Beautiful spring weather means Parks & Rec’s site are bursting with great activities! This month many events focus on getting kids involved in the natural world around them. Along with some great outdoor programs, Mother’s Day is coming up. Celebrate with fun activities like crafts, family exercise, and more.

See the list below for a sampling of the events hosted by our staff and partners this month.

Kids Explore All Day

When: May 3 and 17, 2022 — 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Where: Wissahickon Environmental Center

Drop your kids (years 5-11) off for a day of staff monitored exploration through the woods! Come rain or shine, the Wissahickon Environmental Center will host this fun outdoor program. For more information, check the event’s Facebook page.

Birding Basics for Kids

When: May 3 and 5, 2022 — 10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Where: Cobbs Creek Community Environmental Center

How do we tell one bird from another? Learn the basics of bird ID. We will also introduce the “Merlin App” for bird ID; as you answer 5 easy questions, it guides you to pictures of the birds you may have seen. Or use it to identify bird songs! Then take a bird walk! Most appropriate for kids ages 7 and older. Bring your cell phone. Read more about it.

Mother’s Day Craft 

When: May 5, 2022
Where: Pennypack Environmental Center

Share the joy of creating something alongside your kids to celebrate Mother’s Day! For more information and possible updates, check the event Facebook page.

Tree House Tots

When: May 5, 2022 — 6 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Where: Wissahickon Environmental Center

Bring your 3-5 year old to discover the wildlife thriving in the Wissahickon this month. Learn more about this event.

Kids Play While Adults Volunteer Day

When: May 17, 2022 — 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Where: Wissahickon Environmental Center

Give back to your community by participating in the Phood Phorest Volunteer day while your kids have fun in the woods around the environmental center! For registration and cost information, check the event Facebook page.

Home School: Investigating Invertebrates

When: May 18, 2022 — 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Where: Pennypack Environmental Center

Bring your kids to learn about insects and other small critters in our environment. Learn more on the event Facebook page.

Art in the Park

When: May 22, 2022 — 1 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Where: Pleasant Hill Park
Event partner: River North Partnership

This month’s theme focuses on both nature and abstract art. For more information and possible future updates, check the event Facebook page.

Beginner Mushroom ID Walk at Morris Park

When: May 28, 2022 — 1 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Where: Morris Park – meet at 66th St and Sherwood Ave.
Event partner: Philadelphia Mycology Club

Want to learn more about mushrooms and fungi? Curious about what ones are edible? Then join Bethany Teigen of the Philadelphia Mycology Club to explore the fungi of Morris Park. Meet at 66th and Sherwood Ave, by the small guardhouse. Read more about it.

Recurring Events

Kids Yoga in Overington Park

When: Each Wednesday in May (4, 11, 18, 25) — 6 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Where: Overington Park
Event partner: River North Partnership

Kids of all experience level are welcome to come get their zen on in Overington Park. For registration information and more, check the event Facebook page.

Learn to Fish Events

When: Most Thursdays in May (12, 19, 26) and June 2, 2022— 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Where: Location changes based on date
Event partner: River North Partnership

These events are great for all beginner anglers, kids included. This program will move locations each week, so be sure to check the Facebook event pages for information.

Family Trail Time and Kids Run

When: Each Saturday in May (7, 14, 21, 28) — 4 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Where: Tacony Creek Park
Event partner: TTF Watershed

Gather your family and engage in some group exercise on the beautiful Tacony Creek Park trail. Learn more about this event.