ParkRx Day

Celebrate ParkRx Day on April 20, 2024!

There’s a powerful connection between the health of people, parks, and the planet. Join in the celebration by taking simple steps to care for yourself, care for others, and care for the Earth.

• You can use this day to take on a new challenge, start a healthy habit, or try something new. Whether you step out in the backyard, your neighborhood, or visit your favorite park —a fun, healthy adventure awaits.

Share #YourParkStory

Share your experience on social media with photos to show what a difference a day outside can make for your health, and the health of the planet using #YourParkStory #EarthDay #ParkRxDay #HealthyParksHealthyPeople

• How have national parks improved your mental and physical health? Share #YourParkStory and inspire others to prioritize their connection to the outdoors for their health and wellbeing.
• How have parks inspired you to care for yourself and our planet Earth? Share #YourParkStory and inspire others to prioritize their connection to parks and the great outdoors for their health and wellbeing and the planet we share.
• How have you played a role in protecting the health and well-being of the Earth? Share your tips and personal experiences.

A dose of nature makes a difference

Learn about how visiting National Parks improves your health and wellness.

You can also check out this #NatureDoseBeforeAndAfter photo gallery to see what a difference a park prescription can make to help make the world a healthier, happier, sustainable world.

What is ParkRx Day?

ParkRx Day is a day for people to get out and celebrate the healing power of parks and the great outdoors and to show support for the growing ParkRx movement of healthcare providers referring patients to nature and parks for their health. The day is celebrated through a range of activities that can be self-led, ranger-led, community-led, and doctor-led to promote health and wellness benefits of parks.

Who can celebrate ParkRx Day?

Anyone and and everyone are welcome to celebrate. Come as you are to enjoy the health benefits of nature. The only requirement is that you connect with nature outside, to get your dose. Whether you have 10 minutes, 30 minutes, an hour or two to spare, you can fill your park prescription in your backyard, your neighborhood, or your favorite park.

ParkRx - a Healthy Parks Healthy People Promising Practice

The National Park Service's Healthy Parks Healthy People has identified ParkRx as a promising practice which means it is an evidence-based innovation identified for national expansion, research and continuous improvement in partnership with healthcare providers, clinicians, and supporting agencies and organizations.

Check out ParkRx.Org for resources, tools, and case studies that can be used by parks or healthcare providers to establish formal ParkRx partnerships in parks and communities.

Healthy Parks Healthy People

Healthy Parks Healthy People is the health promotion program of the National Park Service. Healthy Parks Healthy People provides an agency-wide vision and goals to advance the fact that all parks, urban and wildland, are cornerstones of people’s mental, physical, and spiritual health, social well-being, and sustainability of the planet.

With a focus on health, the aim is to bring about lasting change in Americans’ lifestyle choices and their relationship with nature and the outdoors.