In Georgia, the parks are offering fishing rodeos, guided hikes, nature crafts, scavenger hunts, archery, geocaching and numerous other programs for three Saturdays: May 16, 23 and 30. Many events are free and parking is $5. Families can stay overnight in the parks’ campgrounds, cabins, lodge rooms and yurts — turning their outing into a mini eco-vacation.
A map of all 64 state parks and historic sites can be found at www.GaStateParks.org, and the list of events is onwww.GaStateParks.org/
“National Kids to Parks Day” Events in Georgia
May 16, 2015
Big Little River Paddle, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Reed Bingham State Park, Adel, GA
Join us for a race down our 3 mile section of the Little River in the park. Contestants will launch from Red Roberts Landing and finish at Lake Reed Bingham. You can bring your own kayak or canoe, or rent one through the park. Awards will be given to the top finishers in various categories. Lunch provided after the race. $30 per boat. $5 parking. 229-896-3551.
Swamp Games, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Stephen C. Foster State Park, Fargo, GA
Join us for a day of games, crafts and programs for kids. Children 11 years and younger get free boat tours in the Okefenokee Swamp. $5 parking. 912-637-5274.
Catfish Rodeo, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Sweetwater Creek State Park, Lithia Springs, GA
State Representative Roger Bruce invites families to enjoy the famous “Fish Fry”, a day of fun, health screenings, games and fellowship. The park’s lake is stocked with over 2,000 catfish to ensure each child lands a catch. Participate in a fun-filled day for elementary and middle school-aged students; all students must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. 770-732-5871.
Lake Lanier Paddling Trip, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Don Carter State Park, Gainesville, GA
Join us as we paddle up a beautiful section of Lake Lanier and see the undeveloped parts of the park best viewed from the water. Look out for some wildlife which can often be spotted on this tranquil portion of the lake. Space is limited, so please call the park for reservations at 678-450-7726. $10-$15 admission. Price includes use of tandem canoe. $5 parking.
J.A.K.E.S Day and Junior Fishing Derby, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
General Coffee State Park, Nicholls, GA
Let the park staff and our wonderful volunteers introduce them to archery, recreational target shooting, fishing and more. Bring your own bait and fishing pole. Free, donations appreciated. $5 parking. 912-384-7082.
Indoor Basic Archery, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Panola Mountain State Park, Stockbridge, GA
Ever wanted to release your inner archer or hone your skills? Join us for our indoor archery classes with the guidance of a certified instructor. Ages 9 and up. All equipment is provided, but if you have your own, participation in a class includes a same-day pass to our outdoor archery range. Space is limited, call the park for reservations and prices. $5 parking. 770-389-7801.
Geocaching, Fishing and Scavenger Hunt, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Cloudland Canyon State Park, Rising Fawn, GA
Spend your Saturday with us for a fun-filled day of fishing, geocaching and a scavenger hunt. Beginner fishing lessons will be offered for first time anglers upon request. The scavenger hunt and geocaching will be self-guided activities with introductory session throughout the day. $5 admission for adults. $5 parking. 706-657-4050.
Imagination Day, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Fort King George State Historic Site, Darien, GA
The name says it all — children across the country are encouraged to explore their neighborhood parks and discover science, history, nature and adventure! Fort King George is making the day extra special by offering the ever popular Imagination Playground (IP). The IP consists of life-sized foam building blocks. These safe foam blocks inspire children to design their own inventions, environments and activities. $4.50-$7 admission. 912-437-4770.
The 150th Anniversary of the Arrest of Alexander Hamilton Stephens, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
A.H. Stephens State Park, Crawfordville, GA
Learn what life was like in the 1800s with period performers, demonstrators, and the Yonah Pickers dulcimer group. Join us for a re-enactment of the arrest of Alexander Hamilton Stephens, the Vice-President of the Confederate States of America. $1-$5 admission. $5 parking. 706-456-2602.
