It's June: Time to Get Outdoors!

June brings a month-long series of events encouraging families to get out and enjoy what nature has to offer.

 

Photo: benjipie/sxc.hu

 

If there was ever a month to kick yourself outside for some outdoor adventure it is this one. June is Great Outdoors Month, an event sponsored by the White House and almost every state governor around the country. The Presidential Proclamation urges all Americans to reconnect with nature this month and spend as much time as possible in the great outdoors.

So how can you celebrate? Should you take your kids to a playground? Go hike a trail in a National Park? Participate in a beach clean up event?

Yes.

Any and all of the activities count. The point is to get outside. Get out from behind the desk at work and take a walking lunch. Or find a nice patch of sun to take in during your 15-minute break.

Most kids will bust out of school sometime this month, so this is the perfect time to plan that family hike, fishing trip, or backyard campout - before the weather gets too hot and the summer schedules get too hectic.

Need a few more reasons to get outside? Here's a list of fun events taking place nationwide this month:

June 2. National Trails Day. Participate in a local hike, dog walk, cycling event, horseback ride, trail maintenance project, paddle trip, health fair, geocaching activity, photo safari, birdwatching expedition, and more. Get inspired with this slideshow of classic American hiking trails. Check the National Trails Day site to find an event near you.
 

June 2-10. National Fishing and Boating Week. Take advantage of free fishing days at participating parks and recreation areas.
 

June 9 - National Get Outdoors Day. Enjoy free admission or special programs at participating state parks, youth centers, and recreation areas. Check the site for a full list of events. You can also enjoy Free Admission Day at National Parks and Fee Waiver Day at National Forests.
 

June 11 - National Marina Day. Check out the special events happening at your nearby marina.
 

June 23. Great American Backyard Campout. This nationwide event sponsored by the National Wildlife Federation encourages families to trade screen time with green time by spending a night under the stars.

How will you get outdoors this month?

For more information: http://www.mnn.com/family/family-activities/blogs/its-june-time-to-get-outdoors