This paper discusses urban households’ outdoor recreational behaviours in Osogbo, Osun State, Nigeria. The study assesses the socio economic characteristics of residents, the factors that affect participation of households in recreation activities, the level of participation in outdoor recreation activities and the type of recreation the people engage in. Two set of data were collected for the study. A sample size of 0.19%(262) of the total household population (83816) in the selected neighbourhoods was used for questionnaire administration in a random systematic order. Another one hundred and five (105) samples were accidentally made at the visited recreational centers. Data collected was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistical techniques. The result reveals gender and household size as the major socio economic characteristics that affect level of participation of residents in outdoor recreation activities. On the other hand, work schedule and interest in outdoor recreation activities are the major factors hindering regular participation in outdoor recreation. Addressing these hindrances, well landscaped open arena relaxation centres should be built in different part of the city, the elderly ones should be taken into consideration when designing recreational facilities and people should be enlightened on the benefit and importance of outdoor recreation in order to encourage more participation in outdoor recreation activities in the study area.