Hike and Bike, 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Tallulah Gorge State Park, Tallulah Falls, GA
In celebration of National Kids to Parks Day, we will be putting on a 1.5 mile hike and a 3 mile group bike ride on our easy Shortline Trail. Hike starts at 11 a.m. at the Interpretive Center and bike ride will meet at the Old Tallulah Jail at 1 p.m. . You can do just one or both! All bicycle riders must have a helmet. Ages 6 and up. $5 parking. 706-754-7981.
Skidaway Game Day, 1 p.m.
Skidaway Island State Park, Savannah, GA
Compete in yard games such as water balloon toss and sack races. $5 parking. 912-598-2300.
Stream Hike, 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m.
F. D. Roosevelt State Park, Pine Mountain, GA
Bring a friend and celebrate an afternoon discovering the various critters and plants in and along the woodland stream. This hike may get wet, so dress appriopriately. $5 parking. 706-663-4858.
National Kids to Parks Activity Day, 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Fort Mountain State Park, Chatsworth, GA
Face painting, balloon sculptures, water balloon toss and crafts are some of the fun activities at this mountain park. Purchase tickets at the front office. $5 admission. $5 parking. 706-422-1932.
Kayak the Salt Marsh, 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Crooked River State Park, St. Mary’s, GA
Enjoy the scenery with a kayak around Crooked River; you’ll even have a chance to stretch your legs as you explore the sandbars. Who knows, you might even spot a few feathered friends on the Colonial Coast Birding Trail. Space is limited, registration required. $25-$35 registration. $5 parking. 912-882-5256.
Wildlife Tracking, 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.
High Falls State Park, Jackson, GA
Track animals that make this park their home and learn traditional campfire songs. Meet at the powerhouse ruins. $5 admission. $5 parking. 478-993-3053.
Nature Hike, 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Fort Yargo State Park, Winder, GA
Join a park ranger on this guided tour of the Birdberry Nature Trail. Bring your family and enjoy a pleasant nature walk and meet the trees, birds and other wildlife that call Fort Yargo home. $5 admission. $5 parking. 770-867-3489.
New Moon Paddle, 8:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Hard Labor Creek State Park, Rutledge, GA
Lake Rutledge is a great place to enjoy the night sky. Join us on this ranger-led tour of the lake and enjoy the night sounds, star-gazing, and a relaxing time on the water. Please register in advance. $5 parking. 706-557-3001.
May 23, 2015
Americus Explorer Train Ride, 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Sam Shortline, Downtown Cordele Depot, Cordele, GA
Ride through beautiful Georgia Veterans State Park, across Lake Blackshear, visit Historic Downtown Americus, and taste peanut ice cream. Enjoy southern Georgia in vintage, air-conditioned 1949 train cars. Admission applies. Call 229-410-7937for reservations and group rates.
Memorial Day Weekend Celebration, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Florence Marina State Park, Omaha, GA
Relax and spend Memorial Day weekend on the river. Enjoy boat rides and arts and crafts daily. $5 parking. 229-838-4706.
Memorial Day History Celebration, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Fort McAllister State Park – Richmond Hill, GA
Throughout the day, kids and adults will enjoy family-friendly activities and living history demonstrations. Cannon firings and musket demonstrations hourly. $7.50 Adults, $6.50 Seniors, $4.50 Youth. $5 parking. 912-272-2339.
Memorial Day Miniature Golf Tournament, 10 a.m.
Indian Springs State Park – Flovilla, GA
Show your skills at this year’s miniature golf tournament. Compete against your friends and family as you celebrate the holiday. Wear something patriotic and you may find yourself on our Facebook page. $5 admission. $5 parking. 770-504-2277.
Indoor Basic Archery, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Panola Mountain State Park, Stockbridge, GA
Ever wanted to release your inner archer or hone your skills? Join us for our indoor archery classes with the guidance of a certified instructor. Ages 9 and up. All equipment is provided, but if you have your own, participation in a class includes a same-day pass to our outdoor archery range. Space is limited, call the park for reservations. $12. $5 parking. 770-389-7801.
Holiday Gorge Floor Hike, 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.
