Take Me Outside Day

Take Me Outside Day History

Take Me Outside Day encourages people to appreciate the beauty and benefits of open-air spaces and the natural environment. The event emphasizes the importance of reconnecting with nature and promoting physical activity, as well as cultivating a sense of environmental responsibility. It invites schools, businesses, community organizations, and individuals all across the country to step out of their indoor spaces and engage with the surrounding natural world.

The idea for Take Me Outside Day originated from the work of Colin Harris, who ran across Canada in 2011, logging over 7,600 kilometres to encourage more outdoor time for students. Recognizing the increasing disconnect between today's children and nature, Harris created the Take Me Outside organization, which has since expanded its reach to include people of all ages. The observance has grown in importance in Canada due to heightened concerns over climate change, sedentary lifestyles, and mental health issues, as they are all interrelated with our relationship to nature.

Typical customs and activities for Take Me Outside Day in Canada include organizing outdoor lessons at schools, family hikes or biking trips, park clean-ups, and community gardening projects, among other creative outdoor endeavors. These activities not only provide opportunities to engage with nature but also foster awareness and appreciation for the natural world, as well as provide health benefits that come with physical activity. Take Me Outside Day is typically observed in late October, offering Canadians a chance to immerse themselves in the beautiful fall landscapes and enjoy cool, crisp air before winter sets in.

Top 10 Facts for Take Me Outside Day in 2026

• The 2026 edition of Take Me Outside Day features a comprehensive week-long campaign, Take Me Outside Week, which provides educators and learners with access to virtual field trips, live speakers, and curriculum-connected resources.
• Participants are encouraged to dedicate at least one hour of their day to outdoor learning, serving as the central, unifying action for the national celebration.
• The initiative is rooted in the 2011 cross-Canada journey of founder Colin Harris, who ran over 7,600 kilometres to inspire students to reconnect with the natural world.
• Registration for the event and its associated activities is entirely free, reflecting the organization’s commitment to making outdoor education accessible for all schools, families, and communities.
• The program focuses on three core pillars: Indigenous Perspectives & Knowledge, Environmental Education & Climate Change, and Health & Wellbeing.
• Beyond the single-day event, educators can join the Take Me Outside for Learning Challenge, an initiative designed to integrate outdoor activities into regular teaching practices throughout the entire school year.
• The organization behind the event, Take Me Outside, operates as a registered non-profit dedicated to counterbalancing the sedentary nature of modern life and excessive screen time through nature connection.
• Educators and participants are encouraged to share their experiences and join the national movement on social media using the official hashtag #TakeMeOutsideDay.
• Research highlights that taking learning outdoors can lead to improved student engagement, reduced anxiety, and better performance in core academic subjects like reading, writing, and math.
• The initiative emphasizes reconciliation by prioritizing the amplification of Indigenous Ways of Knowing and acknowledging the traditional lands that serve as vital spaces for outdoor education.

In the News and Trending for Take Me Outside Day

Top things to do for Take Me Outside Day

• Participate in the Take Me Outside Day learning challenge. The challenge is simple and fun. It encourages outdoor learning, networking, and community building. There is even a change to win a $300 gift card.
• Go hiking or camping. Enjoy the outdoors with friends and family today.
• Watch a video showcasing 2020's Take Me Outside Day.
• Many Canadian cities like Vancouver, Toronto, and Montreal have extensive cycling trails inviting people to appreciate flora and fauna while cycling.
• A simple picnic at a local park is also a fun way to celebrate the day. Stanley Park in Vancouver or Queen Elizabeth Park in Regina would be perfect picnic spots.