Do you like to get away or outside with your family? Do you ever go to National or State parks? It is something we try to do as a family – and honestly we should try to do more, but it feels like life is always busy. 

The idea of national parks was one of the most popular ideas the United States ever produced. It stemmed from the desire to protect special places for visitors’ present and future enjoyment.

The first national park in the US was Yellowstone, designated in 1872. The original focus on natural wonders has changed over the years to include sites that record human history, educate, and boost the quality of life.

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WHY VISIT NATIONAL PARKS OR STATE PARKS?

• They are affordable
• There are many of them. There are 63 national parks in 27 states. There are about 2500 state parks throughout the US. Many other countries have national and state parks that are definitely worth visiting. For example: South Africa has 29 national parks, China has 225, Brazil has 69, India has 104 and New Zealand has 14. 
• State and National parks are educational – they provide opportunities to teach about nature, science, conservation, and history
• They are great for your health (we all know that getting outdoors and in nature has many health benefits)
• Each park is unique
• You can unwind, take a break from the busyness of life and the demands of technology
• You might even get to see a natural wonder

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EDUCATIONAL BENEFITS OF NATIONAL AND STATE PARKS

National and State parks are great outside classrooms. There are a plethora of learning opportunities and many subjects can be covered (if you want to consider subjects).

You can easily cover ecology, preservation, flora and fauna, history and other aspects of geography. The parks are also an inspiration for reading and writing tasks, math, and art projects. 

You get hands-on experiences in National and State parks. Being able to touch and smell a plant, or observe an animal in its natural habitat is so beneficial. Books are wonderful but they can never replace real life experiences.

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4TH GRADE NATIONAL PARK PASS

This is one great opportunity provided by the National Park Service. It is a free pass valid for the duration of the 4th grader’s school year though the following summer (September-August). It is available for US 4th graders, including home-schooled and free-choice learners 10 years of age, with a valid Every Kid Outdoors paper voucher.

You can go to the following website if you have an eligible child to get your pass:

https://www.everykidoutdoors.gov/index.htm

If you want to know about the state parks in your State, this website has all states listed and the number of parks. 

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GIVEAWAY

To celebrate this being Learning Life’s 200th vlog, we are giving the opportunity for one family to receive a National Parks Annual Pass.

To enter the giveaway, you need to be a subscriber and make a comment on the given prompt on the YouTube video. The video release date is Jan 26 and we will announce the winner on Feb 9.