Fun Outdoor Spots for Family Exercise This Week and Beyond

What is Every Kid Healthy Week?

Every year during the last full week of April, schools, families, and communities across the country come together for Every Kid Healthy™ Week — a national observance created by Action for Healthy Kids (AFHK) to celebrate the health and wellness achievements of children everywhere. This year, it runs from April 20–24, 2026.

Launched in 2013, the week shines a daily spotlight on the powerful link between nutrition, physical activity, mental health, and academic performance. The message is simple but vital: healthy kids are better prepared to learn and thrive. Each day of the week focuses on a different pillar of children’s wellness — from what’s on their lunch tray to how much they’re moving, and even how they’re feeling emotionally.

“Healthy habits are the foundation for a child’s success — both in and out of the classroom.”

Why does it matter? Consider that roughly one in three children in the U.S. is overweight or obese, and that children as young as six need at least one hour of vigorous physical activity every day. When children develop healthy movement habits early, those patterns follow them into adulthood. Every Kid Healthy Week gives families a nudge, a reason, and a community to get moving together — and that’s worth celebrating.

1 in 3 U.S. children are overweight or obese

60 min Daily activity recommended for kids age 6+

7,000+ Schools have participated since 2013

Events Happening in Baltimore & Maryland This Week

The timing is perfect — spring has arrived in Maryland and a number of local events this week and weekend align beautifully with the spirit of Every Kid Healthy Week. Here are some standout opportunities to get your family moving and celebrating together.

Date	Time	Event	Description	Location	Cost
Sun, Apr 19	1:00-4:00 PM	SpringFest / JCC Fitness Classes	Free fitness classes, kids projects, wellness programs, and giveaways for all ages.	The Associated, Baltimore	Free
Mon, Apr 20	10:00 AM-1:00 PM	Healthy Kids Day - YMCA	Obstacle courses, sports, games, face painting, and water safety demos at your local Y.	Multiple YMCA locations, Balt. County	Free
All Week	Various	Spring Nature Programs - Baltimore County Parks	Family hikes, bird walks, and naturalist programs at Oregon Ridge & Cromwell Valley.	Oregon Ridge & Cromwell Valley Parks	Free-$3
Sat, Apr 25	Noon-4:00 PM	Accessible Kite-Flying Event	Inclusive outdoor kite-flying for children with disabilities, families, and friends.	Parkside Drive Playground, Baltimore	Free

Keep an eye on baltimoreschild.com and baltimorecountymd.gov for any school-based celebrations happening at local elementary and middle schools throughout the week. Many Baltimore County schools will host their own in-school Every Kid Healthy Week activities — ask your child’s teacher how you can get involved.

Everyday Active Spots for the Whole Family

Every Kid Healthy Week is a great launch pad, but the goal is to build habits that last all year. Below are some of the best parks, trails, and family-friendly activity spots in the Baltimore County and greater Maryland area — perfect for any day you want to get moving together.

🌲  Oregon Ridge Park | Cockeysville, Baltimore County

Over 10 miles of wooded hiking trails, a summer swimming lake, and seasonal naturalist programs make this one of Baltimore County’s most beloved outdoor spaces for families of all fitness levels.

🦎  Cromwell Valley Park | Towson Area

A working farm and nature center with gentle trails perfect for little legs. Kids can spot wildlife, explore vernal ponds, and attend naturalist programs. Spring is magical here with returning orioles and blooming wildflowers.

🚵  Rocky Point Park | Essex

Rocky Point Park just opened a brand-new accessible trail along Baltimore County’s scenic waterfront — ideal for strollers, wheelchairs, and young walkers. The park offers beachfront open space and a boat launch for water activities.

⚽  Patterson Park | East Baltimore

A sprawling 137-acre urban park popular with families for soccer, playground equipment, paddle boating on the lake, and open lawn space. Community yoga and running clubs also gather here regularly throughout the warmer months.

🏊  Port Discovery Children’s Museum | Inner Harbor

On days when outdoor weather doesn’t cooperate, Port Discovery’s four-story SkyClimber and active play zones give kids a serious physical workout indoors. Highly recommended for ages 2–11.

🦁  Maryland Zoo in Baltimore | Druid Hill Park

Walking the 135-acre zoo grounds is an easy way to log over a mile of steps without anyone noticing. The surrounding Druid Hill Park also features fitness stations, a public pool, and wide open green space for impromptu games.

🛶  Gunpowder State Park | White Marsh to Monkton

One of Maryland’s most versatile outdoor destinations, with swimming beaches, tubing and kayaking on the Gunpowder River, and the beloved Northern Central Railroad Trail — a flat, paved 20-mile trail perfect for family bike rides.

🏃  Inner Harbor Promenade | Downtown Baltimore

A flat, fully accessible waterfront path connecting the Inner Harbor, Rash Field, and Federal Hill Park. Free outdoor fitness classes are available at the Inner Harbor throughout the spring and summer season.

🪶  Marshy Point Nature Center  Middle River

A waterfront gem on the Chesapeake Bay with trails, kayak launches, and wildlife viewing platforms. The spring festival at Marshy Point is a Baltimore County family favorite each year.

Keep the Momentum Going All Year

Every Kid Healthy Week is just the beginning. Whether it's a weekly hike at Oregon Ridge, a Saturday bike ride on the Gunpowder Trail, or a spontaneous afternoon at Patterson Park — the best exercise is the kind that feels like play.

Sources & Resources

• Events

  • YMCA Maryland - Healthy Kids Day  https://www.ymaryland.org

  • Baltimore Fishbowl - April 2026 Events Calendar (SpringFest, Kite-Flying)  https://baltimorefishbowl.com/stories/mark-your-calendars-april-2026-events/

  • Baltimore's Child - Fitness Events April 2026  https://www.baltimoreschild.com/fitness-events-april-2026/

  • Baltimore County Recreation & Parks - Spring 2026 Program Guide  https://baltimorecountymd.gov/departments/recreation

• About Every Kid Healthy Week

  • Action for Healthy Kids - Official EKHW Page  https://www.actionforhealthykids.org/get-involved/every-kid-healthy-week/

  • Action for Healthy Kids - EKHW Resources & Toolkit  https://www.actionforhealthykids.org/every-kid-healthy-week-resources/

  • National Day Calendar - Every Kid Healthy Week  https://www.nationaldaycalendar.com/april/every-kid-healthy-week-last-week-in-april

  • National Today - Every Kid Healthy Week (April 20-24, 2026)  https://nationaltoday.com/every-kid-healthy-week/

  • Days of the Year - Every Kid Healthy Week  https://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/every-kid-healthy-week/

• Baltimore & Maryland Family Activity Resources

  • Baltimore County Recreation & Parks  https://www.baltimorecountymd.gov/departments/recreation

  • Visit Baltimore - Things To Do  https://baltimore.org/events/things-to-do-in-baltimore-this-month/

  • Baltimore's Child Magazine  https://www.baltimoreschild.com

  • Waterfront Partnership of Baltimore - Events  https://www.waterfrontpartnership.org/events-calendar