PBS KIDS & National Recreation and Park Assn Inspire Families to 'Explore the Outdoors'

Related: PBS Kids

For the second year in a row, PBS KIDS is partnering with the National Recreation and Park Association(NRPA), to inspire families to "Explore the Outdoors" this spring. Starting April 1, PBS KIDS kicks off Earth Month with three weeks of themed on-air programming, online content and local events designed to encourage kids and families to explore the outdoors and discover nature. Families will also have the opportunity to experience fun educational outdoor activities with local PBS member stations and National Recreation and Park Association member park and recreation agencies.

"The start of spring presents a great opportunity for families to discover more about the world around them," said Lesli Rotenberg, General Manager, Children's Media, PBS. "As we celebrate Earth Month, PBS KIDS is committed to providing content to encourage children to learn about the environment while fostering a love of outdoor play and exploration."

In partnership with NRPA members across the country, local PBS member stations will be hosting events with PBS KIDS Explore the Outdoors activities and materials. From investigations of wind, trees and habitats to Nature hikes and recycling activities, families can learn up-close about Nature and the environment. For more information on local events, or to pick up materials to explore the outdoors on your own, visit PBS Parents (PBSParents.org/outdoors).

"Partnering with PBS KIDS each year gives us the opportunity to inspire the next generation through nature," said Barbara Tulipane, President and CEO of NRPA. "Local Parks and Recreation are great places to show every child that Nature and the environment are not only important, but also entertaining and fun."

Explore the Outdoors On-air Programming

Leading up to the Earth Day premiere of the new CURIOUS GEORGE special "Curious George Swings into Spring," PBS KIDS will present three weeks of themed programming from the popular science-based series WILD KRATTS, DINOSAUR TRAIN and THE CAT IN THE HAT KNOWS A LOT ABOUT THAT! Themed weeks include:

WILD KRATTS "Rainforest Week" - April 1-5

A wild week features five episodes all about exploring the wonders of the rainforest, including three episode premieres. On Monday, April 1, the week kicks off with the brothers investigating the world of the Spider monkey in "Bugs or Monkey?" On Tuesday, April 2, Chris and Martin Go On a wild cat adventure on with "Shadow: The Black Jaguar,"and on Wednesday, April 3 they go in search of an obscure rainforest creature in "Rainforest Stew."

DINOSAUR TRAIN "Dancing with Dinosaurs Week" - April 8-12

Encore presentations of some of the most musical episodes of DINOSAUR TRAIN make for a week of dance-tastic adventures. Buddy, Shiny, Tiny and Don explore ponds, gardens, oceans and more in "That's Not a Dinosaur/Tiny's Garden," "Remember the Alamosaurus/Sunrise, Sunset," "Elmer Elasmosaurus/Dinosaur Block Party," "Junior Conductor Jamboree/Troodon Train Day" and "Buddy Explores the Tyrannosaurs/Rainy Day Fight." They sing and dance as they encourage kids to get outside, get into Nature and make their own discoveries.

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