Welcome to Utah’s Every Kid Outdoors Initiative
Welcome to Utah’s Every Kid Outdoors Initiative
We empower young people to explore outside.
Utah’s Every Kid Outdoors is the state’s initiative dedicated to promoting a healthy, active, nature-filled childhood for all of Utah’s youth. We help children foster a lifelong passion for outdoor recreation by providing the resources, inspiration, and tools to connect families, schools, and communities to nature.
Every Kid Outdoors in Action
Watch how kids around Utah are earning badges and creating unforgettable memories.
What is Utah's Every Kid Outdoors Adventure Challenge?
We invite all Utah’s youth (ages 3-18) to spend time in nature through 14 challenges designed to foster a lifelong passion for the outdoors. The Adventure Challenge Passport is a keepsake that tracks the journey.
How To Participate
Kids & Families
Step outside and join the Adventure Challenge!
Utah’s Every Kid Outdoors Adventure Challenge program empowers families to get out and explore outside.
Educators
Empower students through outdoor learning experiences
Access the Curriculum Hub, learn about grant opportunities, and sign up for the educator newsletter!
Community Partners
Strengthen community through nature connection
A partnership with Every Kid Outdoors shows a profound commitment to the health and future of Utah's children.
Need Help Getting Started?
Check out our upcoming Adventure Challenge events. Every Kid Outdoors and our community partners host free or low-cost events that empower outdoor recreation and foster a lifelong love of nature.
Annual Every Kid Outdoors Events
Summer 2026 | Logan Canyon Adventure
Sat, Aug 1 | 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Utah State University
Fall 2026 | Dinosaurland Adventure
Fri, Oct 9 | 1:00 - 9:30 PM
Utah Field House Museum
Community Calendar
Events
Calendar of Events
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Kick off the week of SoJo Summerfest! Get a sneak peek of select parade floats, enjoy food trucks, and join the kite festival Tuesday evening on the west side of South Jordan!
Free
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1 event,
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Join the SUU STEM Center's Open House event! Bring your family to this FREE event for the entire community. You will learn about the geological features along the Coal Creek Trail, the forces that created the features, how the water in the creek is managed, and participate in fun rock related STEAM activities. There will be food trucks available to ...
Free
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Denise is the founder of Utah Mountain Lion Conservation, an initiative dedicated to increasing social tolerance of mountain lions through education, collaboration, community engagement, and research. She studied Natural Resources Management, Wildlife Biology, and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) at Grand Valley State in Allendale, Michigan. She's worked on a wild felid study in the Peruvian Amazon evaluating wild cat interactions ...
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1 event,
Join us Sunday mornings at 9am at the Pavilion in the Riverwoods for a family friendly, free, fun Vinyasa Flow Yoga class sponsored by 3B Movement!
Free
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2 events,
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Come Join the Bicknell Library in partnership with Wayne County 4-H, Utah Natural History Museum and Capitol Reef National Park to explore utah's Natural Geography and discover Dinosaurs!
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3 events,
USU Extension Sevier County, 4-H, and Jorgensen's are excited to announce our summer Intro to Outdoor Skills Nights and Saturday Excursions. Come join us to explore and learn about some fun outdoor skills and activities for the whole family. You can also pick up your Every Kid Outdoor Adventure Challenge Passport (free DNR family program) at any of the following ...
USU Extension Sevier County, 4-H, and Jorgensen's are excited to announce our summer Intro to Outdoor Skills Nights and Saturday Excursions. Come join us to explore and learn about some fun outdoor skills and activities for the whole family. You can also pick up your Every Kid Outdoor Adventure Challenge Passport (free DNR family program) at any of the following ...
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Trash and debris from roadway curbs and gutters enters the Jordan River where it is difficult to remove. Make a habit of volunteering on the second Saturday of the month with your friends, family, and community and help us prevent garbage from getting into the Jordan River. We provide tools, water, & snacks. Dress for the weather, come ready to ...
