COLUMBUS, OH – Looking for fun things to do over Memorial Day weekend? Look no further than Ohio State Parks! With everything from archery to hikes to scavenger hunts, there are great events available for visitors to enjoy right here Ohio. This week is National Safe Boating Week, which is a great reminder for people who will be boating or on the water this summer to make sure to wear a life jacket—it can save your life!
- Reptiles R Us at Burr Oak State Park – Come learn what makes reptiles unique and get a close-up look at a special guest at Burr Oak State Park on Friday, May 25, from 3:30-4:30 p.m. Meet in the lodge lobby. For more information, call 740-767-3570.
- Passport to Fishing at Shawnee State Park – Learn about fishing and try it at Shawnee State Park! Meet at the nature center on Friday, May 25, at 5 p.m. Bait, tackle and poles will be provided by the ODNR Division of Wildlife and the Scioto County Soil and Water Conservation District. To register, call 740-259-9231, ext. 4 or scioto@sciotoswcd.org.
- Music at the Amphitheater at Shawnee State Park – Enjoy local artist Steve Free for family fun entertainment at Shawnee State Park on Friday, May 25, at 6:30 p.m. Meet at the amphitheater. For more information, call 740-858-6652.
- Frogs and Toads at Beaver Creek State Park – Join the Naturalist for a program on Ohio’s amphibians, frogs and toads at Beaver Creek State Park on Saturday, May 26, at10 a.m. Meet at the campground amphitheater. For more information, call 330-385-3091.
- Gone Creekin’ at Lake Hope State Park – Discover what lives in the waters between Lake Hope and Raccoon Creek on Saturday, May 26, at 10 a.m. Meet at Lake Hope Dam. Prepare to get wet! For more information, call 740-596-4938.
- Salamander Hike at Beaver Creek State Park – Join us at Beaver Creek State Park for a salamander hike on Saturday, May 26, at 11 a.m. We will try to catch a few salamanders for everyone to see. Meet at the parking lot in picnic area 3. From the Pioneer Village, cross the iron bridge then make the first left. The parking lot is near the small creek. Great for all ages. Rubber boots are a must. Expect to have fun and get wet! For more information, call 330-385-3091.
- Frogs and Toads and Lake Stomp at Guilford Lake State Park – Join the naturalist at Guilford Lake State Park on Saturday, May 26, at 1 p.m. for some fun and interesting facts on Ohio’s amphibians, frogs, and toads. Meet at the campground amphitheater. Then at 2 p.m., we will do the lake stomp, where we use nets to see what interesting creatures we can catch and identify. Bring some old shoes, and plan on getting wet. We will be in the water. Meet up next to the beach at the campground. This program is great for all ages, including adults. For more information, call 330-222-1712.
- Archery for Beginners at Burr Oak State Park – All of the equipment will be provided for people to try their hand at archery at Burr Oak State Park. This is recommended for people age 8 and above who are physically strong enough to handle the equipment as evaluated by the instructor. Meet at the lodge shelter house area from 2:30-4 p.m. on Saturday, May 26. For more information, call 740-767-3570.
- Explore the Shore at Shawnee State Park – Paddle around the lake’s edge and experience shore wildlife at Shawnee State Park on Saturday, May 26, at 4 p.m. Meet at Turkey Creek boat ramp. All equipment will be provided. For more information, call 740-858-6652.
- Nature Night at Maumee Bay State Park – Ever wonder what animals roamed the wilds of Ohio? Or lurked in the Great Black Swamp? Swing by the lodge at Maumee Bay State Park on Saturday, May 26, at 4:30 p.m. to find out, and see some skins, skulls, and snakes! For more information, call 419-836-7758.
- Memorial Day Hike at Caesar Creek State Park – Meet the park naturalist at Caesar Creek State Park at the nature center for a 5-mile guided hike to the Fossil Fields on Sunday, May 27, at 10 a.m. See Pioneer Village, the Swinging Bridge, Horseshoe Falls and a Rock Gorge. For more information, call 513-897-3055.
- Archery at Beaver Creek State Park – Meet near the campground amphitheater at Beaver Creek State Park for archery on Sunday, May 27, at 1 p.m. After learning archery skills and safety, people can actually shoot a bow. All are welcome, kids must be accompanied by an adult. For more information, call 330-385-3091.
- Early Hungry Hummers at Lake Hope State Park – Hand-feed hummingbirds at the nature center at Lake Hope State Park on Sunday, May 27, from 1-3 p.m. at the nature center. The park is trying this much earlier in the year than normal to see how it goes. For more information, call 740-596-4938.
- Trail Discovery and Craft for Kids at Burr Oak State Park – Explore a trail with a naturalist on Sunday, May 27, at 1 p.m. while searching for nature’s treasures along the way. Make a pressed plant craft to take home after the hike. Meet at the nature center. For more information, call 740-767-3570.
- Evening Campfire and Scavenger Hunt at Burr Oak State Park – See how many items you can find along a woodland trail with the naturalist at Burr Oak State Park, then enjoy some fun songs around the campfire on Sunday, May 27, at 7 p.m. Meet at the campground amphitheater. For more information, call 740-767-3570.
- Full Moon Hike at Lake Hope State Park – Enjoy a 3-mile hike illuminated by the moon at Lake Hope State Park on Sunday, May 27, at 8 p.m. Meet at the shelter house. For more information, call 740-596-4938.
- Scavenger Hunt at Lake Hope State Park – Join us on Monday, May 28, for a scavenger hunt on Memorial Day at Lake Hope State Park. Pick up your scavenger hunt list at the nature center after 10 a.m. All hunts should be completed to later than 4 p.m. that day for a prize back at the nature center. Bring along your camera, a pencil, and some water. For more information, call the nature center at 740-596-3030.
To learn more about family-friendly events at Ohio’s state parks and state nature preserves, go to parks.ohiodnr.gov/calendar or naturepreserves.ohiodnr.gov/calendar.
Getting outdoors is an ideal way to relieve stress and boost mood levels. The Explore Ohio initiative is aimed at encouraging people to exercise outdoors and become healthier in the process. Participants can log their miles, share their photos and create friends groups on the Explore Ohio website at ExploreOh.com. Whether people are running, hiking, biking, climbing, walking or paddling, Ohioans can keep track of their progress at ExploreOh.com and share their adventures on social media using #ExploreOhio. After reaching 100 combined miles of activity on the site, each registered user will receive an email with a certificate good for 15 percent off camping at any Ohio State Park.
ODNR ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR website at ohiodnr.gov.