HAMPTON ROADS, Va. - The National Park Trustis telling kids Saturday is a great day to get outside and play.
It's called "Kids to Parks Day," and it's not just fun - it's also good for their health.
Pediatricians say when children are more active, there's a lower chance for obesity, and they have better motor development.
"There's a whole lot less myopia for kids who play outside. That's that nearsightedness than kids who play inside or look at screens a lot. There's all these mental and emotional health things, less anger and aggression. [There are] better learning outcomes for kids who are playing outside more," said Dr. Danette Glassy.
And you don't have to travel far. While you can enjoy nature in your backyard or at your local playground, we did do some research, and there are several Kids to Parks Day events going on locally Saturday.
Virginia Beach
First Landing State Park
Where: 2500 Shore Dr., Virginia Beach, Va. 23451
Celebrate Kids to Parks Day at First Landing! Pick up a Junior Ranger booklet in the park's Discovery Room at the Trail Center to begin the day's events in exploring the unique history, culture and ecological aspects of First Landing State Park. The park will have the Discovery Room open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. as well as some awesome activities for kids throughout the day. Community partners will join us to provide information to park guests about stewardship and ways to engage with the outdoors all around Hampton Roads.
10 a.m. - 4 p.m. - Discovery Room Open
Visit the home of the Animal Ambassadors and engage with self guided activities inside the Trail Center.
10:00 a.m. - Swamp Stomp
Join interpretive rangers for a swamp adventure! Rangers will use nets to catch wildlife specimens at one of the park's Bald Cypress overlooks and learn about the swamp and its inhabitants up close. Meet at the Trail Center.
12 p.m. - Take a Hike!
Come on a guided hike with First Landing's interpretive rangers to explore First Landing State Park's most popular trail, Bald Cypress. Kids will learn about wildlife, history and more! Meet at the Trail Center.
- Cost: Free
- Parking: Yes
- Accessible: No
- Dog Friendly: No
False Cape State Park
Where: 4001 Sandpiper Rd., Virginia Beach, Va. 23456
Celebrate Kids to Parks Day at False Cape! Pick up a Junior Ranger booklet in our Visitor Center to begin the day's events in exploring the unique history, culture and ecological aspects of False Cape State Park. The park's Visitor Center will be open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. You will have to park at Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge and hike or bike to the park Visitor Center, or you can make reservations for the Blue Goose Tram by calling the park.
- Cost: Free
- Parking: Yes
- Accessible: Yes
- Dog Friendly: No
Cape Charles
Kiptopeke State Park
Where: 3540 Kiptopeke Dr., Cape Charles, Va. 23310
Join park rangers for some fun hands-on activities. Build your own birdhouse, learn how to harvest oysters or create a custom tie-dye shirt! All activities will be located at the Big Water Visitor Center. Shirts for tie-dye will be available for purchase at the Visitor Center for $8 or bring your own!
- Cost: Free
- Parking: Yes
- Accessible: No
- Dog Friendly: No
If you'll be outside Hampton Roads this weekend, you can find other Kids to Parks Day events throughout Virginia here.
