Join Polk County Public Health at Crookston’s nature-based play area, Castle Park, on July 11 as kids of all ages are encouraged to ditch their digital devices and join friends outside to celebrate the joy of being outdoors! The Story Trail will feature the book Run Wild by David Covell. Kids and adults can stop by and learn about various weather patterns at the weather station with Dan the Weatherman, make mud pies and create their own ‘Be Well’ first aid kit for future outdoor adventures as they learn to live fearlessly and find ways to gain courage and bravery in the outdoors.
Getting outdoors can add many health benefits to your day. Studies show that connecting to nature daily can boost mental health, increase energy, and reduce stress. The Children & Nature Network also report that with “the rapid advancement of technology, children are spending more time indoors rather than outside with nature. This lack of outdoor time is denying kids of vital time in nature, causing them to become nature deficient.” Spending time outdoors and playing outside can help children build skills such as planning, prioritization, and multitasking and can help reduce stress levels and build stronger immune systems.
Outdoor Kids at Castle events are held throughout the summer and early Fall on the second Monday of each month from June to October from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m., weather pending. Kids at Castle events are for kids of all ages, from 0 to 99! Castle Park is located off Castle St and Summit Ave S near the Dog Park. Future Kids at Castle events will be on August 8, September 12, and October 10. Activities are sponsored by the Statewide Health Improvement Partnership, Polk County Wellness Coalition, University of Minnesota Extension, and the Crookston Early Childhood Initiative.
Can they count you in at Castle Park? To get involved or for more information, please contact Amanda at Polk County Public Health at 218-281-3385.