Where to Go for National Kids to Parks Day

Krystal Clark

| 2 min read

Family hiking together through a park with their pet dog.
Have you heard of Kids to Parks Day? It’s a national campaign encouraging children and their families to explore local, state, and public lands. In 2011, the National Park Trust created this “day of outdoor play” to educate youth on the importance of appreciating and protecting nature.
This year, Kids to Parks Day is May 18. Here’s a list of participating Michigan events:
  • River Raisin National Battlefield Park – Monroe, MI: Is your little one junior ranger material? Kids can join the National Park Service and swear to “explore, learn, and protect” parks for themselves and future generations. For more information, click here.
  • Hoffmaster State Park – Muskegon, MI: Visitors can hike the Lake Michigan Trail, climb sand dunes, and learn about the art of nature. It’s a fun educational experience that children of all ages will enjoy. Find more information here.
  • Warren City Parks – Warren, MI: Saturday, Warren residents will participate in a city-wide cleanup of their local parks. It’s an amazing opportunity for both children and adults to help improve their community. For more information, click here.
  • Garfield Park – Grand Rapids, MI: Expect a family field day full of recreational activities. Attendees can play games, get gardening tips, or take disc golf lessons. Learn more here.
  • County Farm Park – Ann Arbor, MI: Parents are encouraged to bring their children along for a 1.5-mile hike. Organized by Hike It Baby, a nonprofit dedicated to connecting kids to nature, youngsters lead the charge of this outdoor adventure. For more information, click here.
  • Bay City State Park – Bay City, MI: Is your child interested in STEM? The Wetland Wake Up Field Day combines nature and science for a one-of-a-kind experience. At multiple lab stations, kids can create experiments, play games, and learn about different animals in their natural habits. For more information, click here.
  • Interlochen State Park – Interlochen, MI: Enjoy the ongoing celebration of the Michigan State Parks Centennial courtesy of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. Kids can see first-hand how the DNR protects the land, fish, and visitors of local parks. They can also expect scavenger hunts and archery lessons, plus a special-edition Centennial tote for the first 500 families, courtesy of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan. For more information, click here.
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Photo credit: DGLimages

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