Free
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2 events,
Join us Sunday mornings at 9am at the Pavilion in the Riverwoods for a family friendly, free, fun Vinyasa Flow Yoga class sponsored by 3B Movement!
Free
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3 events,
In-Person Class Join us for a monthly song and story adventure presented by SLCo Library's Early Learning department! Have your little ones enjoy learning with the library while also getting outside and experiencing the garden. Fun for the little ones and their caring adult. Storytime will be hosted at Conservation Garden Park every third Tuesday of the month. Storytime will ...
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Wasatch Adaptive Sports (WAS), in collaboration with the Utah Jazz and supported by Stanley 1913, will host an inclusive Bike Rodeo event on Tuesday, June 16th at Liberty Park basketball court, bringing together youth with disabilities and their families for a morning focused on movement, confidence, and community. The event will feature a playful adaptive bike obstacle course designed to ... |
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Join us for a Nature Journaling session and earn your EKO Passport sticker! Explore, observe, and capture the beauty of the outdoors on June 18 from 10:00–11:30 AM at Theodore Ahlin Park. Don’t forget to bring your journal and a pen or pencil! |
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Join us for a botany/ecology walk led by ecologist Marc Coles-Ritchie. Learn about the beautiful plants of Best Friends and Southern Utah. We will slowly walk the half-mile trail to the Gratitude Garden identifying wildflowers, grasses and shrubs as we go and come back on the same trail, for a round trip of 1 mile. You can turn around at ...
Free
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2 events,
Join us Sunday mornings at 9am at the Pavilion in the Riverwoods for a family friendly, free, fun Vinyasa Flow Yoga class sponsored by 3B Movement!
Free
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4 events,
A wildlife and solar exploration. Otters and Others Zoo and Conservation has teamed up with Rocky Mountain Astronomy Tours to discover how animals survive beneath the blazing desert sun while safely viewing the real sun through a solar telescope experience.
Free
Join us for a beginner-friendly Birding 101 class followed by a guided community bird walk. We will start indoors with an interactive lesson covering birding basics, what to look and listen for, and how to use binoculars. After the class, all participants are invited to join a guided bird walk led by Wasatch Audubon, exploring Ogden Nature Center with a ...
Free
A wildlife and solar exploration. Otters and Others Zoo and Conservation has teamed up with Rocky Mountain Astronomy Tours to discover how animals survive beneath the blazing desert sun while safely viewing the real sun through a solar telescope experience.
Free
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3 events,
Hey, families of the Four Corners region! Is your student going into grades 7 through 12 next year? Do they love the outdoors? They're invited to join Bears Ears Partnership for a free three-day, two-night trip on the upper San Juan River! Session 2 takes place June 28-30. Participants will enjoy tasty meals, go for guided nature walks or hikes, ...
Free
Join us Sunday mornings at 9am at the Pavilion in the Riverwoods for a family friendly, free, fun Vinyasa Flow Yoga class sponsored by 3B Movement!
Free
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2 events,
Join us Sunday mornings at 9am at the Pavilion in the Riverwoods for a family friendly, free, fun Vinyasa Flow Yoga class sponsored by 3B Movement!
Free
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Explore the Adventure Challenge
Each of the 14 badges represents an outdoor experience that will help you discover new skills, explore nature, and create lasting memories. There is no wrong way to Adventure Challenge! Use the 14 themes to get creative about spending time outside. Try something new - and you are Challenging!
Nature Journaling Challenge
Record your discoveries!
For this challenge, you might:
- Keep a nature observation journal
- Draw or sketch plants and animals
- Record weather patterns
- Write about outdoor experiences
- Create a nature photo diary
Winter Adventure
Brave the cold!
For this challenge, you might:
- Experiment with snow photography
- Build a snow fort
- Go sledding, tubing, or ice-blocking
- Try cross-country or nordic skiing
- Track animal prints in the snow
Winter Games
Have fun in the snow!
For this challenge, you might:
- Try ice skating or sledding
- Build snow sculptures
- Play winter outdoor games
- Learn a winter sport
- Make hot cocoa outdoors
Trail Challenge
Hit the paths well-traveled!
