Did you know the third Saturday of May is Kids to Park Day? I had NO CLUE! None! Now do I know that National Donut day is June 7th, sure! I'm not ashamed of my priorities. Besides I'm still figuring out this mom thing and all the places to take kids, which is how I stumbled upon this day which has been around since 2011 and happens to be THIS Saturday!
Kids to Park Day encourages kids and families to get out, play and connect with their local, state and national parks! I couldn't think of a better thing to do Satuday and the weather is looking like it agrees. Check out these 5 parks you can explore to Celebrate the day or any day!. Maybe add it to your Spring/Summer Bucket list (if you have one of course)!
Trail: Great Woodland Adventure trail
Length: 0.6 miles
Adventure: Woodland creatures take the spotlight along this trail with several interpretive exhibits for kids to interact with along the way. To start your own brochure-led adventures, visit the trailhead kiosk located on the side of the Animal Discovery Den, near the climbing tower and shuttle parking area.
Cost: Admission to the park
$17 Adult 1 day admission
$8 Youth (5-15) 1 day admission
$14 Youth (5-15) discovery day pass (12 months of unlimited access to the park)
$45 Family (2 adults and up to 3 children) one day admission
Trail: Andy Cove Nature Trail
Length: 0.75 miles
Adventure: Small hill, stairs, canopy boardwalk and swinging bridge are just some of the fun things you'll find on this trail! Andy Cove Trail (#288) is located at the Pisgah Ranger District Ranger Station / Visitor Center (1600 Pisgah Hwy, Pisgah Forest, NC 28768).
Cost: Free
Trail: Cane Creek Trail
Length: 1 mile (0.5 mile out and back)
Adventure: Take a beautiful scenic walk of creeks and the mountains then stop right before the turn around and have a picnic in the grassy area!
Cost: Free
Trail: Various
Length: Over 5 miles of hiking trails
Adventure: There are so many things to explore from the goat farm and hiking trails to the lakes, flower and vegetable gardens, and apple orchard!
Cost: Free to walk the trails, property and visit the barn.
House tour cost: $5 (15+), $3 (62+) and free under 15 years.
Bonus: Become a Junior Ranger! Visit the park and pick up your own Junior Ranger booklet for free; complete the activities appropriate for your age using the information found in the booklet and at the park. Once completed, bring it to a ranger to be checked and WHAMO you have earned yourself a badge and the honor of being a Junior Ranger who vows to learn about and protect National Parks throughout our country.
5. Polk Trails
Trail: Woodland Park Trail
Length: 1 mile loop
Adventure: This trail is full of wildlife and waterfalls! There are two entrances, one off Chestnut Street and one behind the Tryon IGA
Cost: Free
Bonus Adventures: Head over to Kids in Parks for some extra adventure fun for kids of all ages! You can even win prizes for tracking your fun through their website (it's free)!
Don't forget to share with us if you take on any of these fun trails and use hashtag #MacKidHendo so we can give you and your family some love!
