Latest news with #KidstoParksDay
Chicago Tribune
20-05-2025
- General
- Chicago Tribune
Dozens fly kites in Waukegan on Kids to Parks Day; ‘Engaging kids in memorable outdoor experiences'
Some parents, like Jennyfer Cordova of Waukegan, have not flown a kite since they were youngsters and their children never had the chance until she made the effort. She took her daughter, Isabella Escobar, and her son, Mateo Escobar, to a park to try it. Isabella quickly got the wind to catch her kite and lift it into the air. She let out some string and then pulled some in, keeping it aloft. She moved her arms if the kite dipped to keep it moving in the air. 'It's fun,' Isabella, a fifth grader at Andrew Cooke Magnet Elementary School, said. 'It's like controlling an airplane, but not really as hard.' Cordova and her children were among 60 people participating in the Waukegan Park District's 15th-annual Kids to Parks Day Saturday at Bevier Park as part of a national effort to give youngsters a positive outdoor experience. As people arrived at the park, they received kits to make kites. Besides the kite itself, there was a colorful tail to be made and other decorations available. There was also a spool with a long string to attach to the kite and navigate it through the air. Jonathan Cochrane, a recreation specialist with the Park District, said along with making kites, nature's classroom housed at the park was available for exploration. There were also people using play equipment and walking the trails. Julia Sanchez, a recreation supervisor, said each year the Park District selects a different park for people to explore on Kids to Parks Day. A number of parents said anything that gets their children outdoors and away from electronic screens is worthwhile. Giving her children an opportunity to get outdoors — the wind was strong for kite-flying Saturday — is something Cordova said she tries to find. Playing outside rather than indoors creates a healthy environment for them. Isabella was getting the knack of kite-flying. 'You have to hold the string tight so the wind lifts it into the air,' she said, 'You hold it and watch it go toward the sky.' Along with kite-making, Rob Booth, who was there was his son, said he too flew kites as a youngster and now he was giving his children the same opportunity. They were busy making a kite's tail. The boy was eating frozen custard provided by a local business. 'It's fun to enjoy it with the kids,' Booth said of eating frozen custard at 10 a.m. Dulce Ortiz brought two of her children and one of their friends to try kite-flying. She, too, did it as a youngster and wants them to have the opportunity. When they felt it was too cold, she took them to the swings. Gunes Patnett brought her two young children to try kite-flying — Eren, a fourth grader, and Yaren, who is in fifth grade. She likes outdoor activities. Eren was concerned about the wind. 'I'm going to try it again,' Eren said after the kite came quickly to the grounds. 'It feels like it is getting windy. I'll fly it anyway.' Watching the kite-flying but not trying it himself was Lake County Sheriff John Idleburg. He said he took the time to interact with families and listen to them. He said he wants to 'give them a positive view of law enforcement.' Kids to Parks Day is organized by the National Park Trust to 'foster future outdoor enthusiasts and help with developing the next generation of park stewards by engaging kids in memorable outdoor experiences,' according to a Park District press release.
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Governor Braun declares May 17 Kids to Parks Day
FARMERSBURG, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV)— Indiana is celebrating the 15th annual Kids to Parks Day on May 17. Kids to Parks Day is a national day of outdoor play to get families out to connect with local, state, and national parks. Mike Braun declared May 17 as Indiana's Kids to Parks Day and signed an official proclamation for it. This day is created so that kids can gain an appreciation for public lands and learn about park stewardship, outdoor recreation, and natural/cultural history. There are several ways you can celebrate this year. You can find planned activities at this link for things to do around Indiana. Some examples of activities in the Wabash Valley are: Meet the Naturalist – Raccoon State Recreation Area 2 p.m. – 3 p.m. Stop by the campground store to see the park's naturalist at their table of interesting things from the park. Planetarium Program – Turkey Run State Park 2 p.m. – 2:45 p.m. Explore constellations and hear the stories attached to them. Lusk Home Tour – Turkey Run State Park 11 a.m. – 12 p.m./ 3 p.m. – 4 p.m. Hear the story of the Lusk Family. Tour their house and hear the nerve-racking tale of how Turkey Run became a state park. The Lusk Home is located on the eastern side of the park. Hike out on Trail 1 or 4, or park in the Lusk parking lot (access off of Narrow's road). Bluebird Box Workshop – McCormick's Creek State Park 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Come join the Brown County Bluebird Club to build a bluebird box to help support native birds. This workshop costs $10 a box. Please bring cash to pay for your birdhouse. You can build your box at Pine Bluff Shelter. This workshop requires pre-registration. Please register at b4bluebirds@ Check out the Children's Outdoor Bill of Rights with 11 suggested outdoor activities every kid should do. Complete all 11 to become an official Hoosier Outdoor Child and get your certificate here. Get started on Hoosier Quest to earn patches and pins here. You can also check out the state parks kids' webpage for more ideas. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Brevard on a budget: 9 free or low-cost things to do in Brevard for May 16-22