For this challenge, you might:
- Complete a nature hike
- Learn Leave No Trace principles
- Navigate using a map and compass
- Identify trail markers and signs
- Hike to a scenic viewpoint
Starry Skies
Explore the night sky!
For this challenge, you might:
- Identify constellations
- Watch a meteor shower
- Use a telescope or binoculars
- Visit a planetarium or observatory
- Take night sky photos
Camping Challenge
Sleep under the stars!
For this challenge, you might:
- Set up a tent properly
- Learn to build a campfire safely
- Cook a meal outdoors
- Tell stories around the fire
- Sleep outdoors at least one night
Water Discovery
Make a splash!
For this challenge, you might:
- Explore your local body of water
- Learn about water safety
- Try paddleboarding, kayaking, or sailing
- Go fishing or learn to fish
- Participate in a water sport
Observe Wildlife
Study animals in nature!
For this challenge, you might:
- Spot and identify 5 different animals
- Learn bird calls and songs
- Find animal tracks or signs
- Visit a wildlife sanctuary or zoo
- Create a wildlife observation journal
Utah Rocks!
Explore Utah's Geology!
For this challenge, you might:
- Visit a Utah state park with unique rock formations
- Learn about different types of rocks
- Go rockhounding for interesting specimens
- Create a rock collection
- Learn about Utah's geological history
Utah's Wild Places
Explore Utah's protected areas!
For this challenge, you might:
- Visit a Utah National Park
- Explore a state park or monument
- Learn about conservation efforts
- Take photos of natural landscapes
- Participate in a ranger program
Plant Discovery
Get acquainted with Utah's plants!
For this challenge, you might:
- Learn about foraging safely
- Harvest vegetables from a garden
- Collect fallen leaves for art projects
- Learn about seasonal foods
- Find a flower and look for pollinators
Nature Mindfulness
Find peace in Nature!
For this challenge, you might:
- Practice meditation outdoors
- Do mindful walking in nature
- Listen to natural sounds
- Practice breathing exercises outside
- Find a peaceful outside sit spot
Share Nature With a Friend
Bring others outdoors!
For this challenge, you might:
- Take a friend on their first hike
- Teach someone about nature
- Organize a group outdoor activity
- Share your favorite outdoor spot
- Lead a nature walk for others
Utah Forever
Protecting Utah, now and forever!
For this challenge, you might:
- Learn about Leave No Trace
- Clean up liter in the park
- Volunteer to remove invasive weeds
- Learn about recycling in your area
- Leave an area better than you found it
Utah’s Every Kid Outdoors is a statewide initiative that empowers outdoor recreation and fosters a lifelong passion for the outdoors.
We invite all Utah’s youth (ages 3-18) to spend time in nature through 14 challenges designed to foster a lifelong passion for the outdoors. The Adventure Challenge Passport is a keepsake that tracks the journey.
Our Background
Utah's Every Kid Outdoors Initiative launched with a 2019 legislative resolution signed by the Governor and the Utah State Legislature (H.C.R. 4), and is now run by the Utah Division of Outdoor Recreation.
Our Goal
To foster a healthy, active, and nature-filled childhood for all of Utah's youth.
Our Why
On average, children 8 to 18 are spending 7.5 hours a day on screens. The average American child spends four to seven minutes a day playing outside. Children are becoming more disconnected from nature, engaging in less exercise, and are at increased risks for poor health.
Studies confirm that outdoor play reduces stress, improves focus, enhances emotional health, and reduces the risk of obesity.
Our Approach
Through the Adventure Challenge and our partnerships with educators and community partners, we're making outdoor recreation accessible, regardless of background or experience level—so that all Utah's youth can benefit from a healthy, active childhood.
Because every child deserves the opportunity to experience the transformative power of outdoor adventure.
Thank You to Our Sponsors
Utah's Every Kid Outdoors is made possible through the generous support of organizations that share our commitment to connecting youth with nature and fostering a lifelong passion for the outdoors.
