On August 25, 1916, in the midst of World War I, President Woodrow Wilson signed the Organic Act which created the National Park Service. For a whole century now, families have been able to enjoy America’s National Parks, from Acadia National Park in Maine to Yosemite in California. To celebrate the centennial of the National Park Service, the Obama administration created the Every Kid in a Park program, which provides free access for every fourth grader in the country to any national park (along with three adults). Just register ahead of time and enjoy your nearest park to the fullest.
While New York City might be the last place one would look for a National Park, there are actually plenty of places to enjoy the centennial in NYC and its surrounding areas. From Castle Clinton in Battery Park to Hamilton Grange on 141st Street, even Manhattan has its share of green places. Here are a few special events going on this summer, all close to New York City.
Fire Island, a car and ferry ride from the city, is a popular vacation destination for New Yorkers. To celebrate the centennial, they are hosting an art exhibition, where anyone is welcome to share their interpretation of “America’s Best Idea.” Break out the paint brushes, sculpting clay or colored pencils, but make sure you submit your work by June 10 here. For the less artistically-inclined, keep a little closer to home at Governors Island. A long-time stronghold of the US Army, in 1966 it was turned in a place where New Yorkers and tourists alike can visit to see art, music or just relax. On every weekend from now until August 14, come by at 2:30pm to watch some serious Civil War artillery being fired. If you want to watch nature take flight, head to Gateway National Recreation Area, a combination of three spots, (Sandy Hook, NJ, Jamaica Bay, NY, and Staten Island, NY) south of the city. Join them for a fun introduction to bird watching that will delight avian fans of all ages. It is free and happens every Saturday and Sunday until September 3, from 11am-12pm.
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This summer is a fantastic time to take the whole family on a camping trip. Go a little farther from the city and take a trip outside everyone’s comfort zone. For city folk, camping can be rough, especially with little ones coming along, so here are some tips for camping with the whole family.
Know your crowd: Plan your trip according to what your family will enjoy. Babies and infants won’t be able to enjoy a hike, but older kids might love it. If the family wants to see wildlife, make sure the park you are in has their share of deer and other (safe!) animals. For some, sleeping in a tent is a wonderful getaway, but if your loved ones need a working toilet and shower, consider renting a cabin. Some parks allow pets, so bring your dog along and make it a whole family experience.
Be prepared: The Boy Scouts got this one right. Bring extra clothes because wearing wet socks ruins any camping experience. If there are any snacks that you know will raise spirits if a camping adventure goes wrong, bring them along to keep the fun going. Bug spray and sunscreen are a must – your kids will never go camping again if they wake up covered in bites and a burn. Think ahead to what could wrong and make sure you have a backup plan.
Research ahead of time: With a little prep work, you can impress your kids and teach them something at the same time. Find out what animals or plants thrive at the park you’re visiting, and remember some fun factoids. Read up on how to find constellations – stargazing in the middle of a park can be a life-changing experience for a city kid. Take the opportunity to teach the family some of the camping skills that everyone should know: Starting a campfire, setting up tents, and making s’mores.
Create your own fun: Resist the urge to bring tablets, Kindles, and smartphones. Instead, play I Spy in the woods – kids used to seeing cars, telephone poles and apartment buildings will be astounded by the variety they will find. Angry Birds fans should keep their eyes peeled for local birdlife. For the hands-on learners, do a scavenger hunt for leaves, rocks, and other small items that can be found. Bring some colored pencils and paper, and have your young Van Gogh sketch what he sees – or make a leaf print for Show and Tell in school in September.
This summer is a wonderful time to explore the outdoors as our country celebrates a century of national parks. Find out which park is best for you at nps.gov. Happy camping!
