It’s summertime and that means it’s a great time to be active. What better place to be active than this country’s beautiful national parks! Here are a few tips to help you plan a fun and healthy day.
Plan a hike. Assess your group’s skill level and plan a hike that will be fun for everyone (not just the marathon runner in your family). Make sure you know the skill level required on that particular trail, the length of the hike (round-trip) and make sure that it’s a clearly marked trail.
Is there a swimming option? If so, bring your suit! Nothing is more fun than jumping in a lake or river after you’re hot and sweaty from a good hike.
Be prepared with snacks and hydration. As a general rule of thumb, you would rather have MORE water than just enough! You never know how hot the day might get or how often you might stop along the way. Make sure each person has an appropriate amount of water for the day. Healthy snacks are essential. No one is fun when they are hungry on the trail. Some ideas are granola bars, apples, trail mix, and pretzels.
Stay on the trail. There are a few things that you don’t want to take home from the hike, like poison ivy or little critters!
Be respectful. That means take all of your trash out with you, remember that other people are also enjoying the trail, and leave the beautiful flowers for those coming behind you.
If you want to find out more about what national parks may be near you, visit the National Park Service online. 
