Parks are a community treasure. Where else can you find an all-in-one gathering place for celebrations, an open-air gym with free membership, a playground where kids can get the wiggles out and a green space away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life?

For most of us, there’s a park within walking distance. According to the National Recreation and Park Association, 74% of U.S. residents live within a brief stroll of a playground, open space, recreation center or park. In fact, across the country, local park and recreation agencies manage more than 11 million acres of open space.

While it’s true that parks are cherished destinations year-round, there’s one day each year set aside to honor the role they play: Family Health & Fitness Day. Taking place the second Saturday in June, this day is sponsored by the National Recreation and Park Association and highlights the important role our parks play in keeping communities healthy and physically active.

So mark your calendars for June 13 and head to your local park to give it its due. Need some ideas on how to celebrate Family Health & Fitness Day? Read on for tips on how to make the most of a green space near you.

  1. Hit the trails. Leash up the dog, lace up the walking shoes and prepare for an adventure! Spend some time exploring the walkways and trails at your local park. Take the time, literally, to stop and smell the flowers and admire the foliage all around you.
  2. Go for a swim. Nothing says summer like a cool dip on a hot day! Round up the troops and make a splash at your community swimming hole.  
  3. Organize a scavenger hunt. Make a list of items and tasks to complete and select a prize to incentivize participants. Challenge your friends and family to join in.
  4. Leave your devices at home. Plan a screen-free outing and see where your wanderings take you. Pretend it’s the ‘90s and let your imagination run wild!
  5. Plan a picnic. If your local park has a farmer’s market, load up your favorite snacks and enjoy them al fresco. If not, assemble some sandwiches and settle in for a long, lazy afternoon. Be sure to pack a ball or disc to toss around, along with books, music and other entertainment. And don’t forget the sunscreen!
  6. Sign up for a sport, class or activity. Basketball leagues, nutrition lessons, art classes, summer camps — sports and recreation centers offer all kinds of family-friendly activities! Find out what’s available near you and encourage the kids to register for a new and different endeavor.
  7. Create your own field day. Invite the crew to a day of friendly competition. Ask participants to dream up a fun event you can include, such as potato sack races, tug-of-war, egg tosses, wheelbarrow races, freeze-dancing and more. By the end of the day, everyone will be sweaty, exhausted and smiling!
  8. Participate in a park clean-up. Whether it’s an organized cleanup or a DIY endeavor, just a couple of hours picking up trash can make a big difference and keep your green space looking its best.
  9. Keep it going. Family Health & Fitness Day happens just one day a year. But don’t let that limit you! Whether you’re swimming at the community pool, playing baseball in a local league or taking in the natural world around you, make it a goal to visit your local park throughout the summer and beyond. It’s a healthy, low-cost outing that can benefit the whole family.