Strategic Sponsors
Top level support from renowned Utah agencies.
Venue Sponsors
Increbile spaces that allow the Utah's Every Kid Outdoors mission to flourish.
Interested in Partnering With Us?
Join our mission to empower outdoor exploration and foster a lifelong passion for the outdoors.
Ready to Start Your Adventure?
Don't wait - Utah's incredible outdoors are calling! Start your EKO Adventure Challenge today and discover the amazing experiences waiting just outside your door.
A successful summer launch party? Yea yea 😎.
A huge thank you to everyone who joined us for the Great Outdoors Market & Summer Launch Party in partnership with @millcreekpublicmarket!
Whether you came out to climb, skate, shop, learn about outdoor opportunities, or just soak up the clear skies, we’re glad you were there! Make sure to check out the Great Outdoor Market, open daily through June 21 from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Co-hosted with @utahdor and @millcreekpublicmarket, the market features Utah-based outdoor brands, gear, apparel, and products that help people get outside and explore the incredible recreation opportunities our state has to offer.
Special thanks to our amazing collaborators:
@millcreekcommon
@millcreekpublicmarket
@theothersidedonuts
@kneaders
#UtahDOR #UtahOutdoors #RecreationElevated #GreatOutdoorsMarket #OutdoorRecreation
EKO Highlight: GIVE IT UP FOR THE FOLKS UP NORTH!
Join us and @utahdor for our EKO Summer Adventure Challenge, where families can explore Logan Canyon through hands-on outdoor activities and experiences.
We’re kicking things off with the following:
🚲 Bike Rodeo
🤝 Outdoor partner activities
📍 Utah State University’s Quad
Then it’s time to choose your own adventure:
🚲 Hit the trails on a mountain bike
🐴 Saddle up for horseback riding
🐦 Feed hummingbirds
🥾 Explore on foot
🛶 Canoeing
🌲 And more…
Bring the family, bring your sense of adventure, and we’ll see you there. Register for FREE at the link in our bio.
#UtahDOR #EKOAdventureChallenge #RecreationElevated #LoganUtah #CacheValley
Go outside - and bring a good book! 📖🌱
We are proud to highlight the Grand County Library in Moab for being a community partner with Utah’s Every Kid Outdoors Initiative!
Check out their specially curated section filled with children’s books all about nature, wildlife, and the magic of getting outside 🦌🌻
🔎 Can you spot the Adventure Challenge passports?
👉 Wondering where you can pick up your own Adventure Challenge passport? Follow the link in our bio to check out a map of distribution locations to find one near you!
Summer vacation is right around the corner and we’ve got another great event planned to get you and your family ready for some fun in the sun. ☀️
Join us, Monday, May 18th from 5:00 - 7:00 PM at Millcreek Common for the Great Outdoors Market and summer Launch Party. 🎊
Get ready to kick off summer with outdoor recreation! Families will enjoy FREE rock climbing or roller skating, shopping at the Great Outdoors Market, eating at a food truck, and learning more about our amazing outdoor recreation partners. 🧗🛼
Families can follow the adventure map to learn about outdoor recreation summer activities and win prizes! Explore unique stalls, savor delicious bites, and soak up the summer vibes of the Great Outdoors Market. Whether you’re shopping, mingling, or just enjoying the sunny weather, this party is the place to be.🌤️
Register through the link in our bio!
From sunrise to stargazing… this one hit. ⭐
Huge thanks to everyone who joined us for the EKO Campout at Sand Hollow State Park, from the families who pitched tents to the kids who stayed up just a little too late by the fire… y’all made it a good one.
