For an urban generation raised on play dates and organized recreation schedules, "getting out" often means finding a group that coordinates outings and signing on.

Venture Outdoors, a nonprofit outdoors activities organizer, makes it even easier. If its organizers haven't booked it, they know of another group operating under the big V.O. umbrella that has. Its Web site (www.ventureoutdoors.org) lists tons of outdoor recreational opportunities in dozens of categories.

On Sat., May 17, Venture Outdoors brings it all together for its annual Venture Outdoors Festival, a free day-long family extravaganza that includes kayaking, canoeing, fishing (state regulations apply), outdoor yoga, biking, climbing and more for skill levels from newbie to seasoned vet.

This year the festival will be at two Pittsburgh locations linked by water taxi. Landside activities, including a climbing wall, fishing, food and live entertainment, will be held at Millvale Riverfront Park. Take a water taxi to Washington's Landing on Herr's Island for kayaking and canoeing, about 100 exhibitors, yoga, biking activities and even a bike valet.

"I think things are changing," said V.O. VP Rob Walters. "People are turning to the organized events for various reasons. One is the social aspect of meeting people and trying something different. Another is security and safety -- they want to know they can show up at a place and time in the outdoors and be safe. And I think another is because of the time it takes to plan something on your own. We and the groups we work with handle all of that for you. You just show up, meet a bunch of good people who like what you like, and go."

The festival is sort of an outdoors sampler providing free access to participatory activities and instruction on how to do them. Walters calls Venture Outdoors a "clearing house" for outdoors recreational opportunities. Membership in V.O. activities isn't required, but in the last three years, he said, membership has grown from 1,200 to nearly 4,000.

Venture Outdoors Festival, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. 412-255-0564, www.venture outdoors.org