BRUSHYCREEK
MILBURNPARK
LAKELINE PARK
Dear Community,
In today’s fast-paced, technology-driven world, it’s easy to spend more time on our screens than we realize While technology connects us in many ways, taking time to unplug is vital for our health and happiness. Stepping away helps us feel recharged, improves sleep, strengthens relationships, and allows us to be truly present.
One of the best ways to unplug is by reconnecting with the outdoors Here in Cedar Park, we are proud to offer more than 40 beautiful parks filled with trails, playgrounds, athletic fields, and open green spaces These parks provide the perfect setting to move, breathe, and enjoy meaningful time with family, friends, and neighbors
That’s why we’re especially excited to share that October 21, 2025, marks the very first Unplug Texas Day, an official statewide observance signed into law by Governor Greg Abbott. Led by the Texas Recreation and Park Society (TRAPS), this initiative encourages Texans to log off, get outside, and rediscover the joy of real-world connection. Across the state, communities will be offering free programs, hosting events, and inspiring everyone to celebrate the outdoors in their own way.
We invite you to join us here in Cedar Park on October 21 to celebrate Unplug Texas Day Grab a friend, gather your family, and explore one of our many parks Whether it’s a quiet stroll, a picnic, or an afternoon of play, even a short break from technology can have lasting benefits for your well-being See you at the park!
Warm regards,
Cedar Park Parks & Recreation Team
UNPLUGWITH PARKS&REC
OCT 21
SUNRISEYOGA
Lakeline Park | 7:00 & 8:30 a.m. | Register for Free
RANDOMACTS
OCT 24
Plug into Play! You might spot Parks & Rec popping up with random acts of recreation. Cedar Park Recreation Center
Lakeline Park | 12:00 to 4:00 p.m.
OCT 21
OCT 25
Unplug Texas Day is an official statewide observance on October 21, 2025, designed to encourage Texans to unplug from screens and RECREATE at local parks, trails, pools, open spaces, and recreation centers.
The Texas Recreation and Park Society (TRAPS) is a nonprofit professional organization that exists to advance the field of parks, recreation, and leisure services in Texas. Unplug Texas Day was made possible by TRAPS members from across the state of Texas to highlight the role that Parks & Recreation Departments play in supporting health, wellness, and community life. Use this activity guide to find ways to unplug at home or out in your community!
EXPLORE CEDAR PARK
Did you know Cedar Park is packed with outdoor adventure? �� With over 1,000 acres of parks and green spaces including 40+ parks, cave preserves, and community gardens there’s something for everyone. Splash in pools and splash pads, shoot hoops or serve aces on the courts, skate, explore, and make the most of all Cedar Park has to offer!
W H Y U N P L U G ?
UNPLUG & RECHARGE
Unplugging has been shown to help improve quality of life, recharge you daily, enhance your sleep, and improve your interpersonal communication skills. Here are more benefits of unplugging:
Improve your Physical Health
Getting 30 minutes of physical activity can improve blood pressure, lower cholesterol, reduce stress and extend life expectancy according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention.
Improve your Mental Health
The National Recreation and Park Association states that more time spent in parks and green spaces can help individuals fight against mental health issues like depression, anxiety and stress.
Improve your Social Interactions
Spending time with family and friends helps cope with trauma, encourages healthy habits and can lower health risks such as stress and high blood pressure according to the Mayo Clinic
Improve your Lifestyle
Committing to taking time away from screens can improve sleep cycles, boost being present in the moment, increase productivity and improve social connections
www.cedarparktexas.gov/play
Materials:
Clean plastic container
Twine, wire, or strong string
Scissors or a utility knife
Hole punch
Sticks or dowels (for perches)
Birdseed
Optional: paint or markers for decorating
RE|CYCLED
DIY BIRD FEEDER
Instructions:
1 Wash the container
2 Cut holes: Using a box cutter or scissors, have an adult cut holes in the flat sides of the plastic container where the labels are Leave the bottom 1 inch uncut
3 Make a hanger and perch holes: Poke two small holes near the lid. Thread twine through the holes and tie it together. If adding a perch, add a hole underneath the opening, and push the stick through.
