Ontario Parks is offering free day-access to all provincial parks on Friday as part of its inaugural Healthy Parks Healthy People Day.

Several parks in northwestern Ontario are also offering special programming to mark the day, which is designed to promote the health benefits of spending time in nature.

Here are some highlights.

Sleeping Giant

10 a.m. - 2 p.m.: "Ask the Naturalist" at the Kabeyun trail head.

2 p.m. - 4 p.m.: Eco Superior bike rodeo at the Marie Louise Lake campground.

9 p.m.: Evening interpretive program: "The Sleeping Giant Beauty Pageant" at the Marie Louise Lake campground outdoor theatre.

Kakabeka Falls

1 p.m. - 4 p.m.: "Meet the Naturalists" in the main falls parking lot. The first 30 people to complete a scavenger hunt receive a free pedometer.

2 p.m.: Walk for Well-Being. Meet at the "Meet the Naturalists" program in the main falls parking lot, near the park entrance.

7 p.m.: A Ministry of National Resources and Forestry fire technician and rangers will share how fires can help keep forests healthy. In the amphitheatre.

Quetico

3 p.m.: Guided paddle around French Lake. Bring your own canoe and required gear. Meet at the Grassy Beach.

6 p.m.: Yoga at the Teaching Place.

7:30 p.m.: Friday night film and talk at the Teaching Place, featuring the National Film Board's "Spirit of the Trees."

Neys

2 p.m.: "Keep Calm and Hike On" at The Dune trail head. A guided hike to explore how biodiversity contributes to a healthy planet and healthy people.

7 p.m.: Tai Chi on the Neys Beach at Prisoners Cove.

Rushing River

11 a.m.: Guided hike along the Beaver Pond Trail. Meet at the trail head.

1 p.m. to 7 p.m.: Friends of Rushing River will offer free giveaways to promote fun, healthy and active lifestyles for families.

Rainbow Falls

1 p.m.: "Quest for Clues - A Healthy Hike" at the East Beach, Whitesand campground. Look for clues and collect puzzle pieces during a hike around the park. The first team to solve the puzzle at the finish line will win the title of Healthy Parks Healthy People Champs. Refreshments will be served and prizes will be awarded. A maximum of 10 teams may register. Register at the event or by calling the Whitesand Lake entry control office at (807) 824-2298.

For a full list of events during Healthy Parks Healthy People Day, visit the Ontario Parks web site.