National Play Outside Day – Jan. 1, 2026

Expected National Play Outside Day Deals

As National Play Outside Day approaches on the first Saturday of January, families can anticipate promotions from major retailers and outdoor brands. In previous years, brands like REI have offered discounts on hiking gear and camping essentials, while Dick’s Sporting Goods often features sales on sporting equipment. Look for deals from Columbia Sportswear on outerwear, Hydro Flask on insulated bottles, and Keen Footwear for durable shoes. Local parks and recreation departments might host free events or offer reduced rates on activities. We will update this page with confirmed live deals as January 3, 2026 approaches.

History of National Play Outside Day

National Play Outside Day was started in 2011 by Aaron Wiggans and Rhonda D. Abeyta. They’d discussed with friends how children had become so preoccupied with their digital devices that going outside to play wasn’t seen as fun anymore. From games, TV shows, and movies, to social media platforms, the digital era provided kids with “better” hobbies. Wiggans and Abeyta were concerned about the effects that the increased screen time was having on children’s physical and mental wellbeing. That’s when they had the idea to celebrate National Play Outside Day on the first Saturday of every month. The day aimed to highlight the importance of playing outside and how it could benefit those who did it regularly. Apart from delivering a mental boost, it also helps to strengthen immunity, muscles, and bones. Gather your friends, have picnics with your family, become a kid again with the young ones and play games, there is so much to do!

A mere 30% of all kids in America play outside — a stark contrast to the number of kids who would have played outside even 30 years ago. While we do have the digital era to blame for the declining numbers, things like the news media and highly pressurized, busy adult lifestyles have left many feeling cautious about allowing their children to play outside. National Play Outside Day encourages people to let go of their fears and, in a safe/monitored environment, let their kids play freely. You can plan ahead by discussing preferred activities with your kids. It could be hiking, swimming, biking, playing catch and throw, or a number of other things. What is exciting is that the changing seasonal patterns will prompt you and your kids to take part in new activities each month.

It is challenging for parents to limit screen time for their children and cultivate good playing habits. The best way to have children leave phones and gaming consoles behind is by letting them unplug and use their imaginations outdoors. The more time kids spend playing outside, the more healthy, independent, and observant they’ll become. Being in nature stimulates the mind and allows us to use our senses to the max without any distractions.

Play Outside Day is a broad concept that is not limited to children or playtime. The idea is to just get out of the house, which perhaps is a bigger issue among adults. With technology taking over our personal and social domains, and with the ease offered by technology which make going outside redundant, Vitamin D deficiencies, joint problems, mental exhaustion, and more are becoming increasingly prevalent. The day is a great way for adults to bond with their family and relax with the soothing effects of nature.

How Businesses Can Celebrate National Play Outside Day