Utah Every Kid Outdoors Adventure Challenge
Utah Every Kid Outdoors Adventure Challenge
The Utah Every Kid Outdoors Adventure Challenge is a free, year-long outdoor program for youth ages 5–18. Designed by the Utah Division of Outdoor Recreation, the challenge encourages kids and families to explore nature, learn new skills, and complete fun monthly activities across all four seasons. Complete challenges, earn stickers, and enter to win prizes—all while building a lifelong love for the outdoors.
How to Join the Utah Every Kid Outdoors Adventure Challenge
To earn the reward for completing the challenge, participants should choose at least one of the activities listed below. Be sure to have someone take a photo of you while doing the activity to show you've completed it, then fill out this survey to receive your sticker. With so many options, you're sure to find something fun to try!
Event Highlight | Winter Night Hike
Join us for a family-friendly night hike in Utah's winter wonderland, perfect for every kid to explore the outdoors!
Outdoor Activities for Kids in Utah
November Challenge Highlight:
Utah's Wild Places Challenge
Click on a badge to learn more
Steps to complete the Utah Every Kid Outdoors Adventure Challenge:
We’re excited for you to start your outdoor adventure with the Utah Every Kid Outdoors Adventure Challenge! Here’s how to get started:
- Sign Up! Sign up for the Utah Every Kid Outdoors Adventure Challenge by filling out a brief form found HERE.
- Every participant will need to have a legal guardian’s email address corresponding to their challenge registration. If you are a parent signing up for multiple participants, you can use the same email; just indicate how many participants you are signing up for, their grade levels, and gender identities.
- Grab your Stickers! You can pick up a free sticker pack from one of our participating pick-up locations. Dozens of libraries across the state have chosen to host materials for the EKO Adventure Challenge. Visit the interactive map below to find the nearest library to you!
- If you are unable to pick up the materials due to travel constraints, email the EKO Team at [email protected]!
- Begin Adventuring! Once you’re ready to embark on your Outdoor Adventure Challenge, click on the challenge badge above for a list of ideas for each challenge. The EKO Team has come up with some fun ways to earn your Adventure Stickers, but feel free to be creative in how you earn your sticker; this is your adventure after all!
- The EKO Team will be hosting FREE ADVENTURES for families participating in the EKO Adventure Challenge each month throughout the state. Some adventures include ice-skating at Millcreek Common in January, stargazing in Kane County in April, and harvesting veggies with Wasatch Community Gardens in September. Sign up through our website, and we hope you’ll join us!
- Track Your Progress! The Utah Every Kid Outdoors Adventure Challenge is self-paced, featuring 15 challenges that can be completed monthly or at a pace that suits you throughout the year. Go at the right pace for you!
- Every 3 months, we’ll email you a survey to update the EKO Team on your progress, share success stories, and pictures of your adventures! To be entered to win giveaways at the end of the year, you will need to have completed all 15 Adventure Challenges and have updated your progress quarterly via the EKO Survey! So get started today!
- If you have any questions about the challenge, please reach out to the EKO team at [email protected].
Extra ways to get involved:
- Tag us in your Utah Every Kid Outdoors Adventure Challenge at @UtahDOR, use hashtags: #UTAHEKO #EKOAdventureChallenge.
- If you’re interested in volunteering at any of our events or have an event you’d like us to promote, email [email protected]
Utah Every Kid Outdoors Adventure Challenge Events
Participating Locations
EKO Sponsors:
For Sponsors
The Utah Every Kid Outdoors Adventure Challenge wouldn’t be possible without our partners! We hold events at no cost to our participants thanks to the Division of Outdoor Recreation and our public and private partners. If you are interested in hosting an event, donating SWAG or prizes, promoting the Utah Every Kid Outdoors Adventure Challenge through your networks, volunteering at an event, hosting a booth at one of our events, or just want to know more, email us at [email protected].
Working with Educators
The Utah Every Kid Outdoors Adventure Challenge is working with educators to ensure all Utah children have access to nature-based recreation and education. The pilot program year is 2025. EKO works closely with 4th-grade teachers and their classes in one or two Title 1 schools to provide resources and opportunities for place-based education. Partner organizations support this initiative by providing venues, funding, and tools.
In 2026, Every Kid Outdoors will incorporate what we learned working with the pilot schools to expand collaboration with educators to ensure all Utah children have opportunities to recreate outside. If you are an educator interested in partnering with EKO, please email Caroline Weiler at [email protected] or Ashley Brown at [email protected].
Spots still available, don’t miss out!
