Summer is almost here and the Fort Dodge Parks, Recreation and Forestry Department is eager to get local families out to to enjoy the parks.

To celebrate the warmer weather ahead, Fort Dodge Parks, Recreation, Forestry Department is teaming up with Webster County Conservation to host a Kids to Parks kickoff event on Saturday.

The free event will be from 10:30 a.m. to noon at Oleson Park.

“They will come to the park and we will give them their first clue,” said Erin Habben, FD Parks and Rec program supervisor. “It’s a scavenger hunt.”

And although the scavenger hunt begins today, the word for Oleson Park won’t be revealed until Saturday.

The event will also include a short activity.

“They have to go out and find a stick and then they get to put a ribbon on it and take it home with them,” Habben said.

Kids to Parks Day is an annual celebration to encourage play that connects kids and families with parks.

“Our hope is to introduce the public to the park inventories of Webster County Conservation and Fort Dodge Parks, Recreation and Forestry Department,” Habben said. “We hope by bringing families and kids of all ages outdoors to their local city and county parks, they can unplug from life’s daily grind and reconnect with each other, enjoy the outdoors, exercise, relax and play.”

If it rains on Saturday, the event will be canceled. Habben said to check the Fort Dodge Parks, Recreation and Forestry page for updates.

The Kids to Parks Day was held in July instead of May in 2020 due to the pandemic.

Kids to Parks Day is promoted by the National Park Trust and National Recreation and Park Association.

Visit http://www.fortdodgeiowa.org/parks to get access to the directions and scoring card for the scavenger hunt.

What: Kids to Parks kickoff event

When: Saturday

Where: Oleson Park

Time: 10:30 a.m. to noon (weather permitting)

Cost: Free

Scavenger Hunt Dates: Today, Saturday and Sunday

What you have to do for the scavenger hunt and what to look for in order to win the following:

Prize 1: Submit 6 of 6 discovered words in the correct order for a chance to win a Go Pro to enjoy with the family at your upcoming recreation opportunities.

Prize 2: Submit 4 of 6 discovered words in no particular order for a chance to win a 2 day 1 night stay at the Webster County Conservation Cabin at John F. Kennedy Memorial Park

Prize 3: Submit a selfie picture of your family that includes one of the discovered words signs for a chance to win a Family Day at Fort Frenzy — all-inclusive play passes and for each family member.

Score cards are due before Monday, May 17 at 11:30 a.m. in order to be eligible for prizes. Please email all scorecards and any scavenger hunt questions to ehabben@fortdodgeiowa.org.