Saturday is National Kids to Parks Day. This is a countrywide celebration organized annually by the National Park Trust “to connect kids and families with their local, state and national parks and public lands.” It has helped popularize these wonderful outdoor recreational venues since 2011.

In conjunction with the national festivities, this weekend the Fort Dodge Parks, Recreation and Forestry Department and Webster County Conservation are putting on a scavenger hunt throughout six area parks — both well-known ones and some not visited as often.

Details about how to participate in the scavenger hunt can be found at https://bit.ly/3PvkQFi. They are also available by visiting fortdodgeiowa.org/parks, or city or county Facebook pages.

The six parks being featured are:

• Camp WaNoKi, 2400 WaNoKi Camp Road southeast of Fort Dodge

• Henderson River Access in Kalo

• Prairie Pond outside of Duncombe

• Lizard Creek Mountain Bike Trail in Phinney Park

• Schmoker Park on North 32nd Street

• Loomis Park along the Des Moines River in Fort Dodge

The Messenger applauds this effort to make more of our residents aware of the superb park areas in Fort Dodge and Webster County. We urge our readers to participate in the scavenger hunt. It promises to be a funfilled family outing. This weekend is also good time to check out the many pleasures our parks offer.