Kids to the Park day means health, wellness and fun

We are experiencing a hot spell out here in California.  It reminds me that I need to go outside and play!       

This Saturday, May 17, is national Kids to Park day and a perfect reason to pack the kids up and go to the nearest county, state or national park.   The rangers are full of knowledge and often have children tours or guides available.  Most parks have maps and hiking trail information for difficulty level and duration.  Who knows what special animals children may see along the way.

Nourish Thought for the Day:  

Teach children to respect nature and never litter and always stay on the trails so wild life and plants are protected.

Benefits of Outdoor Play

There are many benefits to outdoor play.  Regular outdoor play may seem obvious but it will actually improve your child's overall health. 

Playing outside gives children the opportunity and space to run around, jump and be loud.  These types of activities are great aerobic exercises that keeps our heart and overall stamina healthy and in tip top shape.  When children bounce around on their feet they are also building muscle and doing weight bearing activities is good for growing bones and preventing osteoporosis.

Sun exposure (without sunscreen) in small doses of 15 minutes) is necessary for the body to build vitamin D.  Outdoor activities can promote a healthier heart, lungs and immune system.  

It is recommended that children have moderate to vigorous active play every day for at least 1 hour.

What Can You Do At The Park

There are so many fun things kids and parents can enjoy at the park.  Here are just a few on the list:

• Fishing
• Hiking
• Bike riding
• Canoeing
• Exploring the plants and animals
• Swimming
• Climbing

Activities In The Park

If you are wondering about some fun activities that you can do at the park, well try some of these.  Here is a booklet created by the parktrust.org that has a list of activities for kids

• Leaf or bark rubbing
• Scavenger Hunt
• Make a water scope
• Nature Collage
• Listening to Nature
• Clean up
• Journal
• Examine Nature
• Coloring Sheet

Find An Activity Near You

With hundreds of parks around the country there is bound to be one near you that will have a special event planned for the local kids.  Just click on your state and then select a location mark near where you live.  Find a local event.

Make a pledge

I have made my pledge to take a child to the park this Saturday.  Have you made your pledge?  You can show your support and commit to taking a special child/children to the park.  Join over 120,000 people who have made their pledge!  Make the pledge.  All pledges are entered in a contest.