Join us and our friends at @nationalabilitycenter next Wednesday, July 16 from 5:30–8 p.m. in Park City for an evening of trails, games, and outdoor fun as part of this month’s Every Kid Outdoors Challenge: Follow a Trail!
🎟️ Register now! Visit the Link in our bio and sign up today 🎟️
Can’t Make the Event? No Problem! You can still earn your EKO Trail Badge by completing a trail-based activity on your own! Here are some great ways to take on the challenge this month:
🥾 Take a Hike – Explore a local trail using a guidebook or app like AllTrails
🚵 Try Mountain Biking – Start on a beginner trail and test your balance
🐾 Go on a Nature Walk – Listen to the birds, feel the breeze, and look for wildlife
🏃 Trail Running – Get your heart pumping with a jog on dirt paths
🐎 Horseback Ride a Trail – A fun and traditional way to explore the outdoors
🛻 OHV Adventure – Learn the ropes and ride responsibly on Utah’s motorized trails
🧭 Practice Orienteering – Navigate with a map and compass
📱 Go Geocaching – Find hidden “treasures” on nearby trails
✏️ Draw Your Own Trail Map – Track your hike with sketches and notes
📓 Nature Journal or Scavenger Hunt – Make your walk interactive and creative
🌲 Play “Tree Huggers” – Use an app to ID trees, then be the first to hug one!
🛠️ Be a Trail Steward – Pick up litter or help maintain the path as you go
#UtahDOR #UtahOutdoors #OutdoorRecreation #RecreationElevated #Utah #UtahEKO #EKOadventureChallenge #UtahAdventureChallenge #UTEKO #EveryKidOutdoors #OutdoorEducation #OutdoorLearning #GetKidsOutside #KidsInNature #GetOutside #TrailChallenge #TrailFun #NatureWalks #MountainBikingKids #TrailRunningFun #FamilyHikes #TrailStewardship #NatureJournaling #OutdoorPlay #YouthInNature
If we want to reverse the trend of the indoor, screen-based childhood, we need to be intentional about it and support parents, caregivers, and educators to make outdoor time part of everyday life again. That’s why I’m joining the Utah Division of Outdoor Recreation on November 18 at 11 AM MST for an online conversation about embracing nature in every season, rain, shine or snow.
We’ll talk about:
✅ The Nordic philosophy of friluftsliv (open-air life)
✅ How to balance screen time and “green time”
✅ Overcoming barriers to outdoor play
✅ Raising confident, resilient, nature-connected kids
...and much more.
This event is free and open to everyone. If you`ve been wanting more outdoor time with your kids but don`t know where to start (or how to keep it going), this talk is for you🙌🏻
Sign up with the QR code or the link in bio☝🏼A Zoom link will be sent out to attendees the day before the event.
Hope to see you there!
#webinar #outdoorplay #friluftsliv #UtahDOR #UtahOutdoors #UtahEKO #EKOAdventureChallenge #EveryKidOutdoors #OutdoorEducation #theresnosuchthingasbadweather #openairlife #friluftsliv #natureconnection #letkidsbekids #OutdoorPlay #OutdoorLife #childrenandnature #outdoorfamilies #outdoorparenting #montessori #montessorieducation #natureconnection #letthemplay
Look! Over there!
While no lions, tigers or bears (oh my!) were spotted at the Every Kid Outdoors (EKO) Observe Wildlife Event earlier this month, we did find some animal tracks… 🐾🔍👀
October’s EKO event was a huge success, thanks to our wonderful hosts at the @swanerpreserve
Swaner
preserve and EcoCenter (@swanerpreserve)! The afternoon was packed with hands-on activities that brought the natural world into focus. Young explorers had the chance to earn their Observe Wildlife badge by:
Practicing their bird-watching skills 🦅🔭
Dissecting mysterious owl pellets 🦴✂️
Taking a stroll through the nature preserve 🌳⛰️
Peering through microscopes at feathers, bones, and butterfly wings 🦋🔬
Creating their own critters out of leaves 🍂🎨
Getting up close and personal with Swoops, the friendly great horned owl 🦉✨
Thank you to these amazing partners and volunteers who made the event a howling success!
@wasatchmountaininstitute
@basinrecreation
@cottonwoodcanyonsfoundation
#UtahDOR #UtahOutdoors #RecreationElevated #UtahEKO #EKOAdventureChallenge #EveryKidOutdoors #OutdoorEducation #OutdoorLearning #GetKidsOutside #KidsInNature #GetOutdoors #ObserveWildlife #WildlifeWatching #EKOutdoors #FallAdventures #FamilyOutdoors #FallInUtah #NatureKids #BackyardWildlife #BirdWatching #DiscoverNature #GetOutside #OctoberOutdoors #CrittersCrittersCritters
EKO Observe Wildlife Challenge! 🍂🐿️
October is the perfect month to slow down, look closer, and discover the wildlife all around us! From spotting squirrels gathering food to watching migrating birds on the move, fall brings unique opportunities to observe animal behaviors you won’t see any other time of year.
