Unplug and Be Outside Offers Free Activities for Local Families

MERIDIAN, ID – Meridian Parks and Recreation is teaming up with Idaho Parks and Recreation to present a week of events that combines the best of Unplug and Be Outside with the best of RecFest.  Designed to encourage families to connect to activities that support positive mental, physical, and emotional well-being, Unplug and Be Outside offers a week filled with free sports and recreation workshops and experiences. This year’s events will take place May 11–18 at a variety of Treasure Valley locations. 

For those who would like to accept the challenge of staying unplugged for the week, a printed Unplug and Be Outside schedule can be picked up at the Kick-Off, Field Day, or the Meridian Parks & Recreation office in Meridian City Hall.  

The week kicks off Saturday, May 11, from 10:00 am – 2:00 pm, in Kleiner Park. The Kick-Off features booths from a variety of local sports and recreation providers, including the YMCA, Girls on the Run, Idaho Trail Association, Wild Beginnings Nature School, Girl Scouts, Idaho State Parks and Meridian Parks and Recreation

Hands-on activities, including a rock-climbing wall and a backyard games area, are free and open all day. Other all-day activities include:

• Fishing in the Kleiner Park Pond with instruction and loaner equipment provided by Idaho Fish and Game Department staff.
• Free Tire Slime to keep bicycle tires inflated and ready to roll. (bring your bike)
• Children can learn road skills at the Bike Rodeo hosted by the Meridian Police Department. (Don’t forget to bring your child’s bike and bike helmet!)

Scheduled activities during the kick-off include:

• A free Double Dutch Workshop will follow a dazzling jump roping demonstration by the Summer Wind Skippers at 11:00 am. Participating youth can take home a free jump rope to continue jumping.
• David Rush, Guinness World Record breaker, will show off his juggling skills at Noon while talking about the bravery and grit it takes to try something new or difficult. Immediately following, David will teach a juggling lesson and participants can take home a set of juggling balls to continue practicing (while supplies last).

• Adults might enjoy the Kleiner Park Arboretum tour with City Arborist Kyle Yorita at 10:30 am, line dancing lessons at 1:00 pm or learning more about the new Pickleball facility – the Flying Pickle. 

The fun continues with Field Day in Settlers Park on Wednesday, May 15, featuring:

• Tennis workshops for all ages from 6:00 – 8:00 pm (equipment provided or bring your own)
• Soccer and flag football introductory workshops for youth ages 4 – 9 from 5:00 – 7:00 pm
• Amazing Athletes sports sampler workshop for ages 2 ½ - 6 from 5:00 – 7:00 pm  
• Youth Pickleball introductory lessons from 5:00 – 6:00 pm (equipment provided or bring your own)
• Drop in Cornhole lessons and game from 5:00 – 6:00 pm (equipment provided or bring your own)
• Free fishing from 5:00 – 8:00 pm (equipment provided or bring your own) by the Idaho Fish and Game Department. No license is needed.

Additional free workshops and activities will be offered throughout the week including a guided photo/nature walk, youth golfing, pickleball lessons, a historical walking tour of downtown Meridian, an introduction to Nordic Walking workshops, a public art ribbon cutting, and a city pathways bicycle tour.  Activities are hosted in various locations and times during the week.

To learn more and view the complete schedule for Unplug and Be Outside, visit the website: www.meridiancity.org/unplug or call (208) 888-3579.