Tallulah Gorge State Park, Tallulah Falls, GA
Jump from rock to rock, climb boulders, and swim in Bridal Veil Falls. Trek 531 stairs and hike 3.5 miles with us to get that adrenaline pumping. No pets allowed; please wear appropriate footwear. Children must be 10 years and older, and make sure to bring food and water. Please register in advance. $10 admission. $5 parking. 706-754-7981.
Family Farm Day, 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Jarrell Plantation Historic Site, Juliette, GA
Learn about chores and skills from long ago, such as sewing, blacksmithing, woodstove cooking, gardening, woodworking and other farm activities. $4-$6.50 admission. 478-986-5172.
Memorial Day Mayhem, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Little Ocmulgee State Park and Lodge, Helena, GA
Have a memorably wild time with water balloon wars! take a lantern light night walk (with homemade tin can lanterns), meet and learn about live exotic and invasive animals, and create nature crafts in the campground. The Nature Nook will be open for you to see and feed the wild animals. $1-$4 admission. $5 parking. 229-868-7474 ext. 6052.
Memorial Day Beach Bash, 2 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Kolomoki Mounds State Park, Blakely, GA
Enjoy music, blow up inflatables, a corn hole tournament, a sandcastle competition, canoe races and lots of fun in the sun at Kolomoki beach! Bring the whole family to enjoy an afternoon and night of fun. Hotdogs, drinks and snowcones will be for sale. $3 per person for all activities. $5 parking. 229-724-2150.
Memorial Day Night Paddle, 8:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Hard Labor Creek State Park, Rutledge, GA
Enjoy this after-hours guided paddle on Lake Rutledge. Relish the night sounds, astronomy, and history on this relaxing kayak tour. Please register in advance. $15 admission. $5 parking. 706-557-3001.
May 30, 2015
Watermelon Express Train Ride, 9:30 a.m. to 3:05 p.m.
SAM Shortline, Downtown Cordele Depot, Cordele, GA
Enjoy this ride from our Downtown Cordele Deopt to Historic Plains, the small Georgia town made famous by President Jimmy Carter. Experience historic southern Georgia in vintage, air-conditioned 1949 train cars. Admission applies. Call 229-410-7937for reservations and group rates.
Indoor Basic Archery, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. , 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Panola Mountain State Park, Stockbridge, GA
Ever wanted to release your inner archer or hone your skills? Join us for our indoor archery classes with the guidance of a certified instructor. Ages 9 and up. All equipment is provided, but if you have your own, participation in a class includes a same-day pass to our outdoor archery range. Space is limited, please call the park for reservations. $12 admission. $5 parking. 770-389-7801.
Full Moon Paddle, 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Tallulah Gorge State Park, Tallulah Falls, GA
Wind down and enjoy a relaxing paddle around Tallulah Lake as the full moon reflects off the water. This ranger-led event is an exciting event way to get out in the evenings and enjoy nature. Space is limited, so register in advance. $15 admission. $5 parking. 706-754-7981.
Bluegrass Concert Series, 8 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Red Top Mountain State Park, Acworth, GA
Bring a chair or blanket to enjoy this bluegrass series held outdoors by the Old Vaughn Cabin. You’ll enjoy great music, Lake Allatoona scenery and a family-friendly atmosphere. Pack a picnic dinner and scout out one of the many picnic tables around the park. Held Saturdays May 16-July 25. $5 parking. 770-975-0055.
Full Moon Kayak Tour, 8:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Hard Labor Creek State Park, Rutledge, GA
Join us for a guided night tour of Lake Rutledge and round out your weekend with some peaceful night paddling. Listen for night sounds, enjoy the night sky and learn about the history of Hard Labor Creek State Park. Register in advance. $15 admission. $5 parking. 706-557-3001.
Swamp Stargazing, 9 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Stephen C. Foster State Park, Fargo, GA
Come observe the night sky with us through high-powered telescopes. Since Stephen C. Foster State Park lacks light pollution, it is one of the darkest places in the Southeast — perfect for stargazing! $5 parking. 912-637-5274.
