Our National Parks are among our country’s greatest treasures! Last year, I wrote a blog about how they have become more welcoming to people of diverse races and cultures. This summer, I would like to encourage families to plan visits to their local National Parks.
The National Park Service (NPS) has many suggestions for trips with children at the link below and at a webpage titled “Kids in Parks”. There is a list of activities for children, including specific ones for 4th and 5th graders, as well as junior ranger activity books and activities to do online. There is a tab “Visit Parks with Kids” where advice is provided about how to prepare before visiting a park and how to plan for hiking and camping. There is also another tab “Events for Kids” which has a monthly calendar and a list of events for specific parks.
The National Park Foundation also has many creative activities for children on its website (the link is provided below), some of which can be done at home. These activities include history and science lessons and learning about park wildlife and digs.
Many people think about the larger parks such as Yosemite National Park or Yellowstone National Park, but there are parks within cities or short drives outside city limits.
You may not have to travel very far for a visit. Have your children get involved and do the research as to which parks to visit.
There is so much for your children to do and learn this summer. Plan a visit and get out of the house to explore one of our beautiful National Parks. Your entire family will enjoy it! You will be building fond memories for your children for years to come!
To learn more, please visit:
https://www.nps.gov/kids/index.htm
https://www.nationalparks.org/connect/blog/back-school-national-parks
https://fullsuitcase.com/best-usa-national-parks-for-families/