🌿💪 Ready to get your family moving while enjoying the great outdoors? Our partners at the Children’s Coalition for Northeast Louisiana are here to help—starting in the garden and stretching all the way to the trails!
Through their Healthy Living Program, families experience hands-on nutrition education, garden training, and physical activity by planting, harvesting, and exploring in the beautiful Origin Bank Family Garden. But the fun doesn’t stop there!
They’ve found another FREE and family-friendly way to stay active — and it’s stroller-friendly too! Say hello to the Highland Park Wetland Trails, 316 Otis St., West Monroe, LA — a hidden gem perfect for walking, biking (children's bikes are welcome), bonding, and unplugging together.
🚶♀️ With scenic trails and outdoor fitness equipment made possible by a grant from the Living Well Foundation, Highland Park is more than just a walk in the park. These body-weight resistance stations are beginner-friendly and add a fun twist to any routine — for adults and older kids alike!
👟 So lace up those sneakers, grab the stroller or the big kids, and enjoy a healthy day outdoors — because healthy habits start with simple steps!
📸 Check out the incredible exercise equipment below and the Mark Your Calendars section filled with family-friendly fun! ⬇️⬇️⬇️
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Imagine taking a walk or bike ride with your family, pausing to try out the fitness stations along the way. Parents can lead by example, showing kids the importance of staying active, while children can join in and explore the equipment in a fun, interactive way. It’s an opportunity to create lasting memories while promoting healthy habits for everyone.
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Best of all, Highland Park Wetland Trails is completely free to access. With no costs to worry about, families can enjoy regular visits without stretching their budget. It’s proof that staying healthy and connected doesn’t have to come with a price tag.
Other amenities include a bathroom, a bike repair station, (2) covered accessible picnic tables, and lots of beautiful wildlife to see! Leashed pets are also welcome at the park, and pet owners are asked to clean up after their dogs to help maintain a pleasant environment for all visitors.
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Accessible Picnic Area at Highland Park Wetland Trails |
So, whenever you’re looking for an affordable, family-friendly activity, head over to Highland Park Wetland Trails. With its combination of natural beauty, versatile trails, and innovative fitness options, it’s a space that brings families together while supporting their health and well-being.
Parenting doesn’t come with a manual—but Lantern gets pretty close. Lantern is a free text messaging support service that delivers age-appropriate tips, local event updates, and helpful reminders right to your phone. It’s like having a parenting BFF who always has your back! This is a service provided by the Children’s Coalition for Northeast Louisiana. Their primary mission is collaborating with partner agencies to identify and address critical issues related to children and youth in our community, facilitating change by bringing together people and programs to meet those needs, and educating parents, professionals, and policy-makers on “what works” for children in our community.
✨ Sign up for Lantern today and light your parenting path—one helpful message at a time. (Make sure you share this wonderful service with friends and family! Tell them to send a text: NELAKids to 274448).
Disclaimer: While the body resistance exercise equipment at Highland Park Wetland Trails offers fun and fitness for all, please note that some equipment may have height or age requirements. Parents and caregivers are encouraged to use discretion and provide proper supervision to ensure children navigate the equipment safely. Stay active and stay safe!
Image Source: Missy Robertson, Macaroni KID Monroe-West Monroe
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