Sunshiny spring and summer days are meant for exploration and adventure—and there’s no better place to soak it all in than The Parklands. As the weather warms and our beautiful trails, creeks, and picnic spots come alive, it’s the perfect time for a quick refresher on how to make the most of your visit.

Beat The Heat

When the sun’s out in full force, it’s important to stay sun-smart. Check the forecast before heading out so you’re not caught off guard by rising temps or surprise storms. Wear lightweight and breathable clothing, and don’t forget a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and plenty of sunscreen. Make sure to apply your sunscreen generously and reapply often, especially if you’re sweating or splashing around in the creek!

If it’s hot outside, plan your activities for the cooler parts of the day, like early morning or late afternoon. Take breaks in the shade and remember to drink water regularly—even if you don’t feel thirsty. If you’re bringing little ones or pets, keep in mind they can heat up even faster than adults. Know the signs of heat exhaustion (excessive sweating, fatigue, dizziness, nausea, clammy skin, muscle cramps) and take it slow when temperatures rise.

Stay On Track & Share The Trail

Our trail system winds through meadows, forests, wetlands, and more—and staying safe means sticking to marked routes. Grab a park map at one of the kiosks before you hit the trails, carry a mobile phone, and let someone know your plans.

Avoid soft-surface trails when they’re muddy to protect both the path and your footing. If you do encounter wet areas on the trail, walk down the center of the path to avoid widening the trail and damaging nearby vegetation.

Exploring The Parklands on two wheels? Outside of the Silo Center Bike Park, most of our bike-accessible trails are shared-use, meaning walkers and bikers travel the same paths. Be courteous and aware—yield to pedestrians, pass on the left, and give a friendly verbal heads-up or ring your bell as you approach. If you’re using an e-bike, remember that only Class I electric-assist bicycles are allowed in The Parklands, and riders must be 16 or older. Learn more about biking the parks here.

Enjoy The Space & Leave No Trace

From quiet solo hikes to big family picnics, The Parklands is here for everyone—and a little consideration goes a long way. Keep all pets on a leash and clean up after them, supervise children closely (especially near water), and only park in designated areas.

Help keep the parks clean by packing out anything you bring in, including trash, fishing lines, and personal belongings. Leave natural items—like fossils, flowers, and rocks—right where you found them, so future visitors can enjoy the same discoveries.

Looking forward to enjoying park amenities? Please treat playgrounds, spraygrounds, and pavilions with care, and only use them as intended. If you’re planning a group outing, secure any necessary permits and follow posted rules to ensure a great day for your group—and everyone else. Contact our Facilities team to learn more about pavilion rentals or group permits.

Gear Up & Know Before You Go

Whether you’re hiking, paddling, or exploring with your kids, a little preparation goes a long way. Start with the right gear—lightweight, quick-drying clothes and sturdy, closed-toe shoes with good grip are key for staying safe and comfortable on trails or in the creek.

Always wear a life jacket when going out for a paddle on Floyds Fork and be sure to check current water levels before launching. Water conditions can change quickly, especially after rain, and knowing what to expect can help keep your outing safe and enjoyable. You can find current CFS information on our website by clicking the paddling icon at the top of the homepage. View “Recommendations for a Great Paddling Experience” on our Paddling Activity Page.

If you’re heading out on the trails or the water, make note of your location—whether it’s a trail name or a Louisville Loop mile marker—so you can communicate clearly if you need help. It’s also important to let someone know where you’re going and when you plan to return.

Nature’s Nuisances

Summer is a great time to explore, but it’s also the season when some of nature’s less-friendly residents are most active. Ticks and mosquitos thrive in warm weather, so protect yourself with insect repellent, wear long sleeves and pants when possible (tuck your pants into your socks for extra protection), and do a thorough tick check after your adventure.

It’s also wise to steer clear of irritating or toxic plants like poison ivy, poison hemlock, and stinging nettles, which can cause skin irritation or more serious reactions. These plants are common in natural areas during the spring and summer months, but they’re easy to avoid if you know what to look for. Staying on designated trails greatly reduces your chances of brushing up against something unwelcome.

• Poison Ivy: “Leaves of three, let it be.” Skin contact with any part of the plant can trigger an allergic rash with itchy red blisters. Look for clusters of three green leaves, with the middle leaflet having a slightly longer stalk.

• Poison Hemlock: Dangerous even to touch, this plant can cause dermatitis—and ingesting it can be deadly. Look for small white flowers, lacy leaves, and a hairless green stem marked with purple spots.

• Stinging Nettles: Contact with this plant’s stem or leaves causes a temporary stinging or burning sensation. Look for serrated, teardrop-shaped leaves and a straight, hairy stem.

There’s nothing better than a sunny day in the park—sunlight dancing on the water, fresh air on the trails, and the joy of shared experiences outdoors. With some forethought, you can pave the way for an amazing day.

Our staff works every day to provide safe, clean, fun, and beautiful experiences for everyone who visits The Parklands. We thank you for taking steps to make the most of your park experience and for helping us keep the parks safe and enjoyable for others. We hope to see you in the parks soon for some fun in the sun!

Explore popular activities and start planning your next adventure today.

For more park-smart tips, check out this article: theparklands.org/being-park-smart.