Pete’s Pick: Kids to Parks Day is May 20

Kids to Parks Day is an annual nationwide event that encourages outdoor play and adventure. So why not spend the day at a park?

The National Park Trust organizes the event and municipalities across the nation participate each year. To celebrate Kids to Parks Day, Roanoke Parks and Recreation is hosting a free outdoor festival on Saturday, May 20, at Wasena Park from 1 to 4 p.m.

There will be an array of bouncy castles, face painting, an outdoor scavenger hunt, prizes, a magician, balloons, and more. One lucky raffle prize winner will be awarded a $330 gift certificate to Cardinal Bicycle. Water and light snacks will be available at no charge. There will also be three food trucks — El Budare Grill, Dojo Grill, and Viva La Cupcake — on site for your noshing pleasure.

The scavenger hunt is free but advance registration is needed. The event is for all ages and using a map, families will navigate the greenway, find checkpoints, decipher clues, and overcome obstacles. Registration is free and door prizes have been donated by Roanoke Mountain Adventures, Underdog Bikes, Starlight Bikes, River Rock Climbing, Walkabout Outfitter, Ride Solutions, and Cardinal Bicycle.

This is also a great opportunity to participate in the #100HoursUnplugged challenge and commit to spending 100 hours outside instead of on screens this summer. Learn more and find other ways to tackle the challenge.