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

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.

THE CAT IN THE HAT KNOWS A LOT ABOUT THAT! "Fabulous Animal Families Week" - April 15-19

The Cat, Nick and Sally are introduced to a variety of animal families this week, including spiders, koalas, crocodiles, lemmings, gorillas, manatees and meerkats. Travel to Ozzie-Wozz Outback and meet the fastest creature in the world when "Babies/Fast" premieres on Monday, April 15. The new episodes continue with "Little Lemmings/Keep the Beat" on Tuesday, April 16 and "Gorillas in the Mist/Tale of the Dragon" on Wednesday, April 17.

Select episodic images and screeners are available on PBS PressRoom.

Online and Mobile Resources for Families

Kids can continue their exploration online with outdoor themed games, activities and videos available on PBSKIDS.org/outdoors and through the PBS KIDS Video App.

Parents can also find activities from the on-air episodes, listings for PBS KIDS Day in the Park events, and ideas and resources to explore the outdoors anytime on PBSParents.org/outdoors.

About PBS KIDS

PBS KIDS, the number one educational media brand for kids, offers all children the opportunity to explore new ideas and new worlds through television, online, mobile and community-based programs. Kidscreen- and Webby-award winning pbskids.org provides engaging interactive content, including the PBS KIDS video player, now offering free streaming video accessible on computer- and mobile-device-based browsers. For more information on specific PBS KIDS content supporting literacy, science, math and more, visit pbs.org/pressroom or follow PBS KIDS on Twitter and Facebook.

About National Recreation and Park Association

The National Recreation and Park Association is a national not-for-profit organization dedicated to advancing park, recreation and conservation efforts that enhance quality of life for all people. Through its network of 30,000 recreation and park professionals and citizens, NRPA encourages the promotion of healthy lifestyles, recreation initiatives, and conservation of natural and cultural resources. For more information, visit www.NRPA.org. For digital access to NRPA's flagship publication, Parks & Recreation, visit www.parksandrecreation.org.

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