Outdoor Activity Resources
Getting outside is fun and good for your mental and physical health! Please use the resources below to guide or enhance your outdoor adventures.
Follow our Facebook page for weekly activities and information to stay engaged. Have a question about water, plants, wildlife, or something else in our natural world? Use this form to ask a naturalist.
Nature Journaling
Explore our parks and connect with nature by using a nature journal.
Owlbert Scavenger Hunts
Use our park scavenger hikes to add some fun to your hike!
Some parks have hidden Owlbert cutouts to find with your eyes. Please leave Owlberts in place so other visitors can enjoy.
Berlin Lake Trail - 3 hidden Owlberts
Trail Lake Park - 6 hidden Owlberts
Nature Craft Activities
Nature craft - Mammals click to download instructions
Natural elements art click to download instructions
#Getoutside120
Getting outside is essential to our health and wellbeing, but how much do we need to be outside for it to count? Experts say 120 minutes in nature is the key to seeing health benefits.
Portage Park District is partnering with the Portage County Safety Council to encourage individuals to GetOutside and get those 120 minutes of activity. Listen to our podcast where Mike Thompson, interviewed Jen and Andrea to talk about the Portage Park District and the need for outdoor activity.
Portage County Safety Council podcast - Get Outside campaign
Session 1: 2020 Campaign Launch
Session 2: Why you should spend more time outdoors
It doesn't matter in what increments you get your 120 minutes, try a 10-minute walk at lunchtime or a 30-minute bike ride in the evening. Every minute counts. Now more than ever it's important to take care of your mental and physical health - so get outside, it's as easy as 1,2,0!
NRPA Report - Parks help improve mental here read here
Read the University of Exeter Medical School study here.
Get outside in the Portage Parks! Click here to go to the parks and maps page.
Top things to do at our parks
Click the photo to visit that parks page.
Additional Resources:
Finding Nature - Children & Nature Network
Nature from Home Activities - National Park Trust
National Audubon Society
National Park Service - find your virtual park
Ohio Division of Wildlife
US EPA Student Center
US Geological Survey
US Fish and Wildlife Service