Celebrate Family Health & Fitness Day with Healthy St. Pete
By Meagan Young, CPRP, CTRS, Health Program Supervisor
Each year on the second Saturday in June, the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) invites families across the country to come together and celebrate Family Health & Fitness Day. This is a national initiative promoting the role of parks and recreation in keeping communities active, engaged, and well.
Family Health & Fitness Day is a reminder of the countless ways parks and recreation spaces contribute to our physical and mental health. It’s the perfect opportunity to get outside, get active, and create lasting memories with the people you love. Whether you’re exploring a trail, playing a game in the yard, or dancing in the living room, the most important thing is that you’re doing it together. It’s a day to find joy in movement and celebrate the spaces that make health and wellness more accessible to everyone.
Healthy St. Pete encourages families in our community to take advantage of this special day by exploring the many ways to move together. Not sure where to start? Here are five simple and fun ideas to get active on Family Health & Fitness Day:
- Swim at a Community Pool – Cool off and make a splash at one of St. Petersburg’s public pools, open for the summer season. Whether you’re heading to North Shore Aquatic Complex or a neighborhood pool closer to home, swimming is a fun and refreshing way for families to stay active together.
- Play at a Park Near You – Whether it’s a game of tag, basketball, or time on the playground, visiting a local St. Petersburg park is a simple and fun way to get moving together as a family. With over 150 parks across the city, there’s a green space waiting for everyone.
- Explore Boyd Hill Nature Preserve – Embark on a family hike through diverse ecosystems, including wetlands and pine flatwoods, at Boyd Hill Nature Preserve. With over three miles of trails, it’s a great way to connect with nature and each other.
- Paddle at Clam Bayou Nature Preserve – Experience the serenity of kayaking through the mangroves at Clam Bayou Nature Preserve. It’s an excellent opportunity for families to enjoy water-based recreation and observe local wildlife.
- Cycle the Pinellas Trail – Take a family bike ride along the Pinellas Trail, a scenic route that offers safe and enjoyable cycling paths through various neighborhoods and parks.
Visit nrpa.org/familyfitness to learn more and be sure to check out Healthy St. Pete’s programs and events to help your family stay active all year long.
