Kids to Parks Day 2020 is Bringing Parks to Kids - Here is How to Celebrate

Kids to Parks Day, always held on the third Saturday of May, is a day of outdoor exploration at our national, state, and local parks and outdoor land areas. Organized by the National Park Trust, the mission of Kids to Parks Day is to foster future outdoor enthusiasts and help with developing the next generation of park stewards by engaging kids in memorable outdoor experiences. Many parks across the country host nature walks, activities, events, and more to get kids and families involved in their parks. We even have a tree growing in our yard from last year’s event here in Grand Rapids, MI - thank you Kent County Parks!

Kids to Parks Day is Parks to Kids Day for 2020

Because of the need for social distancing and other health and safety measures during the COVID-19 pandemic, the 10th anniversary of Kids to Parks Day is coming to you virtually this year on May 16th. Here’s how you can get involved and support our parks and public outdoor spaces. 

Virtual Activities

Grab one of the at-home activities and distance learning opportunities to help bring the outdoors and parks to you. Play backyard bingo, think like a paleontologist, design a nature collage, learn about the parts of a flower, and more! Share your activities on social media with the hashtags #CompleteOurParks #KidstoParks #BuddyBison and tag @nationalparktrust. 

Download the ParkPassport App

National Park Trust and Blue Star Families have created the ParkPassport mobile app with the goal of allowing families and individuals to find parks, get outside, and discover the power the outdoors has on quality of life. Create an account, find local, regional, state, and national parks, earn badges for parks visited and outdoor recreational activities completed, and connect with other park enthusiasts and families across the country. Check out the Virtual Visits Finder to virtually visit federal and state parks and find additional resources. Collect badges for completing your virtual visits. 

Download here for Android

Download here for Apple

Check Local Resources

Visit your local parks department to see if they are doing any virtual events for Kids to Parks Day. In lieu of in-person events, some park departments and organizations may be doing curbside pick-up native plant sales, virtual park tours, or have additional online activities. Some areas have rescheduled their events for later in the summer.

Donate or Volunteer 

If you have the means, you can donate to the National Park Trust which works to protect and preserve the National Parks. Or, donate directly to your park of choice or a land conservancy in your area. 

Once it is safe in your area to do so, donate your time to your local parks services. There are many ways volunteers help improve parks and trails, both outdoors and working behind the scenes. Check with your local parks department on how you and your family can get involved.

Kids to Parks Day and Hike it Baby

Hike it Baby is a proud partner of Kids to Parks Day and many of our Branches are hosting virtual events and activities to celebrate Kids to Parks Day.  Find your local Hike it Baby branch to create a connection with like-minded parents and caregivers and stay up-to-date on current virtual events as well as future in-person hikes when we can once again join each other on the trail.