Nearly everyone, at one point or another, is drawn to a park or local green space, reflecting our natural desire to search out these spaces for fun and adventure, and sometimes just to decompress for a while.
Every year, on the third Saturday of July, we celebrate National Parks Day across the country, recognizing parks as an essential part of Canada’s natural heritage.
Parks & Green Spaces
What parks do you live near—a city park, provincial or territorial park, or a National Park? Who were its original inhabitants? These are special places for us and our wildlife friends. They are green spaces crucial to maintaining healthy and resilient ecosystems, protecting critical habitats for species at risk, and supporting environmental and human health and well-being.
This summer, why not visit a new park with your family and create some memories outdoors? Many parks have been carefully maintained to create safe access for everyone. There are many outdoor activities to enjoy while you disconnect from your technology and the stress of everyday life. Allow your children to take the lead by using a park map to ignite their navigation skills, and don’t forget to introduce yourself to any park interpreters and ambassadors that may be available to guide you further into exploring and learning about the nature that’s all around you.
Cool Things to do in Parks
- Explore the trails on a walk or hike
- Bring a picnic for family and friends
- Swim, kayak, or canoe in the water close by
- Spot wildlife that is local to the area
- Cycle the low roads or challenge yourselves with an incline
- Bring a football, soccer ball, flying disc or skipping rope to make the most of the open spaces
- Learn to camp overnight for the first time
- If it’s windy enough, fly a kite (if you don’t have one, why not get the kids to make their own out of paper and string the day before?)
- Find a spot to sit, and take a deep breath with an expression of gratitude
Whatever you choose, remember to take responsibility for your visit and keep the space clean, green, and peaceful.
Nature Scavenger Hunt for Kids
Here’s a little extra fun for your adventure—challenge the kids to an outdoor scavenger hunt and offer them their favourite ice cream as a reward. How many of these items can you spot? Add your own too!
Something . . .
- Red
- Wet
- Prickly
- Moving
- Noisy
- Smelly
and
- A spider web
- A mushroom
- Animal tracks
Don’t forget to visit the park’s website before you go for more family-friendly resources and activities.
Enjoy your time at the park!
