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 Recreation 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 fortdodgeiowa.org. Participants will have to find the scavenger word at each of these parks:

• Holiday Creek, Peterson Drive and 230th Street

• Henderson Landing, 24110 Nelson Ave.

• Gypsum City OHV Park, 2390 Mill Road

• Hawley-Lions Park, Second Street and Eighth Avenue North

• Oleson Park, 12th Avenue South and 17th Street

• Loomis Park Trail, Seventh Street and Loomis Park Drive

Completing the hunt and filling out a scorecard will make participants eligible for prizes. But all scorecards must be emailed to earndt@fortdodgeiowa.org by 11 a.m. Monday to be eligible.

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 fun-filled family outing. This weekend is also a good time to check out the many pleasures our parks offer.