When was the last time you visited a park?
Whether your answer is recent or dated, it’s time to plan your next visit, and bring the whole family along. June 10 is Family Health & Fitness Day, and the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) encourages everyone to head to the hills (or lake or river or playground) and enjoy the fresh air, flora and fauna of a park, whether it’s a national park, a state park or just a nearby pocket park.
According to the NRPA, 275 million people visit parks each year. Simply living near a park and other recreation areas, says NRPA, correlates with higher activity levels for kids as well as adults. That’s because parks are gateways to the outdoors, where people can relax, exercise, de-stress and spend time with friends and family at no (or low) cost.
To show your appreciation for local parks, start planning your visit to one near you on June 10. Here are some ideas on how to make the most of a day at the park.
- Plan a hike or walk. Explore the ins and outs of your recreation destination, whether the park has trails or paved walkways. Wander past play structures and buildings, admire trees and flowers, look for birds and animals and smile at other park lovers. Set a step goal for the day (5,000? 10,000?) and flex your fitness goals!
- Play a game. You’re never too old for a game! Bring along a disc to throw or a ball to kick around, or start an impromptu round of freeze tag or hide-and-seek. If you’re planning ahead, come up with a list for scavenger hunt items and challenge friends and family to a competition.
- Pack a picnic. Load up a bag or cooler with some of your favorite picnic treats and cold beverages, and plan to make the most of a day outdoors.
- But don’t forget to eat the local treats. Many local park host farmers markets where you can peruse the fresh fruits and vegetables and other snacks, and chat with area farmers about what to look forward to later in the season. Or maybe your park offers concessions, or vendors push around carts filled with ice cream and popsicles. Taste-test the area offerings, whatever they may be.
- Fly a kite. The simple things in life can bring so much joy! Grab your trusty kite (or buy a new one) and set out to make it soar. Bonus points for backflips and tricks!
- Take a nap. Grab your hammock, a blanket or just a spot of grass and make it your snoozing ground for the next hour. There’s something extra refreshing about dozing off in a warm breeze to the sounds of laughing kids and singing birds. For those who can’t fall asleep away from a bed, bring a book.
- Go for a swim. Lakes, ponds, rivers, swimming pools, springs, fountains—steamy weather calls for a cool dip. Find a park with water features and cool off for the day.
- Make art. Take along your sidewalk chalk and transform sidewalks into a colorful palette. Or commune with your inner Bob Ross and pack your watercolors so you can paint the landscape you see, including lots of happy trees.
- Pump it up. If your local park has fitness equipment or a fitness course, try it out! And if not, devise your own workout. You can run, stretch, practice yoga, hit the stairs, jump rope, shoot hoops, or do whatever else sounds like an enjoyable workout.
- Meet up with friends. There’s no entry fee and no expectations at a park! Dress how you want, stay as long as you like and laugh as loud as you wish. The great thing about a park is everyone is welcome, so invite a group along and see where the day takes you.