Due to potential changes and cancellations, we encourage you to check with presenting organizations about the status of their events. The Thunder on Cocoa Beach powerboat race returns to Cocoa Beach on May 15 through 18. The races kick off around 10 a.m. Saturday, May 17, off the shore of Cocoa Beach, with related events planned for Thursday, Friday and Sunday. The racing event, one of the largest in Central Florida, draws top race teams in the world to compete in various classes, with Class 1 racers reaching speeds over 175 mph. This year's races will take place offshore from Alan Shepard Park to Coconuts on the Beach. Admission is free, but VIP tickets with access to shaded seating, refreshments and premium viewing are available starting at $100. For the full schedule, visit Kids to Parks Day is a national initiative encouraging outdoor exploration. Bring your family to Fred Poppe Regional Park, 1951 Malabar Road NW, Palm Bay, on Saturday, May 17 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for a day of outdoor activities, including inflatables, shaved ice and more. Admission is free. Visit Famous Faces & Funnies, 3540 W. New Haven Ave., Melbourne, will give out 10 free comic books every Saturday in May, from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. No purchase is necessary, and admission is free. Visit Bring your canine companion to the Dirty Oar Beer Company, 329 King Street, Cocoa Village, on May 17 from 5 to 7 p.m. Play bingo to win prizes, enjoy food from 56@ and participate in raffles and a 50/50 drawing. Proceeds benefit Coastal Boxer Rescue of Florida. All pets must be on a leash, or in appropriate carriers, and have current vaccinations and county tags. Call 321-305-4584. Green Gables, 1501 S. Harbor City Blvd., Melbourne, hosts its annual Antique Motorcycle Invitational on Saturday, May 17 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. There will be food, drinks, music and a 50/50 raffle. Admission is free, and tours of the historic home will be available for $10. Visit The Brevard Youth Chorus presents "The Colors of Spring," a free concert of American music, at 3 p.m. Sunday, May 18 at Advent Lutheran Church, 7550 N. Wickham Road, Suntree. The young singers will sing songs that invoke the season, including "My Favorite Things" and "You'll Never Walk Alone" by Rodgers & Hammerstein, and the patriotic "America the Beautiful." Admission is free. email brevardyouthchorus@ or call 321-610-8731. The Tony Rosa Community Center, 1502 Port Malabar Blvd. NE, Palm Bay, will host a community rummage sale on Saturday, May 17 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Admission is free. Call 321-952-3443 or visit Turkey Creek Sanctuary, 1518 Port Malabar Blvd NE, Palm Bay, offers free ranger-led tours on the first and third Sundays of each month, excluding holidays, from 10 to 11 a.m. Participants should meet at the sanctuary Nature Center and bring sturdy tennis shoes or boots, sunscreen, insect repellent, water, snacks, binoculars and a hat. Tours will take place on the boardwalk and various trails. Each tour will be led by a park ranger and will focus on common plants and animals found in the sanctuary. Total distance for tours is approximately 1 to 1.5 miles and should take about 1 hour to 1 1/4 hours to complete. Admission is free. To sign up, call the Nature Center at 321-676-6690. Samsons Island is a 52-acre passive nature island in the Banana River, accessible only by water, with docks on the south, east and north sides of the island for public use. The city provides free eco tours with boat transportation to the island on the first and third Sunday of each month, departing at 9 a.m. from the Satellite Beach Fire Department, 1390 S. Patrick Drive. Guests will return back to the dock by noon. Reservations are required due to limited availability. Call 321-428-2546 x603 or visit Do you have a community entertainment event? Email tgif@ at least three weeks in advance for consideration for the Things to Do roundup. Christina LaFortune is the Entertainment and TGIF Editor at FLORIDA TODAY. Follow her on Facebook at or send her an email at clafortune@ Whether you're interested in music, theater, festivals or other local entertainment, FLORIDA TODAY has got you covered. Support local journalism by subscribing at Special Offers - USAToday Network. This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Brevard on a budget: 9 free or low-cost things to do in Brevard for May 16-22
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Annual Kids to Parks Day 2025 at Le'ahi
HONOLULU (KHON2) — The Kids to Parks Day event is happening this weekend, inviting keiki of all ages to a day of exploration, discovery and connection with the natural beauty of Hawaii. Registration opens for Honolulu's Summer Fun program WakeUp2Day's Chris Latronic went live at Le'ahi, Diamond Head State Monument with a preview. 'Kids to Parks Day brings our community together in a celebration of Lēʻahi's beauty and the wonder of outdoor experiences,' said Kekai Mar, DSP interpretive specialist for Oʻahu. 'It is inspiring to witness keiki's connections to nature and instill a lifelong appreciation for our state parks.'Kids to Parks Day is now in its 15th year nationally and more than a million people are expected to participate. DSP has hosted this event at Lē'ahi since 2018 in collaboration with environmental and community organizations. By coordinating a wide array of park activities conducted on a single day, Kids to Parks Day attracts new park goers and helps connect existing park enthusiasts with local organizations and government agencies to preserve our country's public lands and waters. 'DSP, in partnership with Pacific Historic Parks and the National Park Trust, is thrilled to invite families to celebrate Kids to Parks Day again this year. This nationwide event aims to ignite a love of the outdoors in children, fostering a deep appreciation for our public lands and inspiring the next generation of park enthusiasts and conservationists,' noted Curt Cottrell, DSP administrator. 'We look forward to welcoming families to Diamond Head and creating lasting memories while cultivating a sense of responsibility for our shared natural heritage.' Download the free KHON2 app for iOS or Android to stay informed on the latest news There is no charge for Hawaii residents to join this event. Visitors with park reservations are also welcome to join at no additional cost. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
