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According to explodingtopics.com, the average person spends 6 hours and 58 minutes per day on screens connected to the internet. The National Recreation and Parks Association states that at least 20 minutes of outdoor activity helps reduce stress and screen fatigue. Author of Balanced and Barefootand Pediatric occupational therapist Angela Hanscom recommends kids spend at least 4-6 hours a day outdoors. To make it easier to get the recommended time outdoors, here are 13 outdoor challenge ideas for the new year.
Videos by Outdoors with Bear Grylls
1,000 Hours Outside
With the influx of screens, it is getting harder to get kids outdoors to enjoy the benefits of exercise, fresh air, and Vitamin D. The mission of 1,000 Hours Outside is to break that cycle and encourage weekly, if not daily, time outdoors. The end of this yearly challenge is to spend at least 1,000 hours outside. A downloadable tracker helps you track hours if you sign up for the official challenge. You can also use a calendar or other form of tracking of your choosing. Look for motivation and ideas for outdoor adventure by listening to the 1,000 Hours Outside podcast for Android or iOS.
Whether you enjoy running, hiking, or multi-day treks, there are plenty of charity challenges to take on this year. Some base money raised on mileage, while others let people pledge a set amount. Find a cause that is important to you from cancer research to environmental causes. Search for your favorite charity or do a general charity challenge search for non-profits and groups worldwide.Â
Climb Everest Challenge
Many dream of climbing Mt. Everest but very few realize this dream due to the cost, time, and other factors. That is where the Climb Everest Challenge comes in. This challenges participants to ride, hike, run, or combine all three events to reach the elevation of Everest’s summit. Rack up the elevation over 50 days in your backyard, or find a specific event to participate in. While the 50 days take place from the end of summer into the fall, training for this monumental challenge can take several months.
Personal and family outdoor goals can be used to create individual or multiple participant outdoor challenges this coming year. The most important thing is to make sure your progress is measurable and that you have an easy way to track progress. Whether you enjoy mountain biking, paddling, hiking, or other outdoor activities, there are so many ways to push your limits or your family. Make it a goal to camp twice a month or visit a new playground every week. Paddle a new lake weekly or spend at least 100 hours volunteering outdoors. Celebrate achievements throughout the year and reflect on your progress.
Complete one hike a week of at least one mile to complete the 52 Hike Challenge. Purchase packages that give you access to swag when you complete your journey and Facebook groups. Start your yearly journey at any point in the year—not just January 1st. A kid’s series and an adventure series with specific objectives are also available. There is also a coaching program available if you’d like some guidance with this challenge.
A guest writer for wired2fish.com, J.D. Blackburn challenged his buddies to catch a fish a week for 52 weeks in 2017. This challenge continues today. You can create your 52-week fish challenge by catching a fish a week in water by you. Or do a Google search for fishing challenges held throughout the year in the U.S. Another idea is to chat with your local fishing group or fishing outfitter to start your own.
Generation Wild: 100 Things to Do Before You Turn 12 Challenge
With a mission to get kids to experience the world through outdoor recreation and play, Generation Wild created the 100 Things to Do Before You Turn 12 Challenge. Younger kids can spend a few years completing the mostly outdoor-based challenges while older kids may try to complete the 100 things in a year. From climbing a 14er to spotting a shooting star, kids and adults will enjoy the activities. The list is free to download.
Spend 30 minutes outside 3x per week or hike 30 miles in 30 days with the Hike it Baby 30 Challenge. This challenge is aimed at getting you outside with your young children. The Family Trail Guide created with LL Bean makes it easy to find hikes and places to explore near you. Join the community to find additional challenges and opportunities to get outside.
Hiker’s 365 Challenge
The Hiker’s 365 Challenge consists of hiking 365 miles in 365 days. When you sign up, there are several package choices to choose from. Packages range from the basic where you get a completion patch, to a youth package. After completing the challenge, a tree is planted in a National Forest through One Tree Planted. Other challenges from My Adventure Challenge include Family Trail Time and Waterfall Chaser.
Natural Trust: 50 Things to Do Before You Are 11 ¾
The Natural Trust from the UK has created a free series of 50 outdoor based activities to try before you are 11 ¾. Activities take advantage of the weather and seasons from rainy day activities to winter escapades. Stick races, rolling down a hill, viewing a sunrise, and hunting for fossils are just some of the things on the list.
#100 Hours Unplugged
Turn off the gaming system, put the phone on mute and put your work email on vacay mode, and join OARS to spend 100 hours unplugged. Beginning in 2017, the adventure outfitter has challenged families to spend more time outdoors. Although they recommend doing the challenge in the summer (more time off, warmer weather, etc.), extend the challenge to spend 100 hours unplugged every season.
Do a mile of activity per day or several miles every few days to complete the 365 Mile Challenge. You choose how you want to complete the miles from paddling to running to walking the pup. There are mini challenges throughout the year to keep motivation going including virtual races. You can connect your preferred tracking device (Apple Watch, Fitbit, etc.) to the app to track your miles.
TimeOutdoors: One Million Challenge
Based in the UK, adventurers worldwide can help TimeOutdoors reach a goal of one million hours spent outdoors collectively over a year. Sign-up is free for the challenge and can be done by connecting a device to track hours doing a variety of outdoor activities, from water sports to hiking and cycling. Choose a goal of 100, 250, 500, or 1,000 hours for the year. Other challenges are available on the website.
