A Day in the Park That Meant More Than Expected

At a recent National Park Trust outing for military families at San Antonio Missions National Historical Park, one family arrived ready to take part in a group bike ride.

Two of the children didn’t know how to ride a bike.

At first, it seemed like they might sit the day out. Instead, they stayed back with a member of the National Park Trust team, learning step by step. With a little time and encouragement, both children were able to get moving. By the end of the outing, they rejoined their family on the trail.

It was a small moment, but one that changed the day.

After the ride, their father shared something the group hadn’t known earlier. He had lost his own father the day before. He said the experience gave his family something they needed in that moment: time together, space to reconnect, and a chance to create a positive memory during a difficult day.

Experiences like this are at the center of National Park Trust’s work.

Through our Youth & Family Programs, the Park Trust helps families spend time in parks, build confidence outdoors, and form lasting connections to these places.

At the same time, National Park Trust works to protect critical land within and around national parks before it is lost. Once protected, these places become part of the park experience — spaces where people can gather, explore, and connect.

This dual focus is what makes our work unique.

It is not only about preserving land, but about ensuring people can access it in meaningful ways.

Moments like a first bike ride, a family outing, or a day spent outside may seem simple. But they often become the foundation for a lifelong relationship with parks — and the start of a deeper understanding of why these places matter.

That is how stewardship begins.

And it is why protecting parks is not just about the future. It is about the experiences we make possible today.

How to Get Involved

Here are a few ways you can get involved with your own family. 

Kids to Parks Day

One of the easiest ways to take part is through Kids to Parks Day, National Park Trust’s annual day of outdoor play. Now in its 16th year, it’s designed to make it simple for kids and families to spend time outside — whether that’s exploring a local park, trying a new activity, or joining a community event.

Ways to Support

You can also support our work year-round. From making a donation to learning more about conservation and access, every level of support helps protect land, expand access to parks, and create meaningful experiences for families. Learn more about ways to support our mission.