The best part? You don’t have to wait for an event—take part in the Observing Wildlife Challenge anytime! Make it a family adventure, whether you’re hiking a trail, setting up a backyard bird feeder, or simply keeping an eye out in your neighborhood. 🦉🦌🐇
👉 Tap the link in our bio for more ideas to start your own wildlife-spotting adventure this fall!
#UtahDOR #UtahOutdoors #RecreationElevated #UtahEKO #EKOAdventureChallenge #EveryKidOutdoors #OutdoorEducation #ObserveWildlife #WildlifeWatching #EKOutdoors #UtahOutdoors #FallAdventures #FamilyOutdoors #FallInUtah #NatureKids #BackyardWildlife #BirdWatching #DiscoverNature #GetOutside #OctoberOutdoors #CrittersCrittersCritters
Discover Wildlife Up Close! Join us for the EKO Observe Wildlife Challenge event at @swanerpreserve! From birdwatching to animal tracking to hands-on wildlife crafts, there’s something for the whole family to enjoy.
📍 Swaner Preserve & EcoCenter (1258 Center Dr, Park City)
📅 Thursday, Oct. 9 | 3:30–6:30 PM
✅ Free & family-friendly
✅ Explore, learn, and connect with Utah’s amazing wildlife
✅ Earn your Adventure Challenge badge!
Click the link in our bio or scan the QR code on the flyer to sign up!
#ExploreUtah #EveryKidOutdoors #EKOAdventureChallenge #AdventureChallenge #UtahWildlife #OutdoorFun #FamilyAdventure #WildlifeWatching #GetOutdoors
Wait… we’re allowed to dig up carrots AND stomp through the garden?? YUSSSSS
That’s right, our Every Kid Outdoors Harvest Challenge is here! In partnership with @wasatchcommunitygardens, kids can dig in the dirt, pick veggies right from the vine, and whip up a tasty snack together. 🥕🥒🍅
Join us Sept 10 or 17 — muddy footprints not only allowed, but encouraged! Get all the details and get signed up today - smash the link in our bio and celebrate all that fall bounty goodness!
#UtahDOR #UtahOutdoors #RecreationElevated #UtahEKO #EKOAdventureChallenge #EveryKidOutdoors #OutdoorEducation #OutdoorLearning #GetKidsOutside #KidsInNature #HarvestAdventure #GardenKids #CommunityGarden #FarmToTableFun #MuddyBootsWelcome #DigInTheDirt #LittleGardeners #UtahEvents #FallHarvest #WasatchGardens #UtahCommunity #FallInUtah #FrickYaVegetables
Earlier this August we cooled down at Willard Bay State Park for our EKO Water Challenge!
Kids learned proper water safety, got paddle-ready with help from our DOR Education Specialist, and tried out stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking—all with support from the awesome Willard Bay @utstateparks team. 💦🛟🚣
Want to hit the water as well? You can still earn your Water Challenge badge anytime—just check the link in our bio!
#UtahDOR #UtahOutdoors #OutdoorRecreation #RecreationElevated #Utah #UtahEKO #EKOadventureChallenge #UtahAdventureChallenge #UTEKO #EveryKidOutdoors #OutdoorEducation #OutdoorLearning #GetKidsOutside #KidsInNature #GetOutside #WaterAdventureChallenge #LakeDay #WillardBay #UtahStateParks #PaddleUtah #SUPKids
Feeling the heat? Same bro, same. Good thing Utah has way more water than most people think — and there’s no better way to cool off than with our Every Kid Outdoors Water Adventure Challenge!
Grab the kids and make the most of these dog days of summer. From skill-building activities like learning to paddleboard, to timeless joys like exploring aquatic life along a riverbank, the EKO Water Adventure Challenge proves there’s never a bad time to get outside — we promise you won’t meeeellllt.
Remember: kids must be supervised by an adult during any water activities, and we strongly recommend wearing a life jacket anytime you’re in or on the water.
💧 Hit the link in our bio for more water-based ideas, then get out there and make a splash!
#UtahDOR #UtahOutdoors #RecreationElevated #UtahEKO #EKOAdventureChallenge #EveryKidOutdoors #OutdoorEducation #OutdoorLearning #GetKidsOutside #KidsInNature #WaterAdventure #ExploreUtah #FamilyFunOutdoors #PaddleboardingUtah #SummerInUtah #KidsOnlyWantOneThingAndItsToPlayInTheWater
Trails on trails on trails on trails, YEAH!
