Why Choose a National Park?

Published: 02/01/2010 by National Park Advocate

Plan your next family vacation at a National Park. Our National Parks are our nation’s natural monuments that offer the profound experience of observing the beauty of our country. As a family, you can experience being connected to our earth in an inspiring and natural setting. We have a nation that is known for the amount of natural land that we have set aside for all Americans to enjoy. Most people have forgotten or don’t realize that some of our nation’s treasures are right here in their own back yard. With so many National Parks, it is an opportunity for everyone to stop and share the beauty that surrounds us. Especially, in today’s economic times, visiting a National Park brings us back to basics. People have gotten so wrapped up in materialism that most family outings have to do with things, not experiences. The important thing is to be in a beautiful setting and really bring the things that are important back to us. What are the Benefits of Family Vacations in National Parks? Activities Camping Hiking Horseback Riding Mountain Climbing Fishing Cross-Country skiing Snowshoeing Wildlife viewing Some parks have guided cave tours, such as Sequoia National Park Sightseeing by personal auto or bicycle Mountain biking Join a ranger for an Interpretive Program Join a ranger for a talk, guided hike or evening program.

10 BENEFITS FOR A FAMILY ADVENTURE IN CALIFORNIA'S NATIONAL PARKS

BRING YOUR FAMILY TO EXPERIENCE THE JOY OF NATURE

Bring your family to a place where they can experience the natural fragrance of nature, see the spectacular visual beauty, hear the natural sounds and feel the wind in the trees and the warmth of the sun.

EXPERIENCE FAMILY BONDING

Present all the natural joys that are preserved and protected for families to enjoy. Remind the children to use all their senses to experience the bonding that happens when you are connected to the earth in a natural setting. Whether it is the smoothness of the leaves, or the joy of watching wildlife in their natural setting, it is an experience to be shared as a family. Smell the enchanting scents and view the breathtaking visions. Experience, as a family, the natural fresh purifying energy that emanates from the lakes, rivers, valleys and natural wildlife that live in their natural environment.

EXPLORE NATURE IN A PROTECTED ENVIRONMENT

Take your family on a journey in a natural, protected place where you can explore nature together. The many trails are marked with information and may list the mileage for the short and longer hikes you can enjoy.

REALIZE THE VALUE AND COMMITMENT OF OTHERS

Teach your children about the results and commitment of scientists, teachers, volunteers and natural resource managers throughout the country. Read the signs posted throughout the parks to gain an understanding about the historic area you are in. Gain an understanding of the combined effort from the community to keep these parks free from pollution and urban development. Realize the commitment of our government to preserve these interesting and spectacular areas.

EDUCATE YOUR CHILDREN

Parents can teach their children about history in a natural setting. Read the signs with your children. Help your family learn about the valued geological historic sites. Learn and gain an evolutionary understanding of all the life that exists in each of the National Parks and its mission to keep these monuments unharmed for our future generations.

EXPERIENCE THE VISUAL WONDER OF THE MANY SCENIC VIEWS

Enjoy the variation of waterfalls, forests, mountain peaks and cliffs. See the forest old-growth forestland; view some flower meadows; or view the lakes and rivers that support nature.

SELECT A PARK THAT OFFERS A VARIETY OF EXERCISE

Some National Parks offer hiking trails with marked mileage. You may want to select the National Park that offers the sports you enjoy. Choose from a variety of activities that may include the following: swimming, hiking in the hills and mountains, rock climbing, short and long hikes in the desert or forest, kayaking, and many others. Families may find a park that offers horseback riding, inner-tubing, or backpacking. The parks can challenge every member of the family, both physically and mentally.

PLAN AHEAD FOR A FAMILY PICNIC

Plan ahead to have a family picnic in a beautiful natural setting of the national parks. Many parks have set aside an area where the family can have their meal together and plan or discuss the many activities to enjoy. You may meet other families and share the experience with them.

TEACH EACH OTHER TO VIEW THE SPLENDOR AROUND THEM

These natural places make children and adults equals in their ability to enjoy nature’s wonder. Children may teach their parents to see the beauty around them. Parents can explain or add information to the beautiful sites.

BUILD MEMORIES

As a family, you will be building memories. You can come home with real accomplishments to remember. With dazzling visions, enchanting scents, nature hikes, or viewing geological gems, the family bond of sharing memories will be a lasting positive experience.

ATTEND THE EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS

Many park areas have educational programs and camps that allow children and parents to spend time apart, learning on their own. Nature education facilities offer a wide variety of lectures and classes for children and adults to learn. There are many beautiful educational videos and wildlife exhibits for the public to enjoy.