Russians have increased spending on outdoor recreation

This spring, the average bill for a picnic in Russia increased by 18% to 4,850 rubles, and the number of Russians who spend at least once a year camping has almost doubled: from 13% to 24%. At the same time, 41% of the survey participants admitted that they began to go out on picnics more often in 2026. This is evidenced by the data from the <url> financial marketplace study, which was reviewed on June 4 by Izvestia.

It is specified that the number of respondents who organize a picnic at least once a year has increased from 13% to 24%. Also, 33% of respondents reported that they maintained last year's frequency of outdoor recreation, and 26% noted that they go out to nature less often due to congestion and rising prices.

Picnic expenses increased the most among Russians aged 25 to 34 years. Their average check for a picnic was 5,640 rubles, which is 22% higher than last year's figure. Russians aged 35 to 44 spend an average of 5,280 rubles, an increase of 17% over the year. For the 18-24 year old group, the average check reached 3,920 rubles compared to 3,340 rubles a year ago. Respondents aged 45 to 54 leave an average of 4,430 rubles for picnics, while Russians aged 55 to 65 spend about 3,680 rubles.

Not only spending has changed, but also the outdoor recreation scenarios themselves. A year ago, most Russians associated picnics mainly with May holidays and birthdays, but now there are noticeably more reasons. Thus, only 26% of the survey participants organize picnics dedicated to birthdays and holidays. 21% of respondents started gathering in nature after working meetings outside the office, another 19% use this format for family mini-holidays without reference to dates. In addition, 14% of respondents admitted that they organize picnics after visiting festivals, and 12% go out into nature to celebrate the end of the school year or the end of major work projects. The remaining 8% mentioned other reasons.

The most popular recreation format remains a classic picnic with barbecue and barbecue — 47% of respondents choose it. The average check for such a holiday is about 6,400 rubles. Another 34% prefer a city picnic in the park with ready-made food and drinks, where the average cost reaches 3,200 rubles. 12% arrange gastronomic or themed picnics with certain cheeses, fruits and author's snacks, their average check is 7,800 rubles. The remaining 7% choose budget formats with homemade food and minimal expenses.

This year, picnics are most often organized by representatives of professions associated with high emotional stress and irregular schedules. In the first place were employees of the entertainment industry and event organizers, among them 28% of respondents reported regular trips to nature. The second place was taken by representatives of the financial sector, where the figure was 19%. Beauty specialists complete the top three, among whom 16% admitted that they hold picnics at least once a month.

At the same time, 47% of the study participants consider picnics to be a more affordable alternative to trips to restaurants and cafes. Another 29% called outdoor recreation a way to switch from the urban rhythm and constant use of gadgets. For 24% of Russians, picnics have become a new format of communication with friends and colleagues instead of home meetings.

On May 6, Elena Specenko, director of the Roskachestvo Center for Food Safety Competencies, said that after cooking, shish kebab also requires a temperature regime: at room temperature, the finished meat can be left for no more than two hours, and in hot weather this period is reduced to an hour.