Take Your Kids to These National Parks for FREE on Black Friday
Shahrzad Warkentin
Wild places are full of natural treasures and surprises around every corner. Take a hike in our 255-acre woods and and discover the beauty in small things. While you're hiking our trails, see what catches your eye on the forest floor. You may bring a small "natural treasure" back to campus with you to consult with our Ask the Naturalist panel. Educators will be standing by during the event to examine and guide you through the identification process. We'll have microscopes set up, field guides and other scientific tools to dig deeper into identification and classification. Hone your powers of observation, pattern recognition and model stewardship by playing along and encouraging your kids to do the same. We know nature only as we intersect with it. We're encouraging participants to explore nature's curiosities with all their senses. However, if you want to take a picture of the object, that works too! We welcome you to bring a picnic lunch or snacks. If you pack it in - please pack it out, there are no trash cans in our woods. Trail-worthy strollers will make it on most trails. What amazing discoveries will you make? Pre-registration is free at https://islandwood.org/event/afternoon-trails-2
If standing in line and fighting crowds sounds like a less than fun way to spend the day after Thanksgiving, then why not skip the mayhem altogether and head outdoors. To help your family get some fresh air and adventure, several National Parks will be free on Black Friday.
On November 24, the National Parks Service along with several state park associations will be offering free admission for the day as part of REI’s OptOutside campaign. Many spots will also be hosting special events and activities. The states offering free admission to parks include Arizona, Colorado, Indiana, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, New Mexico, New York and Washington. To find the park location or special event nearest you, check out the full listing on the National Park Service site.
REI is also supporting the movement to head outdoors by closing all of its 151 stores across the nation on Black Friday for the third year in a row and launching a database of social posts marked #OptOutside. You can search the database to find first-hand information and ideas on ways to spend your day enjoying nature.
What will your family be doing on Black Friday? Share your plans in the comments below.
