In recognition of this year’s National Park and Recreation Month, Suffolk Parks and Recreation is hosting a variety of events at its facilities throughout the month to keep folks engaged and active.

This year’s national theme is “Out is In,” encouraging people to do something outside every day that they would normally do inside — everything from eating a meal to holding a business meeting.

According to a survey by the National Recreation and Park Association, nearly three in 10 American adults do not spend time outside on a daily basis. Of those who do, half spend less than 30 minutes in the fresh air.

“We have such beautiful facilities in Suffolk,” said Lakita Watson, director of Suffolk Parks and Recreation. “I think sometimes people don’t recognize what treasures we really have in our Parks and Recreation facilities.”

Special offerings include the “roving ranger,” who will be stopping at different sites around the city from 1 to 2 p.m. to show visitors skin, bones, paw prints and more from animals that inhabit Suffolk.

The ranger can be found on July 8 at Lone Star Lakes Park, 401 Kings Highway. The ranger will visit Sleepy Hole Park, 4616 Sleepy Hole Road, on Wednesday; Bennett’s Creek Park, 3000 Bennetts Creek Park Road, on Thursday; and the Suffolk Art Gallery, 118 Bosley Ave., on Friday.

Also this Wednesday, Parks and Recreation staff will visit the Children’s Learning Garden at Sleepy Hole Park from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.

On Saturday, the Suffolk Art Gallery will hold a seed paper craft for kids from 9:30 a.m. to noon. Registration is required.

Safety on the water will be the focus on July 26 at Constant’s Wharf Park and Marina, 110 E. Constance Road. The Suffolk Police Department will hold a family boating safety course for adults and children 8 and older. Registration is required.

Watson said the city’s parks and recreation facilities encourage residents to get fit and enjoy nature.

“When you’re out in nature, it encourages you to be active and also just appreciate those things you don’t have to pay for,” Watson said. “We encourage everyone to get out into the parks and enjoy this beautiful weather.”

For more information or to register, call Suzette Vida, outdoor recreation specialist, at 514-7262 or email her at svida@suffolkva.us.