In efforts to reach underserved audiences and provide them with information and activities to keep their families engaged in physical activity and spending time together, the Bell County Extension Service hosted a family day out event along with a storybook walk in a local park. Studies from the Cabinet for Health and Services show that 79% of children do not exercise the amount required weekly.

     To get families outdoors and moving, the Bell County Extension Service partnered with other program areas such as SNAP, 4-H and Ag, Pineville City Parks and Recreation, the Bell County Health Department and AppalRed to provide them with opportunities to visit a newly constructed park in the Newtown area. Families participated in physical activities and other hands on experiences related to the storybook walk, set up along the walking trail.

     10 families with children ages 6 months to 13 years old took part in the storybook walk (Surprise Garden/LEAP), making their own window sill garden, exercising with Wally Cat, and trying a healthy fruit snack. A total of 27 people attended this event and took part in our evaluation.

               Results showed:

• 90% of those surveyed said, this was their first time attending an Extension event and would attend more because of this program.
• 100% stated that because of the storybook walk, they would read more with their children.
• 100% of participants will now visit more local parks to get their daily physical activity in as a family.

Due to positive feedback from this event, another Family Day will be held at a local park in the City of Middlesboro.