Great Outdoors Month – Jun. 1, 2026

Great Outdoors Month
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ActivitiesEnvironmentalFun
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United States
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Every June
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Great Outdoors Month beckons us to explore nature’s wonders throughout June. Dedicated to America’s diverse landscapes, this month encourages everyone to get outside, reconnect with the environment, and enjoy the physical and mental benefits of fresh air. Plan a hike, visit a national park, or simply relax in a local green space.

Want to sponsor Great Outdoors Month? Learn how

Expected Great Outdoors Month Deals

As Great Outdoors Month unfolds throughout June, expect a flurry of promotions from retailers specializing in outdoor gear and apparel. Brands like REI, Patagonia, and Columbia Sportswear often feature discounts on hiking boots, camping equipment, and waterproof jackets. Look for special offers from National Park Service partners on park passes and guided tours, while local outfitters such as Dick’s Sporting Goods and Bass Pro Shops may host sales on fishing, kayaking, and cycling equipment. We will update this page with confirmed live deals as June approaches.

Platform Guide for Great Outdoors Month

Instagram

Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #GreatOutdoorsMonth. Share stunning photos of your outdoor adventures, from mountain peaks to tranquil lakes. Encourage followers to post their favorite nature spots.

TikTok

Tag @www.nationaltoday.com and use #GreatOutdoorsMonth. Create short videos showcasing outdoor activities, DIY camping hacks, or quick tips for exploring local trails. Run a ‘best view’ challenge.

Facebook

Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #GreatOutdoorsMonth. Share inspiring articles about conservation, local park events, or tips for family-friendly outdoor activities. Host a photo contest.

Social Media Tips for Great Outdoors Month

Individuals

Commit to spending at least an hour outdoors each day, whether it's a walk in the park, gardening, or enjoying a meal al fresco. Document your progress and share your favorite moments.

Creators

Produce a series of content focused on different outdoor themes each week of June. This could include 'Trail Tuesday' hiking guides, 'Waterfront Wednesday' kayaking tips, or 'Forest Friday' nature facts.

Brands

Launch a 'Gear Up for Outdoors' campaign, offering discounts on essential equipment. Partner with local parks or conservation groups for a donation match program or a volunteer day, promoting it widely.

Top Brands for Great Outdoors Month

  1. REI

    Recreational Equipment, Inc., founded in 1938 by Lloyd and Mary Anderson, is an American retail and outdoor recreation services corporation. Known for its co-op model, REI offers gear for camping, hiking, cycling, and more, advocating for outdoor access and environmental stewardship.

  2. National Park Service

    Established in 1916, the National Park Service manages all U.S. national parks, many national monuments, and other conservation and historical properties. It preserves the natural and cultural resources and values of the National Park System for the enjoyment, education, and inspiration of this and future generations.

  3. Patagonia

    Founded by Yvon Chouinard in 1973, Patagonia is an American clothing company that markets and sells outdoor clothing. The company is noted for its environmental activism, innovative products, and commitment to sustainable practices, often donating a percentage of sales to environmental causes.

  4. The North Face

    Founded in 1966 in San Francisco, The North Face is an American outdoor recreation product company specializing in outerwear, fleece, footwear, and equipment. It is a popular brand among outdoor enthusiasts, known for its durable and high-performance gear for exploration.

  5. Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics

    The Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting responsible outdoor recreation. Through education, research, and outreach, it teaches people how to enjoy the outdoors responsibly, minimizing their impact on natural environments.

  6. YETI

    Founded in 2006 by brothers Roy and Ryan Seiders, YETI Holdings, Inc. is an American manufacturer specializing in outdoor products such as coolers, drinkware, and outdoor living items. Their products are popular among campers, hunters, and outdoor adventurers for their rugged durability.

  7. Sierra Club

    The Sierra Club, founded in 1892 by conservationist John Muir, is one of the oldest and largest environmental organizations in the United States. It focuses on protecting wild places, practicing and promoting the responsible use of Earth's ecosystems and resources, and educating humanity to protect and restore the quality of the natural and human environment.

Great Outdoors Month Hero

John Muir

John Muir (1838–1914) was a Scottish-American naturalist, author, environmental philosopher, glaciologist, and early advocate for the preservation of wilderness in the United States. Known as the 'Father of the National Parks,' his activism helped establish Yosemite National Park and inspired the creation of the National Park Service. His writings and advocacy continue to influence environmental conservation.

History of Great Outdoors Month

Great Outdoors Month first started as a Great Outdoors Week under President Clinton in 1998. The main aim was to increase jobs and the GDP of the country by getting people to enjoy nature and appreciate it. The week went on to become so popular that for the next few decades, starting from President Bush’s administration and continuing through President Obama’s and Trump’s administration, Great Outdoors Week was expanded to the whole month of June. In 2016, the Outdoor Recreation Jobs and Economic Impact Act was enacted in order to study America’s outdoor recreation economy. The report portrayed that outdoor recreation had contributed more than $412 billion, which is 2.2% of the total GDP, to the economy. The report further stated that outdoor recreation had the fastest growth of any industry in 2016 as it led to 4.5 million jobs.

These numbers are some of the clearest depictions of fast industry growth, but this isn’t the only reason we’re excited for June. Summer means new exploration trips full of adventures. Whether you like trudging through thick green forests, going hiking on mountain trails, swimming in the cool waters of seas/rivers/lakes, or just sitting and gazing at the stars or clouds in the sky, nature has something for everyone. Each year, June brings in a ton of deals and offers by nature resorts and parks. Be quick to grab the best to plan a trip with your friends and family.

