Family Health and Fitness Day
National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) celebrates Family Health and Fitness Day on the second Saturday of June each year. There are numerous studies that demonstrate the correlation between access to parks, open space and nature and improved physical and mental health. The purpose of this day is to recognize the importance of parks and recreation services in keeping communities healthy.
- Living close to parks and other recreation infrastructure is consistently related to higher physical activity levels for both adults and youth. Moreover, parks provide a connection to nature, which studies demonstrate relieves stress, tightens interpersonal relationships and improves mental health. As little as 20 minutes a day spent outdoors helps reduce stress.
- According to the June 2021 NRPA Park Pulse, 93 percent of U.S. adults say their mental health is improved by services offered by local park and recreation professionals and agencies. The top three mental health opportunities found in parks and recreation include: socializing with friends and family, spending time in nature, and exercising.
- According to the November 2021 NRPA Park Pulse, three In four U.S. adults say it is important that they have access to public walking, hiking or biking trails near their home.
Events and Programs
For Family Health & Fitness Day 2025, Regional Parks is pleased to share these programs and “parknership events" for the community to enjoy on Saturday, June 14. These programs and events are broken down by region (American River Parkway, Dry Creek Parkway, and Southern County * Virtual).
All events will take place between 9 a.m. to noon, unless otherwise noted.
Dry Creek Parkway
Goat Petting Zoo
| 9 a.m. - noon
| Gibson Ranch
| Presented by CAPRA
Free event, Free parking
|
Group Excercise
| 9 - 10 a.m.
| Gibson Ranch
| Presented by Crossfit Natomas
Free event, Free parking
Pre-Registration Required
|
Zumba Class
| 11:15 - 11:45 a.m.
| Gibson Ranch
| Presented by: Sacramento County Public Health
Free event, Free parking
Pre-Registration Required
|
Gardening Q&A Session
| 11 a.m. - noon
| Gibson Ranch
| Presented by: Green Acres Nursery & Supply
Free event, Free parking
Pre-Registration Required
|
Bounce houses, face painting, golf introduction and more!
| 9 a.m. - noon
| Cherry Island Golf Course
| Presented by: CourseCo and Cherry Island Golf Course
Free event, Free parking
|
Dodgeball
| 9 a.m. - noon
| Cherry Island Sports Complex
| Presented by: Rio Linda Elverta Recreation and Park District
Free event, Free parking
|
Night of the Revving Dead Car Show
| Noon - 8 p.m.
| Dry Creek Ranch House
| Presented by Alley Cats Car Club
Free event for spectators, $5 parking fee per vehicle.
|
American River Parkway
Sacramento Valley Conservancy's Volunteer Work Day
| 8 a.m. - noon
| Camp Pollock (1501 Northgate Blvd)
| Tasks vary and may include planting, weeding, painting, digging, fence building, raking, and native plant propagation.
Free event, Free parking
|
American River Raft
| Raft rentals stop at 1 p.m.
| 11257 S Bridge Street, Rancho Cordova
| Join American River Raft Rentals and Regional Parks for a day of fun in the sun! All participants will receive a coupon for 25% off their next raft rental!
Rental and parking rates apply.
|
The Nature of Reading Program at Effie Yeaw Nature Center
| 10 - 11 a.m.
| Effie Yeaw Nature Center (2850 San Lorenzo Way)
| Featuring an engaging story and a hands-on craft or activity. Designed for ages 5 - 8 with adult supervision required. Fees apply and pre-registration is required.
|
Safe Cycling and Hiking Presentations
| 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
| William B Pond Park
| Presented by the American River Bike Patrol. Presentations every hour from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Free event, free parking.
|
Trail Accessibility Demonstration
| 9 a.m. - noon
| Discovery Park Alder Picnic Area
| Join McIlwain Mobility Solutions from 9 a.m. - noon as they demonstrate various accessible equipment that can be used on our trails.
Free event, free parking
|
Yoga on the Farm
| 8:30 - 9:30 a.m.
| 2140 Chase Drive
Rancho Cordova
| Open to all levels!
Class Fee Payment and pre-registration required.
Bring a water bottle and yoga mat!
|
Farm Stand Open at Soil Born Farms
| 8 a.m. - 1 p.m.
| 2140 Chase Drive
Rancho Cordova
| Buy farm fresh produce and learn more about American River Ranch!
|
Southern Sacramento County & Virtual
BioBlitz at Mather Regional Park
| 9 a.m.
| Mather Lake
4103 Zinfandel Road
| Hosted by Sacramento SPLASH. During this walking tour around Mather Lake, participants will use iNaturalist to identify native plants, birds, and other local wildlife.
|
Trek the Trails 5K Fun Run and Walk
| 9 a.m. - noon
| 13501 Franklin Blvd.
Galt
| The timed race begins at 9 a.m. but anyone is welcome to start anyime between 9 and 10 a.m.
Free event, Free parking, pre-registration required.
|
These actions are consistent with the Department’s overall mission to enhance the health, enjoyment and quality of life in the region by:
- Acquiring, managing, and protecting park and open space lands;
- Educating the public on the uses and values of leisure time activities, and the cultural and natural history of the County;
- Growing and linking a system of regional parks, trails and open space in Sacramento and neighboring counties;
- Providing a broad range of recreational activities for the community’s diverse populations;
- Providing stewardship and protection of Sacramento County’s regional park system through partnerships, planning and community involvement.
