Record Number of Americans Participate in Outdoor Recreation

A record number of Americans participated in at least one outdoor activity in 2013 with nearly 50 percent of all Americans ages six and older enjoying the outdoors. That percentage equates to 142.6 million American outdoor participants. Although the number of participants rose, the percentage of participants fell slightly from 49.4 percent in 2012 to 49.2 percent in 2013, due to population increase.

These findings are part of The Outdoor Foundation's 2014 Outdoor Recreation Participation Topline Report, the leading report tracking American participation trends in outdoor recreation with a focus on youth, young adults and the future of the outdoors.

Compared to 2012, participation in outdoor activities increased or remained flat among youth and young adults - signaling a positive trend in America's inactivity crisis. The participation rate among children ages six to 12 rose one percentage point to 64 percent. Participation among young adults ages 18 to 24 also rose one point to 58 percent, while hard-to-reach adolescents, ages 13 to 17, remained flat at 60 percent.

Young participants were slightly more diverse in 2013 than they were in 2012, thanks to increased Hispanic participation. Hispanic participation increased from eight percent in 2012 to 10 percent in 2013. Also, young females are now participating in outdoor activities at the same rate as young males. Since 2008, males had outpaced females in outdoor recreation participation.

"We are particularly encouraged by the increase in active young people, which reflects nationwide efforts to re-engage and re-inspire America's youth to get outdoors," said Christine Fanning, executive director of The Outdoor Foundation. "Through our Outdoor Nation initiative, the Foundation and its partners will continue to empower youth and young adults to lead the growing outdoor movement, inspiring a new generation of outdoor enthusiasts and committed stewards."

The Topline Report is based on an online survey of more than 19,000 Americans ages six and older and covers 114 different outdoor activities, making it the largest survey of its kind.

To download a complete copy of the 2014 Outdoor Recreation Topline Participation Report, visit The Outdoor Foundation website at http://www.outdoorfoundation.org/research.

About the Outdoor Foundation
 
The Outdoor Foundation is a national not-for-profit organization dedicated to inspiring and growing future generations of outdoor leaders and enthusiasts. Through groundbreaking research, youth engagement and empowerment and effective grant-making, the Foundation works with young leaders and partners to mobilize a major cultural shift that leads all Americans to the great outdoors. In 2010, the Foundation launched Outdoor Nation, a pioneering initiative that empowers young leaders to champion the outdoors on campuses and in communities across the United States.

By press release