Throwing it back to when the trails were hot and the vibes were high, our EKO Follow a Trail event with the @nationalabilitycenter was a peak chasing the golden hour moment—complete with tiny mountain bikers crushing Round Valley, lawn yoga sessions under the sun, and booths full of our amazing partners. Big thanks to the NAC staff, our partnering organizations, and every adventurer (big and small) who came out to play!
Couldn’t make it? No sweat—you can still earn your Follow a Trail badge any time of year. Just get outside and hit the trail! ✨
Supporting Partners:
@trailsutah
@ibikeutah
@mymedicofficial
@trailsfoundationnu
@leavenotraceorg
@wasatchtrailsfoundation
@cottonwoodcanyonsfoundation
@alltrails
#UtahDOR #UtahOutdoors #OutdoorRecreation #RecreationElevated #Utah #UtahEKO #EKOadventureChallenge #UtahAdventureChallenge #UTEKO #EveryKidOutdoors #OutdoorEducation #OutdoorLearning #GetKidsOutside #KidsInNature #GetOutside #TrailChallenge #TrailFun #NatureWalks #MountainBikingKids #YouthYogis
The kiddos have been loving the utahdor Every Kid Outdoors Adventure Challenges! We had a blast at their Trail Challenge activity, you guessed it, riding our bikes!
#UTAHEKO #EKOAdventureChallenge
We’re still glowing after our Adventure Challenge kickoff last Friday. 😁
A huge shoutout to our amazing vendors and to @millcreekcommon for helping get over 500 kids hyped and sliding around on the ice. What an incredible way to start the program! ❄️⛸️
Missed out on the fun? Don’t worry—we’ve got more live events coming your way. Head over to the Every Kid Outdoors page on our website to find an event near you. And remember, the Adventure Challenge is just getting started. Grab the kids and start completing outdoor adventure challenges to earn all 15 challenge stickers. The adventure lasts all year long, get out there and play!
Vendors:
@gosummitjourneys
@utahdwr
@wasatchmountaininstitute
@wasatchadaptivesports
@nationalabilitycenter
@millcreekcoffeeslc
@utstateparks
@u.s.forestservice
@utahhockeyclub
@ut_shpo
@ventureoututah
@teton.sports
@utah4h
@joinrealday
@millcreekpizzahouse
@skiutah
@utahnordic
@girlsontherunutah
@utavy
@tracyaviaryofficial
@wasatchcommunitygardens
@swanerpreserve
@redbuttegarden
@girlandherbackpackslc
#UtahDOR #UtahOutdoors #OutdoorRecreation #RecreationElevated #Utah #UtahEKO #EKOadventureChallenge #UtahAdventureChallenge #UTEKO #EveryKidOutdoors #OutdoorEducation #OutdoorLearning #GetKidsOutside #KidsInNature
⛺️ EKO Challenge: Camping Edition 🏕️
Long days, warm nights, and the smell of campfire in the air—June is perfect for camping! This month, we’re challenging kids (and their grown-ups) to step outside their comfort zones and explore life beyond four walls. Whether you’re venturing into the backcountry or pitching a tent in your backyard, there are tons of ways to camp, cook, and connect with nature.
Here are a few kid-friendly ways to get started:
🏡 Backyard Camping – Set up a tent or sleeping bags right outside your door
🛋️ Indoor Forts – No yard? No problem—build a blanket fort and “camp” inside
🧭 Navigation Skills – Practice using a map and compass on your next hike
🔥 Campfire Cooking – Try s’mores, foil packet meals, or skewer fruits and veggies
🪢 Learn Knot Tying – Master basics like the bowline or square knot
🚰 Practice Water Filtration – Learn how to filter or boil water safely
🏕️ Join a Community Campout – Check out local group camping events
🧯 Fire Safety 101 – Learn how to build, maintain, and put out a fire responsibly
🍳 Cook with a Camp Stove – Make a meal outdoors with the help of an adult
🥾 Pack for a Hike – Load up your backpack with snacks, water, and essentials
Big adventure or small backyard setup—it all counts. Click the link in our bio for other fun ideas to make this your most memorable camping month yet!
#UtahDOR #UtahOutdoors #OutdoorRecreation #RecreationElevated #Utah #UtahEKO #EKOadventureChallenge #UtahAdventureChallenge #UTEKO #EveryKidOutdoors #OutdoorEducation #OutdoorLearning #GetKidsOutside #KidsInNature #CampVibes #EKOCampingChallenge #CampAnywhere #NeverWannaSleepInsideAgain
