Motivational factors for outdoor activity participation in the U.S. in 2017

Published by Statista Research Department, Dec 9, 2022
This statistic shows the leading motivational factors for outdoor activity participation in the United States in 2017. During the survey, 50 percent of outdoor participants said they participated in outdoor activities to keep physically fit.

What motivates you to participate in outdoor activities?

CharacteristicShare of outdoor participants
Get exercise 64%
Be with family and friends 56%
Keep physically fit 50%
Observe scenic beauty 48%
Be close to nature 47%
Enjoy the sounds and smells of nature 46%
Get away from the usual demands 41%
Be with people who enjoy the same things I do 33%
Experience excitement and adventure 32%
Experience solitude 25%
Be with people who share my values 20%
Develop my skills and abilities 20%
Gain a sense of accomplishment 19%
Showing entries 1 to 13 (17 entries in total)
Created with Highcharts 7.2.2Share of outdoor participants64%64%56%56%50%50%48%48%47%47%46%46%41%41%33%33%32%32%25%25%20%20%20%20%19%19%17%17%16%16%9%9%4%4%Get exerciseBe with family and friendsKeep physically fitObserve scenic beautyBe close to natureEnjoy the sounds and smells of natureGet away from the usual demandsBe with people who enjoy the same things I doExperience excitement and adventureExperience solitudeBe with people who share my valuesDevelop my skills and abilitiesGain a sense of accomplishmentBecause it is coolGain a sense of self-confidenceTalk to new and varied peopleOther reasons
0%5%10%15%20%25%30%35%40%45%50%55%60%65%70%75%

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Source

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Release date

July 2018

Region

United States

Survey time period

during the 2017 calendar year

Number of respondents

30,999 respondents

Age group

6 years and older

Method of interview

Online survey

Supplementary notes

A participant in outdoor recreation is defined as an individual who took part in one or more of 40 outdoor activities at least once during the year. Included in those 40 activities are for example backpacking, bicycling, surfing and fishing.
Multiple answers were possible.

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