The best weather of the year is back again here in Southern Maryland, but if you need another excuse to get outside today, we have you covered! The second Saturday in June is Family Health & Fitness Day, which means this year we’re celebrating on June 11.

The National Recreation and Park Association champions this event, encouraging families across the country to explore all of the natural attractions right outside their door. There are countless benefits for participating in outdoor activities as a family, but sometimes it’s hard to find local options for fun.

Luckily, we’ve got you covered for your next adventure!

Why You Should Go Outside

There are many established reasons why spending time in the great outdoors is important for your overall well being. The Forest Service in the U.S. Department of Agriculture is a huge advocate for exploring the wilderness that surrounds you, noting that it’s helpful for not just physical, but also mental wellness.

The first benefit, physical wellness, is perhaps the most obvious. For most adults, 30 minutes of physical activity per day is recommended — and practically any outdoor adventure will mix fun with exercise seamlessly, whether hiking, biking, or even just walking around.

Green spaces bring even more perks, specifically for mental health. Being in lush vegetation has been studied extensively and added greenery is correlated with a lower risk of depression and faster psychological stress recovery. Other benefits include the restoration and strengthening mental capacities, like focus and attention.

Where You Should Head To

So now that you’re sold on all of the built-in benefits of outdoor adventure, only one question remains: What’s a good local spot to explore? Don’t worry, we’ve compiled quite a few nearby parks for you to choose from — both fan favorites and hidden gems.

Available right here in Southern Maryland:
Piscataway Park
Fort Washington Park
Louise F. Cosca Regional Park
Rosaryville State Park
Cedarville State Forest
Patuxent River Park
Merkle Wildlife Sanctuary
Chapman State Park
Mattawoman State Natural Environmental Area
Smallwood State Park
Clark Run Nature Area
Chapel Point State Park
Port Tobacco River Park

Want inspiration for activities to add to your Family Health & Fitness Day 2022? Explore Charles County offers a closer look at different pastimes, including kayaking, hiking, biking, birding, hunting, fishing, golfing, and more. There’s truly something for everyone — so we hope to see you out there!