Utah’s 2026 Every Kid Outdoors Adventure Challenge Kicks Off With Statewide Events

Utah is doubling down on getting youngsters exterior in 2026.

The Utah Division of Out of doors Recreation formally launched its yearlong 2026 Journey Problem on Friday, internet hosting a free Winter Journey celebration on the Utah Olympic Oval in Salt Lake Metropolis. The kickoff occasion is a part of the state’s broader Each Child Outdoor Initiative, geared toward encouraging Utah youth to spend extra time exterior and fewer time on screens.

The occasion was held in partnership with the Utah Olympic Legacy Basis and different neighborhood teams.

“Utah’s Each Child Outdoor Initiative is about making out of doors recreation really feel welcoming, achievable, and enjoyable for each household,” mentioned Caroline Weiler, the Division of Out of doors Recreation’s youth engagement program supervisor. “Via the Journey Problem, we’re serving to youngsters construct confidence, curiosity and a lifelong connection to the outside by one easy journey at a time.”

Winter Kickoff on the Utah Olympic Oval

Households who attended the Winter Journey kickoff obtained free skate leases, tried curling, shot hockey pucks and met former Olympic pace skater Jerica Tandiman, a Kearns native. Members additionally registered for the 2026 Journey Problem and picked up “passports” to trace their out of doors actions all year long.

The Journey Problem encourages youth ages 3 to 18 to finish 15 age-appropriate out of doors adventures at their very own tempo, wherever in Utah. The initiative was established via a 2019 legislative decision signed by the governor and Utah Legislature. It’s now led by the Division of Out of doors Recreation, which operates underneath the Utah Division of Pure Assets.

In line with nationwide analysis cited by organizers, youngsters ages 8 to 18 spend a mean of seven.5 hours per day on screens, whereas spending solely minutes taking part in exterior. Research present that out of doors recreation can scale back stress, enhance focus, assist emotional well being and promote bodily exercise — all advantages the Journey Problem is designed to strengthen.

2026 Journey Problem Occasions Deliberate

Listed here are the official 2026 Journey Problem occasions introduced to date: 

• Winter 2026 — Winter Journey Kickoff Occasion

  Fri, Feb. 20 3:00–6:00 PM at Utah Olympic Oval — Free household out of doors winter actions and program kickoff. 

• Spring 2026 — Sand Hole Campout

  Fri, Apr. 24 5:00–10:00 PM at Sand Hole State Park — A household campout with night actions across the campfire. 

• Summer time 2026 — Logan Canyon Journey

  Sat, Aug. 1 10:00 AM–3:00 PM beginning at Utah State College, Logan — Consists of fly fishing, mountain climbing, mountain biking and different actions for all ages. 

• Fall 2026 — Dinosaurland Journey

  Fri, Oct. 9 1:00–9:30 PM at Utah Subject Home Museum — A fall-themed out of doors journey occasion celebrating Utah’s prehistoric landscapes. 

Further Neighborhood and Problem Occasions

Past the key seasonal Journey Problem gatherings, households can take part in community-based alternatives to discover nature and earn badge progress: 

• Nature Stroll Meetup — Eccles Wildlife Training Middle: Feb. 25 — Free

• March Second Saturday Cleanup: Mar. 14 — All-day, Free

• April #LoveYourWatershed Cleanup: Apr. 11 10:00 AM–12:00 PM — Free

• Could #LoveYourWatershed Cleanup: Could 9 10:00 AM–12:00 PM — Free

• June #LoveYourWatershed Cleanup: Jun. 13 10:00 AM–12:00 PM — Free

How Households Can Get Concerned

Households, educators and neighborhood companions can be a part of the Journey Problem at any time throughout the 12 months. Further details about upcoming occasions is out there at recreation.utah.gov/utah-every-kid-outdoors/ and on Instagram at @UtahEveryKidOutdoors.

The Division of Out of doors Recreation was created by the Utah Legislature in 2022 to supervise recreation administration packages, together with the state’s boating and off-highway automobile packages, whereas selling entry, security, stewardship and financial progress via out of doors recreation.

Deanna

Deanna is a former Toyota mechanic, present EMT-I, and authorized Doctor Assistant with a lifelong ardour for journey and self-reliance. When she’s not practising drugs or wrenching, you’ll discover her exploring the rugged deserts and mountain landscapes of the Southwest. She’s normally off wandering trails, chasing quiet sunsets, and unplugging from the noise of contemporary life.