the safety of recreational participants, while counselors may provide guidance in a therapeutic or educational setting. Academics and researchers use their expertise to understand the impact of leisure activities on people’s lives and make recommendations for improved programs and facilities.

Internship or Co-op Opportunities Related to Leisure and Recreational Activities

Internships and co-op opportunities related to leisure and recreational activities are available in diverse settings, including parks, recreation centers, event venues, outdoors recreation companies, and sports teams. Interns have the opportunity to work alongside professionals in the field and gain unique experience in an area of interest.

Specialized Tracks or Concentrations within Leisure and Recreational Activities

Specialized tracks are available in leisure and recreational activities, such as health and wellness, adventure recreation, outdoor recreation management, parks and recreation, and sports. These tracks may cover a variety of topics such as risk management, marketing, budgeting, and how to design programs for specific populations.

How Leisure and Recreational Activities Prepare Students for Graduate School or Further Education

Those interested in pursing leisure and recreational activities can gain a variety of skills and knowledge that can help prepare them for further study. Students can learn problem-solving and critical-thinking skills that are applicable to graduate programs and research, as well as develop an understanding of the psychological, physiological, and social aspects of activity in leisure and recreation activities. Students may also gain an understanding of the social and environmental implications of recreational activities and how to be properly equipped for activities.

Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Leisure and Recreational Activities

Artificial intelligence is increasingly being used in the recreation and leisure industry to create better experiences for users. For example, AI technology is being used to power customized recommendations for customers, create more efficient and cost-effective staffing models, and develop pervasive intelligence services such as interactive games. Additionally, AI-based applications are being used to monitor safety and ensure events and activities are running smoothly.

The Career Outlook for Leisure and Recreational Activities

Employment growth for the leisure and recreational activities industry is expected to remain strong in the coming years. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in the industry is expected to grow by 10% from 2019 to 2029, a rate that is faster than average for all other occupations. With the influx of technology, industry experts predict that leisure and recreational activities will become more personalized, immersive, and accessible to everyone.

Here are the top reported starting salaries for graduates in Leisure and Recreational Activities:

Fitchburg State University, Salary: $31,540

Chowan University, Salary: $23,797

SUNY at Fredonia, Salary: $19,306

For privacy reasons, not all schools report the first year salaries for students who earned their bachelor’s degree in Leisure and Recreational Activities.