What draws people to time in nature

May 1–4, 2026 · n = 1,000 · MoE ±3.2%Source report ↗

Core finding

In a Verasight survey of 1,000 U.S. adults conducted May 1 to 4, 2026, 73% of Americans selected mental well-being as a main reason for spending time in nature.

Physical health was also widely selected at 63%, while 50% selected recreation. Respondents could choose more than one reason.

Selected responses

73% selected mental well-being as a main reason for spending time in nature.

What are your main reasons for spending time in nature?

Mental well-being
72.5%
Physical health
62.9%
Recreation
49.7%
For my pets
26.9%
To attend events
18.2%
Social connection
17.9%
Family obligations
11.7%
None of the above / I do not spend time in nature
4.0%

n = 1,000 · May 1–4, 2026 · MoE ±3.2%

Respondents could select more than one option, so shares may sum to more than 100%.
ModeVerasight panel recruited via random address-based sampling, random person-to-person text messaging, and dynamic online targeting
PopulationUS adults age 18+
Field datesMay 1–4, 2026
Base (unweighted)1,000
Margin of error±3.2%
Module1
SponsorVerasight
Weight variableweight
Weighting targetsage, race/ethnicity, sex, income, education, region, metropolitan status

Sources

  1. 01

    What are your main reasons for spending time in nature?

    reports.verasight.io/r/sbm-2026

Cite this question

SBM Omnibus Survey #2026-049, fielded May 1-4, 2026, N=1,000 US adults age 18+, +/- 3.2%.