Generation Wild, a movement from Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO) that connects kids and families with the outdoors, is bringing back its popular Give the Outdoors initiative, offering free downloadable gift certificates for outdoor experiences that parents can give their children this holiday season.
At a time when many holiday gifts encourage more time indoors, Give the Outdoors invites families to give something different: memorable experiences, quality time together and opportunities for kids to play outside.
The vast majority of gift guides focus on indoor or screen-based gifts. Reviewed.com’s roundup of 45 Best Toys of 2026 features a pretend CEO desk and no toys meant for outdoor play. Target’s list of Bullseye’s Top Toys 2026 features a bestselling gaming system but zero toys specific to outdoor play.
Generation Wild’s Give the Outdoors invites families to unplug during the winter and step outside to connect with nature and each other in a meaningful way.
“The holiday gifts children receive shape how they’ll spend their time in the weeks and months to follow,” said GOCO Executive Director Jackie Miller. “When we give kids opportunities to play outside, we’re giving them more than a day of fun. We’re giving them opportunities to build confidence, spark curiosity, move their bodies, relax in nature and spend time with the people they love. That’s why we’re excited to bring back Give the Outdoors and help families create memories together this holiday season.”
More than 1,500 Give the Outdoors certificates were downloaded by parents last year, and Generation Wild is aiming to surpass that number for 2026 and get more families outside.
Newly designed certificates for 2026 bring back a few of the most downloadable activities from last year and debut several new options. Suggested adventures include:
• Hot cocoa picnic.
• Bundle up scavenger hunt.
• Snowflake swinging.
• Flashlight freeze tag.
• Stargazing and s’more grazing.
• Sledding safari.
• Wonderfully wild winter ride.
• Create your own.
“Parents are looking for activities that bring the family together without adding more to their to-do list,” said Miller. “These experiences are intentionally simple, flexible and accessible. Whether families have 20 minutes outside after dinner or a full afternoon to explore, every moment spent outdoors can help kids feel happier, healthier and more connected to nature.”
Parents can head to GenerationWild.com to print adventure gift certificates.
About Generation Wild
Generation Wild was created by GOCO to connect Colorado kids to the outdoors by increasing the amount of time they spend outside.
The program is made up of a statewide communications campaign designed to inspire Colorado families using tools like a list of 100 Things to Do Before You’re 12, and a network of 15 Generation Wild communities engaging more than 400,000 youth participants with outdoor programs, activities and career-pathways in the outdoors.
Generation Wild has become a leader in the outdoor movement by executing several statewide initiatives such as Say Hi with a Snowman, Wilderflowers, World’s Longest Hopscotch, and “Wilder,” the film.
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