SANDPOINT — An entire slate of outdoor events next week may be the final nudge many residents need to switch off their TVs or notebooks and join Unplug and Be Outside, a three-day event sponsored by Sandpoint Parks and Recreation with the help of other local organizations. 

Plenty of free, afterschool and evening challenges are on tap for children, families and residents who enjoy the great outdoors. Tuesday, May 10, offers arboretum tours by the Kinnikinnick Native Plant Society, and obstacle course at Lakeview Park organized by Boy Scout Troop 111, a belly dancing class at Community Hall and a lacrosse clinic, sponsored by Sandpoint Cutthroat Lacross, at Great Northern Park.

Schweitzer Activity Center is organizing a challenge course at City Beach Wednesday, May 11, while Parks and Rec will host a tennis clinic at City Beach courts for students ranging from age 4 to adult. Participants of all ages can meet at Community Hall for a rhythmic gymnastics course. Afterward, Diane Peters of Dance USA plans a swing dance clinic at Sandpoint Community Hall.

Activities on Thursday, May 12, include a bike rodeo, sponsored by the Pedestrian-Bicycle Advisory Committee, at Travers Park, Bouldering Basics at Sandpoint Rock Gym, a map and compass course at North Bonner County Community Library and a pick-up game of ultimate frisbee in Great Northern Park for the 14 and older crowd.

"Each youth that collects event leader signatures on their passport, by attending 2 or more events during the week, is eligible for fabulous prizes! Participants receiving prizes will be notified by 5pm, Wednesday, May 18th," according to event organizers.

Passports are available from event leaders, on the back of school flyers, and at the Parks and Recreation office at City Hall. For times and details, visit www.sandpointidaho.gov or call 263-3613.