Each June, the Community Services Department celebrates "June is Recreation and Parks Month" by travelling to parks each Wednesday to provide fun games and fitness activities to help you stay active.
Stay tuned for new virtual activities in 2021.
Find more exciting ways to celebrate on the Parks and Recreation Ontario website.
International Trails Day – Saturday, June 6 |
The first Saturday in June is International Trails Day. Get outside and enjoy nature in Clarington as you go for a walk, run or cycle through our trails. Clarington has over 21 km of off-road recreational trails made of asphalt and limestone surfaces. Most of our trails are located in creek valleys and along the waterfront. Non-municipal trails in Clarington are located at the Long Sault, Westside Marshes and Enniskillen Conservation Areas, as well as the Orono Crown Lands, the Ganaraska Forest, and along the Oak Ridges Moraine. |
National Health and Fitness Day – Saturday, June 6 |
Every year in Canada, the first Saturday in June is National Health and Fitness Day. In 2019, Statistics Canada reported that only 40 per cent of children aged 5 to 17 and 16 per cent of adults aged 18 to 79 meet the recommended physical activity targets. For children and youth, the recommended physical activity target is a daily average of 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity. Adults should aim to complete 150 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity each week. To inspire Canadians to be more active, the Canadian government passed the National Fitness Act in 2014. Since then, communities across the country use this day to promote the use of local recreation facilities and opportunities for individuals and families to get active. Check out the various ways you can celebrate while social distancing:
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Disclaimer:
Make sure you allow time enough time for a proper warm-up and cool-down. If you are new to exercising or getting back to it after some downtime, it’s best to check in with your doctor first. Use this online self-assessment tool to determine if it is necessary for you to seek further advice before becoming physically active.
Kids obstacle course |
Build your own kid-friendly obstacle course using some of the ideas provided below. You can make adjustments depending on the age group by making it easier for younger children or more challenging for older kids. If you want to make it more fun, see who can complete the course the fastest using a timer or stopwatch. Obstacle course ideas
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Sidewalk chalk games |
Hopscotch This game can be played alone or with a group of people from your household. It requires balance by hopping on one foot and also involves strength, hand-eye coordination and spatial awareness. Supplies Sidewalk chalk Instructions
This is a different spin on a hopscotch game. Like hopscotch, it involves balance and spatial awareness. Your preschooler will be able to practice their colours and shapes while being outside and staying active. Supplies Sidewalk chalk Instructions
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Sensory scavenger hunt |
Different objects can include tree bark, rocks, leaves, flowers, feathers, pine cones, sticks or twigs, sand, soil, and more. View Sensory scavenger hunt (PDF) Scavenger hunt ideas
Touch
Smell
Sight
Sound
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Bubble art |
Create a colourful bubble art masterpiece outside using the supplies listed below. Dress for the mess as the food colouring will stain. Supplies Instructions
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Stained glass sidewalk chalk art |
Get creative and make your own stained glass sidewalk chalk art using sidewalk chalk and painter's tape. Supplies Instructions
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Roll of the Dice fitness game |
For this game, you will need a set of dice. Create a list (or use the samples provided below) that ties a fitness activity to each potential outcome of a roll – numbers 2 to 12. With each roll of the dice, complete the exercise or stretch assigned to that number. For younger children, these can include jumping jacks, toe touches, or frog jumps. For older children and adults, add in push-ups and burpees. Older adults or those new to exercise can complete low impact exercises. Assign the number of reps or length of time for each exercise based on your fitness abilities, remembering to listen to your body and work within your comfort zone. Don’t forget to warm-up first and cool-down after! Younger kids Older kids and adults Modified low impact or older adults Tip: make it sport-specific by adding in catching, throwing or dribbling movements. Add in pirouettes or handstands for dancers and gymnasts. |
Simon Says – fitness edition |
Many popular children's games can be turned into fitness activities – for kids and the young at heart. The classic game, Simon Says, has been played for generations and can easily be used to incorporate cardio, strength and stretching into your day. Take turns being “Simon” and lead your family through a series of fun movements. Turn up the difficulty level for more advanced participants, keep it simple and silly for young kids, and low impact for those just starting on their fitness journeys or for older adults. Here are some movement suggestions for different age groups: Younger kids
Older kids and adults:
Modified low impact or older adults:
Tip: turn on some upbeat tunes and let "Simon Says" become a fun dance party! |
Fitness obstacle course |
You don’t need any fancy gym equipment to create a fun fitness obstacle course for yourself or your family. Get creative with items you already have. Your obstacle course can be as simple as marking out a variety of stations throughout the house or yard. Use items such as plastic cups, kid’s toys or planters to mark each exercise station. Pick a travelling exercise to get from station to station and a stationary exercise for each stop. Some ideas are listed below: Travelling exercises
Stationary exercises:
Fun obstacle course add-on ideas:
Tip: use a stopwatch or create two side by side courses to create a little bit of friendly competition. |
Walk/run with strength intervals |
Head out on a walk, jog or run by yourself or with other members of your household and allow fate to determine the exercises you will need to complete! Adjust the exercises below and assign the number of repetitions based on the ability levels of participants. A bird crosses your path: Jumping jacks Someone says hello: Walking lunges You see a dog: Knee highs or marching steps A squirrel runs across the sidewalk or road: Squats A red car drives by: Butt kickers A puddle is in your way: Frog jumps You hear a car honk: Sprint! You see a rabbit: Squat jumps You hear kids playing: Side shuffle You see a worm on your path: Inchworms You hear a lawnmower: Tuck jumps A white car drives by: Skater lunges You see someone on a bike: Toe touches Looking for something a little more relaxing? Try a wind-walk! Go for a walk, allowing the direction of the wind to determine your direction of travel. Pause when you arrive in a peaceful area – perhaps a nice garden or treed space. What creatures live here? Close your eyes – what sounds do you hear? What can you smell? Listen to the birds sing or feel the warmth of the sun on your face. |
Contact(s)
Stay connected with Clarington, find out about Council meetings, festivals, events, and recreational opportunities.
Experience the joy of playing outdoors at Clarington's parks and sports fields. With over 70 parks to choose from, it's easy to find something fun to do.
We offer camps for every child and every interest. Located throughout Clarington, our camps are age appropriate, affordable and most of all, fun.
Get all the information you need on fitness, aquatic and recreation programs, as well as swimming and skating schedules. We offer programs for all ages and abilities.