Senate Designates May 16 as “Kids to Parks Day”

Senate Designates May 16 as "Kids to Parks Day"

Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Ron Wyden, D-Ore., Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith, R-Miss., and colleagues today applauded the Senate's passage of their bipartisan resolution to empower young people and their families to get outdoors and promote healthy outdoor recreation by designating May 16, 2026 National Kids to Parks Day.

Started in 2011 with the National Park Trust, the fifteenth annual Kids to Parks Day kicks off a summer-long series of events at local, state and national parks. The Senate passed the resolution by unanimous consent last night.

"Appreciation for our beautiful outdoor spaces is in the DNA of every Oregonian," Wyden said. "This bipartisan National Kids to Parks Day resolution recognizes the generational connection of Oregonians enjoying and preserving our beloved outdoor spaces for years to come.

"Time outdoors gives children the chance to be active, curious, and connected to the world around them," Hyde-Smith said. "National Kids to Parks Day is a great reminder for families to step away from screens, explore our parks and trails, and enjoy the natural beauty we're fortunate to have in Mississippi and across the country."

"We are excited that National Kids to Parks Day is commemorating its Sweet 16 --16 years of park celebration and appreciation on May 16th. This initiative, launched by National Park Trust in 2010, inspires families to get outside, connect with nature, and support the parks they love. Spending time enjoying our public lands and parks plays a vital role in children's health and well-being. We also believe that kids who grow up exploring parks are more likely to become the future stewards these spaces need to thrive," said Grace Lee, executive director of National Park Trust.

Wyden and Hyde-Smith were joined by Senators Martin Heinrich, D-N.M., Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.V., Jim Justice, R-W.V., Steve Daines, R-Mont., Chris Coons, D-Del., and Cory Booker, D-N.J., in introducing the resolution.

The text of the resolution is here.

###