Utah is doubling down on getting kids outside in 2026.
The Utah Division of Outdoor Recreation officially launched its yearlong 2026 Adventure Challenge on Friday, hosting a free Winter Adventure celebration at the Utah Olympic Oval in Salt Lake City. The kickoff event is part of the state’s broader Every Kid Outdoors Initiative, aimed at encouraging Utah youth to spend more time outside and less time on screens.
The event was held in partnership with the Utah Olympic Legacy Foundation and other community groups.
“Utah’s Every Kid Outdoors Initiative is about making outdoor recreation feel welcoming, achievable, and fun for every family,” said Caroline Weiler, the Division of Outdoor Recreation’s youth engagement program manager. “Through the Adventure Challenge, we’re helping kids build confidence, curiosity and a lifelong connection to the outdoors by one simple adventure at a time.”
Winter Kickoff at the Utah Olympic Oval
Families who attended the Winter Adventure kickoff received free skate rentals, tried curling, shot hockey pucks and met former Olympic speed skater Jerica Tandiman, a Kearns native. Participants also registered for the 2026 Adventure Challenge and picked up “passports” to track their outdoor activities throughout the year.
The Adventure Challenge encourages youth ages 3 to 18 to complete 15 age-appropriate outdoor adventures at their own pace, anywhere in Utah. The initiative was established through a 2019 legislative resolution signed by the governor and Utah Legislature. It is now led by the Division of Outdoor Recreation, which operates under the Utah Department of Natural Resources.
According to national research cited by organizers, children ages 8 to 18 spend an average of 7.5 hours per day on screens, while spending only minutes playing outside. Studies show that outdoor recreation can reduce stress, improve focus, support emotional health and promote physical activity — all benefits the Adventure Challenge is designed to reinforce.
2026 Adventure Challenge Events Planned
Here are the official 2026 Adventure Challenge events announced so far:
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Winter 2026 — Winter Adventure Kickoff Event
Fri, Feb. 20 3:00–6:00 PM at Utah Olympic Oval — Free family outdoor winter activities and program kickoff.
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Spring 2026 — Sand Hollow Campout
Fri, Apr. 24 5:00–10:00 PM at Sand Hollow State Park — A family campout with evening activities around the campfire.
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Summer 2026 — Logan Canyon Adventure
Sat, Aug. 1 10:00 AM–3:00 PM starting at Utah State University, Logan — Includes fly fishing, rock climbing, mountain biking and other activities for all ages.
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Fall 2026 — Dinosaurland Adventure
Fri, Oct. 9 1:00–9:30 PM at Utah Field House Museum — A fall-themed outdoor adventure event celebrating Utah’s prehistoric landscapes.
Additional Community and Challenge Events
Beyond the major seasonal Adventure Challenge gatherings, families can participate in community-based opportunities to explore nature and earn badge progress:
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Nature Walk Meetup — Eccles Wildlife Education Center: Feb. 25 — Free
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March Second Saturday Cleanup: Mar. 14 — All-day, Free
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April #LoveYourWatershed Cleanup: Apr. 11 10:00 AM–12:00 PM — Free
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May #LoveYourWatershed Cleanup: May 9 10:00 AM–12:00 PM — Free
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June #LoveYourWatershed Cleanup: Jun. 13 10:00 AM–12:00 PM — Free
How Families Can Get Involved
Families, educators and community partners can join the Adventure Challenge at any time during the year. Additional information about upcoming events is available at recreation.utah.gov/utah-every-kid-outdoors/ and on Instagram at @UtahEveryKidOutdoors.
The Division of Outdoor Recreation was created by the Utah Legislature in 2022 to oversee recreation management programs, including the state’s boating and off-highway vehicle programs, while promoting access, safety, stewardship and economic growth through outdoor recreation.
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