4. Decorate: Use paint and a brush to add flowers, stripes, or dots!
5. Let it dry.
6. Add seed: Fill the bottom 1 inch of the feeder with bird seed.
7. Hang it up: Place it on a tree branch, roof overhang, or bird feeder hook.
K N O C K O U T
How to Play:
Players: 3 or more friends to play with! Supplies: 2 basketballs & a hoop
1.Players line up at the free-throw line (or shoot from different spots for a bigger challenge).
2.The first two players each have a basketball.
3 Player 1 shoots As soon as they shoot, Player 2 can take their shot
If Player 1 scores first, they pass the ball to the next in line and go to the end.
If Player 2 scores first, Player 1 is out.
4.The next player in line shoots as soon as the person before them shoots.
5.Keep going until only player remains the winner!
People who live near trails are 50 percent more likely to get enough physical activity to help them stay healthy People who live in walkable neighborhoods are twice as likely to get enough physical activity as people who don’t
Diabetic individuals taking 30-minute walks in a green space experienced lower blood glucose levels than spending the same amount of time doing physical activity in other settings Thirty minutes of walking in nature resulted in larger drops in blood glucose than three hours of cycling indoors
CardiovascularHealth
The risk of cardiovascular and respiratory disease mortality in men decreased with more access to green urban spaces Males living in the greenest urban areas had a 5 percent lower risk of cardiovascular disease mortality and 11 percent lower risk of respiratory disease mortality than those in the least green areas
Today, children experience record levels of obesity and preventable diseases like hypertension and Type II Diabetes, caused in part by a decrease in physical activity and an increase in processed food consumption Using park programming to help children move more and eat healthily can help children fight these diseases and live longer
A 20-minute walk in a park or other natural area can help children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder focus better
DISCOVER OUR PARKS
BrushyCreekLakePark
LakelinePark
ElizabethMilburnPark
VeteransMemorialPark
CluckCreedPark
RattlingHornPark
QuestVillagePark
WildrosePark
NewHopePark
PeggyGarnerPark
JanetBartlesPark
ButtercupCreekPark
HeritageOakPark
Rosemary DennyPark
ForestOaksParks
GoldfinchPark
LoneTreePark
DaynaLawsonPark
RanchTrailsPark
HeppnerBendPark
INTO ADVENTURE
Pick words from the word bank or make up your own to fill in the blanks of the story. Then read your story out loud to enjoy the silliness!
Today in Cedar Park, I decided to put down my (device) and spend the day outside.
First, I grabbed my (adjective) (noun) and headed to the (park). The weather was (adjective), so I tried (verb ending in -ing) under the trees. After that, I joined my friends for a game of (activity). We laughed so hard when a (animal) ran by carrying a (funny object). By the end of the day, I felt (adjective) and (adjective). It turns out that unplugging makes life feel more (positive word).
I can’t wait for the next #UnplugTexas day in Cedar Park!
Word Bank: tablet, phone, video game, computer, TV backpack, frisbee, hat, ball, scooter, kite soccer, tag, hide-and-seek, hopscotch, basketball, hula hooping squirrel, dog, raccoon, duck, armadillo, cat pizza, rubber chicken, balloon, ice cream cone, giant sandwich, roller skate silly, giant, sparkly, wobbly, loud, happy, bumpy sunny, rainy, windy, chilly, stormy, hot, breezy, foggy awesome, peaceful, exciting, magical, fun, amazing
PLUG IN
Plug into Play
Staying active helps strengthen bones and muscles, making it easier to do daily activities and reducing the risk of injury. It can also boost mood and improve mental health by releasing “feel-good” endorphins
Plug into Adventure
Plug into Nature
Studies from the National Recreation and Park Association show that more time spent in parks and green spaces can help individuals fight against mental health issues like depression, anxiety, and stress
Taking part in creative activities can improve physical and mental wellbeing including improving chronic pain, frailty and dementia.
Plug into Texas
Cedar Park is home to more than 40 parks and over 1,000 acres of green space. From pools and splash pads to trails, courts, and a skate park, there’s fun for everyone. With community gardens and plenty of open spaces, Cedar Park is the perfect place to play, relax, and connect
HOW WILL YOU
Unplug from technology and plug into adventure, activity, creativity, family, nature, and play. Plug into opportunities that local park and recreation agencies offer. How will you unplug today?
THANK YOU!
