National Kids in Parks Day is this Saturday, May 20/National Park Trust
Thirteen years ago, the National Park Trust launched Kids to Parks Day. Held annually on the third Saturday in May, this year’s national day of outdoor park play and recreation will be held on Saturday.
For 2023, National Park Trust is teaming up with the American Academy of Pediatrics and Mental Health Awareness Month to promote the many physical and mental health benefits of getting outdoors and enjoying nature and parks.
Families are encouraged to explore new parks, public lands, or waters or revisit a favorite and plan a day of outdoor activity, which the Park Trust hopes will inspire families to plan park trips and outdoor fun throughout the summer months.
“Getting outdoors and being active is so important for children’s mental and physical wellbeing. The scientific evidence tells us outdoor play is good for children’s health. Plus, most children love it! On Kids to Parks Day, take your children to a park for summer fun, exercise and better mental health," said Sandy Chung, MD, FAAP, president of the American Academy of Pediatrics.
“Whether or not your local park is planning a special Kids to Parks Day event, we hope families will get outdoors, be active and plan a fun outing to launch the summer park season. As we like to say, kids need parks, and parks need kids," added Grace Lee, executive director of the National Park Trust.
The Trust has a robust website, www.parktrust.org, to help families find outdoor events around the country and activity guides that help to plan a fun adventure. Additionally, families can download the Trust’s free ParkPassport mobile app to access park-specific information.
Founded by National Park Trust, the mission of Kids to Parks Day is to foster the next generation of park stewards.
“By engaging kids in memorable outdoor experiences while discovering and exploring parks, kids learn about park stewardship, outdoor recreation, STEM, and the history of our country and its amazing national treasures," said Lee.
