I don't think the term is defined as narrowly as going into the wilderness. For example, they say: > only 18% of Americans played outside at least once a week

I don't think the term is defined as narrowly as going into the wilderness. For example, they say: > only 18% of Americans played outside at least once a week I doubt one in five Americans are driving out to national parks once a week, so "outdoor recreation" probably includes things like soccer in a city park or going for a bike ride. That being said, I wish the article was less vague with its use of terms like "play outside" and "outdoor recreation" so we didn't have to read tea leaves to deduce the reality.