NRPA has partnered with National Park Trust to promote Kids to Parks Day each May. This year, the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) has impacted all of us and has limited our ability to interact with our beloved national, state and local parks. With this in mind, National Park Trust has decided to take the 10th anniversary of Kids to Parks Day digital, and instead celebrate May 16, 2020, as Parks to Kids Day — bringing a much-needed infusion of the outdoors to kids and families as they isolate at home and practice safe physical distancing.
Champaign Park District has 7 Fun Safe Ways To Celebrate Parks to Kids Day From Your Own Yard or Favorite Park:
1. Fly a Kite
Flying a kite is PERFECT for social distancing! You must maintain distance to safely fly a kite. Let’s go fly a kite!
2. Color Outside
Coloring isn’t just for kids anymore. Studies have shown that for some coloring can reduce stress and anxiety. This simple activity is now a modern form of meditation. If you get the chance to sit outside by yourself or 6 feet away while coloring, do it! Listen to the birds. Feel the grass. Smell the flowers and imagine you’re sitting in your favorite park while you color outside!
3. Sidewalk Chalk
Spread light around your home by using chalk to brighten up your neighborhood. Assign spaces 6 feet apart and create until the chalk is all gone! PLEASE NOTE: Be mindful of heavy traffic areas or patrons who cannot go off the path.
4. Hide Painted Rocks
Painting rocks may seem silly. But stumble across one on a stroll and it will bring a smile to your face! Your walk/roll around the neighborhood will turn into a rock hunt. Bonus activity for the win!
When you do hide your rocks, make sure to take a picture with the hashtag #217Rocks.
5. Outside Scavenger Hunt
Explore nature from a park or your yard with this fun scavenger hunt the whole family will enjoy! See if you can find off of these items on the list.
6. Virtual Races
Virtual Races are the perfect social distancing fitness event! There is no specific location, just run, walk, roll, jog, bike or treadmill during the event dates or anytime thereafter. It’s your race at your pace! Post your results and receive your medal.
7. Virtual Park Tours
There are plenty of chances to see national parks and beyond with online virtual tours! Check out some of our national parks and 10 natural wonders of the world from the comfort of your home.
Tune into our Parks to Kids Facebook Event for more activities and Champaign Park District Virtual Park Tour on May 16!
