National Parks Week in NYC

Beginning September 19, the National Parks Conservation Association will sponsor a week-long series of public events in New York City parks. The lineup of family-friendly activities includes a candlelight tour of Grant's Tomb, a park-themed scavenger hunt at the American Museum of Natural History, and a campfire sing-along at Sandy Hook Beach.

The highlight of the week is called "Feel Free: A National Parks Celebration in Central Park." The September 23 event at Central Park's East Meadow will feature musical performances by Carole King, Gavin DeGraw, Alison Krauss and Union Station, and clips from Ken Burns's new documentary The National Parks: America's Best Idea.

Not planning to be in NYC this summer? Get inspired by reading Sierra magazine's interview with Ken Burns, then visit a national park in your neck of the woods.

--Della Watson