Since 2008, many states in the U.S. have shown their interest in celebrating this event and, by the end of 2019, more than 30 U.S. states had become a part of this yearly celebration. This month helps people explore the natural sites of the country that aren’t often visited by tourists and locals.

Great Outdoors Month timeline

1968
Trails are Built Extensively

The government plans to build trails in the city and rural areas.

1996
Preservation of Historical Sites Begins

A program is developed to preserve archeological sites of the U.S.

1998
Great Outdoors Week Announced

President Clinton and his administration announce Great Outdoors Week, celebrated in June, to give a boost to the economy and the outdoor recreation industry.

2008
Governors Proclaim the Month

Governors of different states across the U.S. proclaim Great Outdoors Month to be welcomed and celebrated to the fullest.

2016
Outdoors Recreation Act Report

The Outdoor Recreation Jobs and Economic Impact Act is enabled to examine the industry’s impact on the GDP.

2019
Hashtag Usage for Popular Activities

People use ‘#EscapeTheIndoors’ to talk about the most popular activities they did during the month, and some of the top results show fishing and spending time with family.

2020
National Parks are Developed

The U.S. government announces it will restore and upgrade its national parks.

How Businesses Can Celebrate Great Outdoors Month

Local businesses can embrace Great Outdoors Month by organizing community clean-up events in parks or trails, offering discounts on outdoor-related products and services, or hosting workshops on topics like hiking safety or local flora and fauna. Restaurants could feature locally sourced ingredients or create ‘picnic-ready’ meal kits. Partnering with a local conservation group for a donation drive or a volunteer day can also foster goodwill and demonstrate a commitment to environmental stewardship.

Great Outdoors Month FAQs

When is Great Outdoors Month?

Great Outdoors Month runs throughout June 2026, encouraging everyone to explore and appreciate America’s natural landscapes. It’s the perfect time to plan an outdoor adventure.

How many Americans participate in outdoor recreation?

According to the Outdoor Industry Association, approximately 168.1 million Americans, or 55% of the U.S. population aged six and over, participated in outdoor recreation at least once in 2023. This widespread engagement highlights the importance of Great Outdoors Month.

What is the economic impact of outdoor recreation?

The outdoor recreation economy is a significant contributor, generating $1.1 trillion in gross output and supporting 5.2 million jobs in 2022, according to the Bureau of Economic Analysis. Great Outdoors Month helps to highlight this vital sector.

What is the history of Great Outdoors Month?

Great Outdoors Month began as ‘Great Outdoors Week’ under President Clinton in 1998, expanding to a full month in 2004. It was established to highlight the importance of outdoor recreation and conservation, encouraging Americans to enjoy their public lands and waters.

How To Celebrate Great Outdoors Month

  1. Plan a trip

    The best way to celebrate this month is to plan and go on a nature trip, either solo or with your loved ones. Start listing things you want to do, prepare a timetable and a budgeting sheet, make accommodation and food arrangements, and you are good to go. You can plan a peaceful fishing trip or a boating trip with friends. The rivers always have a calming effect on the soul. So grab your boating gear and enjoy the rich blue rivers.

  2. Explore new territories

    While we do love a good walk down memory lane by visiting the same places, there’s no harm in trying and exploring areas you have never been to before. You will get to explore new sides of nature AND make new memories while you’re at it. It’s a win-win. For example, why not explore a new trail, which is always an exhilarating experience. Our country is blessed with almost 60,000 miles of hiking trails, including recreational and national historic trails. These trails allow you to visit forests, lakes, or historical sites and explore our country's diversity.

  3. Appreciate nature

    The daily grind of life can be extremely redundant and exhausting, to say the least. By appreciating nature by spending some time outdoors you get to have a breather and learn new things in the process.

5 Facts About Mother Nature That Will Blow Your Mind

  1. The same amount of water

    The amount of water on Earth always remains constant because of the cyclical nature whereby water evaporates, condenses, and filters throughout the year.

  2. Get more oxygen

    A single tree releases more than 260 pounds of oxygen every year.

  3. Protecting wildlife

    Trees and forests provide shelter to 80% of wild animals.

  4. So many Autumn leaves go to waste

    Fall leaves comprise 75% of the solid waste in America’s fall season.

  5. Strong supporters of Earth Day

    The first Earth Day in 1970 was celebrated by 20 million Americans everywhere.

Why We Love Great Outdoors Month

  1. It’s a celebration of nature

    Taking part in outdoor activities allows us to learn about the natural environment, such as the wildlife, plants, and natural climate of the area. Once we understand our environment, we can become more sensitive and careful about our actions. Nature has a ton of gifts for us. The only condition is for us to take care of it and appreciate it for what it really is. If we are not careful, we may lose nature’s gifts through pollution, leaving our future generations devoid of this joy.

  2. It’s a celebration of work

    While it is true that one of the main aims of Great Outdoors Month is to celebrate us taking a break from our work to explore the outdoors, the month has also led to the creation of millions of employment opportunities for many. It has also significantly boosted the U.S. economy and propelled it onto the world stage.

  3. It’s a celebration of the outdoors

    The indoors provide us with a sense of safety but the outdoors beckons us on the paths of adventure, adrenaline rush, and so much more. Exploring the outdoors means going back to our roots and making the best out of every situation when we don’t have the comfort of technology. By visiting natural and archaeological sites, we get to learn much about our past and history. This gives us a sense of being rooted in our communities and helps us understand why we follow certain traditions and customs.

Great Outdoors Month dates

Year Date Day
2026 June 1 Monday
2027 June 1 Tuesday
2028 June 1 Thursday
2029 June 1 Friday
2030 June 1 Saturday