Kids in Parks

Kids in Parks is a network of hiking, biking, paddling and disc golf trails outfitted with free activity guides for children and families. The goals behind these TRACK Trails are to encourage kids to be physically active and help them build meaningful connections with nature. In turn, these goals help inspire the next generation of stewards, who will care for all public lands, including the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Each TRACK Trail has a series of self-guided brochures designed to turn an ordinary hike into a fun-filled, discovery-packed adventure. The guides encourage children to truly engage with the outdoors by identifying trees and birds, viewing the forest from the perspective of animals, and searching for natural features, among other fun activities. The ease of the hikes and educational materials provide a positive introduction to outdoor activities. TRACK Trails are fun, healthy, and free. Children can record their adventures at KidsinParks.com to earn prizes and plan more adventures.

You can support the program in these ways:

Reward Young Explorers ($5 per prize package)

After children log their adventure through the Kids in Parks web-app they receive prizes in the mail. With a gift to support these free rewards, you can encourage children to continue their exploration of nature and the program's TRACK Trails. Imagine their excitement as they open an envelope containing a Trail TRACKer Passport booklet to record future outings and collect TRACK Trail stickers featuring flora, fauna, historic structures, and scenery from the trail they visited; a carabiner keychain; and a collectible prize card with educational information and activities. For $5, you are introducing another child to the wonders of the outdoors. This is an excellent choice for our monthly giving program.

Build a TRACK Trail ($6,500 per trail)

You can turn an existing trail into a family-friendly TRACK Trail adventure. Your contribution will provide one park with a trailhead kiosk, four custom activity brochures designed to engage visitors in the natural or historic resources, a feature page on KidsinParks.com, and prizes for children who “track” their outdoor adventures through the web-app.

Create a TRACK Trail Mini ($2,500 per trail)

TRACK Trail Minis are a perfect option for small parks or sites and offer all of the perks of the program’s standard TRACK Trails; however, the trailhead kiosks are smaller and feature just one self-guided brochure.

Help kids connect with the outdoors today!

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