NATCHEZ — A group of fourth graders were busy showing adults Monday morning how fun it can be to spend the day at a National Park.

From a scavenger hunt and lessons in identifying animal tracks to learning about blowing darts, the students had a great time getting outside and learning, too.

And that is exactly what officials from as far away from Washington, D.C., wanted to see.

The students had the undivided attention of Assistant Secretary of the Interior Lyle Laverty, who traveled from the nation’s capitol Monday to find out what the park system can do to encourage children to put down the television remote control or the computer mouse and play outside.

“We want to know how we get young people, like you, to get outside,” Laverty said to the group of students.

“Why do think getting outside is important?” Laverty asked.

There was little hesitation in the children.

“So we don’t have to do homework,” several of the students said in unison.

“To avoid cleaning up,” Jamar White said.

“Because you can play basketball outside without breaking a window,” Jaylan Green said.

While the group of adults chuckled at the students’ answers, Laverty said that getting outside was very important.

On average, most students spend six hours a day watching television, playing video games or surfing the Internet, he said.

The “Get Outdoors. It’s Yours” initiative by the U.S. Interior Department seeks to tell children why getting outside is critical — not only because it helps children get exercise and prevents diseases associated with obesity, but also because they get the chance to turn off the virtual world of TV and computers and experience the real world.

Laverty was also joined by National Park Service Southeast Regional Director David Vela, Natchez National Historical Park Superintendent Kathleen Jenkins, Natchez Trace Parkway Assistant Superintendent Stennis Young and other officials from the Grand Village of the Natchez Indians and Historic Jefferson College.

“Across the country, we have millions and millions of acres that belong to you,” Laverty said.

“Stay outdoors. Don’t get locked into video games,” he said. “Do the real thing.”

It didn’t take much prodding from Laverty Monday morning. The students quickly jumped from their seats to enjoy a day at the Natchez National Historical Park and the Natchez Trace Parkway.