A day spent in the great outdoors is worth cherishing. We've put together an infographic filled with fun facts about outdoor sports and recreation to inspire you to get outside more! For people who have difficulties viewing graphics, we have happily provided a text version of these fun facts at the bottom of this page.
Bonus Fun Fact: If you love nature so much that you'd choose to work outside all year long, you might have what John Holland refers to as a "realistic personality."
“As soon as I saw you, I knew a grand adventure was about to happen.”
- Winnie the Pooh -
Enjoy!
Did you know that families that engage in physical activities together are happier, healthier and have stronger bonds?
According to the Physical Activity Council Report, in 2018 close to 60% of Americans (6 years and older) engaged in some type of outdoor sport. 4% of that number were people ones who tried something new and 5% who went back to outdoor activities after a break.
\In another study, the Outdoor Participation Report found the rate to be a bit lower with 49.9% of Americans participating in outdoor recreational activities in 2017.
While it's great that about of half of all Americans get outside for both fitness and recreation, 30% reported ZERO time engaging in outdoor activities.
If you're an outdoor enthusiast like we are, we bet you can't imagine life without regularly enjoying your favorite outdoor sports and activities. In fact, 80% of us wish we had MORE time to spend outside.
In hopes of inspiring people to get outside more for recreation, or to try an outdoor sport or activity that's brand new to them, we put together some fun facts about the most popular outdoor recreation activities in the United States.
13 Fun Facts about Popular Outdoor Sports and Activities | Infographic by Enjoy the Outdoor Life
Sharing is welcome, just embed this code:
Inspired to get outside and have fun?
Check out some great articles about popular outdoor recreational activities and sports.
What are some of the most popular outdoor activities in the United States?
Land Sports & Activities
Camping, Hiking & Climbing Fun Fact:
Hiking is now the most popular outdoor adventure activity. The number of campers is also on the rise.
Gardening & Working in Yard Fun Fact:
Gardening is great exercise and helps with strength, flexibility and endurance - and it helps you sleep better!
Hunting & Target Sports Fun Fact:
In general, hunted animals are better for you & more nutritious due to natural diet and because they roam free.
Riding, Running & Walking Fun Fact:
Cycling, running and walking are the top activities Americans do for physical fitness, with walking in the #1 spot.
Winter Sports - Snow & Ice Activities Fun Fact:
Not everyone hates the cold - close to 15 million Americans went skiing in 2017! Sledding is still a family favorite.
Sports, Recreation & Hobbies Fun Fact:
Barbecuing, picnicking, walking and birdwatching are among the top recreational activities - especially in summer.
Sky Sports & Activities
Drones, RC Planes & Aircraft Fun Fact:
In January 2018, there were over 1 million registered drone owners. 58% of Americans are interested in trying one.
Gliding & Soaring Fun Fact:
The very first hang glider was built in 1890 from wood and cloth. They've come a long way since then.
Sky Diving & Jumping Fun Fact:
Out of close to 3.3 million sky dives in 2018, there were only 13 fatalities - the lowest ever in the history of the sport!
Water Sports & Activities
Boating, Sailing & Rafting Fun Fact:
Whitewater kayaking & rafting are now among the top adventure sports. Americans love casual boating and tubing too.
Fishing & Trawling Fun Fact:
Most states offer free fishing with no license during National Fishing & Boating Week - usually the 1st week of June.
Water Skiing, Surfing & Boarding Fun Fact:
35 million people around the world are surfers. That's more than three times how many there were in 2002.
Swimming, Diving & Underwater Fun Fact:
Did you know free divers can hold their breath for 10 minutes? Or that half of Americans don't know how to swim?
Sources: