"Unstructured free play in the out-of-doors brings a host of benefits to children --from being smarter to more cooperative to healthier overall. City parks play a vital role in connecting kids with the outdoors!" (Source)  Some kids are lucky enough to have a yard to play in, but there are also many kids without this type of safe outdoor access.  City parks play a vital role in the access for urban children to play outside.

In our second summer post for getting kids to play outside, I wanted to issue a challenge!  This summer, find 10 parks in your area, preferable within 10 miles, to visit during the 10 weeks of summer. That's it!

This challenge came about when I was shocked to find a park, only 4 miles from my house that I didn't even know about!  I was amazed!  This park, Neptune Park in Saratoga Springs was incredible.  It started me thinking about what other parks we didn't know about.

So, we've made a goal to hit 10 local parks within 10 weeks.  We also put together this simple PDF to keep track of the parks you want to visit this summer with your kids.  Take a few minutes this weekend to find them.   My best luck has been to Google a certain city name with the word parks after it.. For example, I searched "Lehi City Parks", and got a great list here. This helped me to fill out my PDF:

So, here is your challenge.  Download a blank parks challenge printable, Or, I'm testing my tech skills and made an online version you can fill out and submit electronically. Get it here. if you have adobe flash.

At the end of the summer, you can email me, or electronically submit your completed parks printable, and you'll be entered to win anything from our store (a MyPlate product, my Smoothie book, or a 1 month membership to our meal plans- your choice!  You can send me the PDF as soon as you've been to 10 parks, you don't have to wait 10 weeks, you could do it in 10 days if you choose.

HAVE FUN!!