National Park Week

Celebrate outside

By Erica Rascón on Apr 19, 2016 in News

Now through April 24, 2016 is National Park Week! The National Park Service (NPS) and National Park Foundation have designated this as a period of free park access, exciting events, and healthful activities.

Don’t have time for a trip to the park? It’s more worthwhile than you think: time in nature has proven to improve mental health. Playing outside promotes mental and physical well-being while increasing productivity. A trip to the nearest National Park may be just what you need to refuel for the next big project on your calendar.

So get outdoors and enjoy our National Parks! They are a source of endless beauty and wonder. Besides, you’ll be doing your mind and body a favor.

Remember, National Park Week is more than just a celebration of nature. While that would be sufficient, the event is also a celebration of American heritage. Several National Historic Sites rest under the NPS umbrella. These are great alternatives if seasonal allergies or limited mobility make a romp outdoors sound more like a challenge than a celebration.

Ready to explore? First, find your park or National Historic Site. (In honor of the upcoming presidential elections, it could be fun to visit destinations dedicated the former presidents.) All this week, guests can enjoy free admission to the NPS sites.

Need a few National Park Week celebration ideas? Check out the scheduled events below:

National Park Week includes the celebration of Earth Day, which falls on April 22. Do a quick search for Earth Day activities at a park near you. Once you’ve identified a nearby Earth Day volunteer event, organize a group of fellow coworkers to participate. Remember to bring a comfortable change of clothes if you’re heading out after work. It’s also a good idea to carpool—it’s Earth Day after all!

You know that coworker who is always immortalizing his lunch with images on social media? That’s the person you want with you during National Park Instameet on April 23. This event encourages guests to create pictures and videos that represent their park experiences. 
Post on Instagram and other social media with the hashtags #FindYourParkInstaMeet, #FindYourPark, #EncuentraTuParque, and #NPS100 (in honor of the park system’s Centennial celebration this year).

For the coworker who is always pulling 60-hour workweeks, there is Park Rx day on April 24. Parks will host fun recreational activities that encourage a healthy lifestyle and promote physical and mental wellbeing. These events can be anything from hikes, yoga classes, slacklining, meditation, archery, obstacle runs and more.

While Park Rx day is likely to have something for everyone, you’re welcome to create your own activity. NPS has created A Guide to Planning Your Own National Park Rx Day Celebration.  Personalizing a Park Rx day is easier than you think!

What are your plans for celebrating National Park Week or Earth Day?