We’re still thinking about the Campfire hangs + s’mores, kayaks and paddle boards out on the water, first casts, and new connections + outdoor memories made under the stars!✨
This is what Every Kid Outdoors is all about, getting outside, trying something new, and making it accessible for families across Utah.🎉
We couldn’t have done it alone, big thanks to our partners and supporters who helped make the night happen:
🙌Sand Hollow State Park
🏜️Grand Canyon-Parashant National Monument
🔬SUU STEM Center for Teaching & Learning
🎣Utah Division of Widlife Resources
🐾Best Friends Animal Society
🛶Summit Journeys
🌕St. George Astronomy Club
And shoutout to the folks who donated to keep everyone fueled:
🧁Nothing Bundt Cakes
🍪Muddy Bees Bakery
🚲Over The Edge Sports
🏕️Al’s Sporting Goods
Already looking forward to the next one...
#UtahDOR #UtahOutdoors #RecreationElevated #EKOAdventureChallenge #UtahCamping SandHollow OutdoorFamily
We’ve been dreaming of hosting a field trip for students since the beginning of EKO, and it finally happened last Friday!
Science came to life at the Sand Hollow State Park! ☀️🏜️
On April 24th, we welcomed 120 energetic 5th graders from Vista School to Sand Hollow State Park for an incredible EKO field trip.
Students traded the classroom for the great outdoors, diving into hands-on activities that brought their science standards to life.
What they explored:
🛟 Water Safety: Mastering the use of life jackets.
☀️ Clean Energy: Racing solar-powered vehicles.
🪨 Geology: Investigating rock structures and weathering.
💧 Conservation: Learning the importance of water and meeting the local fish of Sand Hollow.
A huge thank you to our partners who led these rotations: Grand Canyon-Parashant National Monument, Washington County Water Conservancy District, and the Utah Division of Outdoor Recreation. Special thanks to the Southwest Health Department for volunteering to help make this a safe and successful event!
Every student walked away with an Utah’s Every Kid Outdoors passport and proudly earned their Water Adventure, Observe Wildlife, and Utah Rocks badges! 🥇👏
#SandHollow #EveryKidOutdoors #VistaSchool #UtahStateParks #OutdoorEducation StGeorgeUtah FutureScientists
It’s event week! 🎉🥳🏜️✨
We don’t think there’s a better way to celebrate Earth Day than to plan for your trip down to Sand Hollow with the EKO Team!
If you’re joining us for the biggest EKO sleepover yet, or coming down for a paddle under the sunset, here’s some info that will help you plan for your trip! ⛺️🌅
Reach out with any questions or concerns to the [email protected] email!
Packing List:
👉Please bring sunscreen, sun protection, and appropriate clothing (especially swimwear and water shoes).
👉Pack sufficient food and water for your group. DINNER WILL NOT BE PROVIDED. The recommended water ratio is 2 gallons of water per person per day in hot, arid climates. There is no free water spigot. There is a pay-for-water-and-ice station at the Visitor’s Center. Come prepared with water and food.
👉Plan to bring a life jacket if you bring your own paddle board or kayak. There is a life jacket loaner station at Sand Hollow State Park if you need to borrow one.
👉If you’re camping, pack your tent, sleeping bags, sleeping pad, dinner, breakfast and anything you might need to spend the night! Temps should be getting down into the low to mid 40s overnight.
👉The activities are spread out across the park, so be prepared to walk or drive between zones. If you want to bring scooters or bikes to travel between areas, we’ll have traffic cones up to slow traffic!
See you in the sand!
#EKO #sandhollow #stateparks #earthday
There’s something about a night in the desert that just sticks with you. ⭐
The quiet. The stars. The campfire conversations you didn’t know you needed.
That’s what we’re leaning into with the Every Kid Outdoors Campout at Sand Hollow State Park (@sandhollowsp) on April 24, 5 - 11 PM.
Here’s what’s waiting:
- Campfires + s’mores under the stars 🏕️
- Time to explore the water and shoreline 🛶
- A chance to connect with other outdoor families 🤝
This experience is built for kids, but the memories are for everyone.
Just bring your gear, food, your crew, and get ready for a night outside! 😎
🔗 view the link in our @utaheverykidoutdoors bio to register.
#UtahDOR #UtahOutdoors #RecreationElevated #EKOAdventureChallenge #UtahCamping
