Durham Parks and Recreation: Play More!

By: Shannon Mallery, Program Assistant Sr. - Mature Adults We are starting our Play With Me Series for children 6-9! This series will continue to provide you with meaningful activities to do with the children in your life. Over the next 14 weeks the Play With Me series will cover art, family, games and books. All of the activities are prepared specifically with the 6-9 age group in mind. The first three weeks of Play With Me: Ages 6-9 series will focus on Art! Before getting started, adult assistance will be needed to help collect and setup supplies. Consider sending the supply list ahead of time so the adult can prepare in advance. Supplies/Setup Print the Cat Cutout , Guinea Pig Cutout , Cat clothing sheet and Guinea Pig clothing sheet Markers, crayons and colored pencils Scissors (age appropriate) Glue Plain paper Paper Pets Dress-up Print and cut out your cat and guinea pig and their clothing and accessories. You will each color your own animal and clothing etc.. Fill in the clot...

We're only a few short weeks away from October and we have a great line-up of events, activities, and programs for all ages! Whether you are ready to kick start your fitness routine in-person or register for a virtual program, here is a go-to guide highlighting what to mark on your calendar and make sure you're in attendance. For the most up-to-date information about our programs, make sure you regularly check ActiveNet as well as our website ! OCT 1 Park Lab HIIT : Come out to an early morning of some High Intensity Interval Training exercises and kick start your weekday at the Park Lab. We will perform different body weight exercises, and push our limits while outside. Participants should bring water and wear athletic wear that is comfortable. This class is held at the Park Lab in downtown Durham.  Synergy : A full body workout using dumbbells, resistance bands, and body weight exercises to work all muscle groups. From your legs to your arms, we'll hit them all! High rep...

By: Shannon Mallery, Program Assistant Sr. - Mature Adults We're continuing the Play With Me series focused on children's books that you can read to the special children in your life over your device. We have chosen books that are the core of my "The books I would bring to a desert island" list. They are fun, interesting and easy to read to little ones. Tips: Some of the books are not currently in print but can be found on used booksellers' websites. You may want to consider having your little one follow along with their own copy. When reading make sure you are in a well lit area and that your child can hear you clearly. Hold the picture up to the screen for a little bit when you are done reading each page so that your little one can see it. Read the book out loud a few times to yourself before reading it to your child so that you can add emphasis as you read. How To By: Julie Morstad Simply Read Books Read time: 4 minutes It is hard for me to write about how to a...

By: Shannon Mallery, Program Assistant Sr. - Mature Adults We're continuing the Play With Me series focused on children's books that you can read to the special children in your life over your device. We have chosen books that are the core of "The books I would bring to a desert island" list. They are fun, interesting and easy to read to little ones. Each week's post will have a "review" of five books suitable for children two to five years of age but will most assuredly be loved by you and slightly older siblings as well. Tips: Some of the books are not currently in print but can be found on used booksellers' websites. You may want to consider having your little one follow along with their own copy. When reading make sure you are in a well lit area and that your child can hear you clearly. Hold the picture up to the screen for a little bit when you are done reading each page so that your little one can see it. Read the book out loud a few times to y...

By: Shannon Mallery, Program Assistant Sr. - Mature Adults We're continuing the Play With Me series focused on children's books that you can read to the special children in your life over your device. We have chosen books that are the core of "The books I would bring to a desert island" list. They are fun, interesting and easy to read to little ones. Each week's post will have a "review" of five books suitable for children two to five years of age but will most assuredly be loved by you and slightly older siblings as well.  Tips: Some of the books are not currently in print but can be found on used booksellers' websites. You may want to consider having your little one follow along with their own copy. When reading make sure you are in a well lit area and that your child can hear you clearly. Hold the picture up to the screen for a little bit when you are done reading each page so that your little one can see it. Read the book out loud a few times to ...