COLUMBUS, OH – The summer is in full swing, and the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) offers free and fun events throughout the month of July! Slow down this summer and create some outdoor memories while enjoying a variety of family-friendly activities at any of Ohio’s 75 state parks.
• Red, White, and Bluebirds at Lake Hope – Make your way over to the Nature Center at Lake Hope on the 4th of July from 10-11am. You’ll learn about the different birds living around Lake Hope and how to spot their nests. Later, with the help of our naturalists, you’ll have a chance to search for nests around the Nature Center.
• Hungry Hummingbirds at Lake Hope – Learn how to hand-feed beautiful ruby-throated hummingbirds! This unique experience will take place in the Nature Center from 1-3pm on July 4 and 6. For questions, please call at 740-596-3030.
• Independence Day Celebration at East Harbor – This 4th of July, relax on the shores of Lake Erie! Head to East Harbor State Park and celebrate our country’s holiday by hanging on the beach and watching local fireworks. The show will begin shortly after sundown.
• Independence Day Country Breakfast at Mt. Gilead – Let someone else do the cooking this holiday weekend from 7:30am-10am on July 5 and 6. Let the Mt. Gilead volunteers treat you to their legendary home-cooked country breakfast! They will be serving pancakes, eggs, sausage gravy and biscuits, and coffee. Donations are greatly appreciated; all donations support Mt. Gilead State Park.
• Animal Olympics at Lake Hope –Come on over to Lake Hope State Park on July 5 to see how you compare to some of nature’s athletes! Meet us at the Nature Center from 10-11am. Come prepared to get dirty and wet. To learn more, please call the Nature Center at 740-596-3030.
• Firework Extravaganza in Hueston Woods – Keep the celebration going and join us on July 5 at Hueston Woods State Park for a firework show you can’t miss! We welcome you to come early, grab a spot in the park, and enjoy the beautiful scenery before sundown. The fireworks will begin shortly after dark.
• July 4th Weekend at Rocky Fork – On July 6 from 10am-10pm, join us for a day of fun at Rocky Fort State Park! Come to the campground and enjoy a kid’s craft at the Volunteer Cabin near site 136 or take part in our annual bike parade and movie at dusk.
• Marina Summer Concert Series at Mosquito Lake – Enjoy the sounds of classic rock songs from the 70s and 80s while relaxing at Mosquito Lake Park. The summer music fun happens on July 6 from 5-9pm. Refreshments and food will be available at Fast Food Island and Polar Paradise Ice Cream.
• Independence Day Celebration at Portage Lakes – Enjoy this popular and big, annual fireworks display on July 6. In addition to fireworks, other family-friendly activities include sandcastle contest and decorated boat parade. To learn more, visit plfa.net.
• Stargazing at Stonelick – Spend an evening under the stars at Stonelick State Park on July 6 from 6-11:45 pm. On arrival, follow the signs to the swimming beach. This program is dependent on weather conditions. For more information, call the Cincinnati Observatory (513-321-5186) or follow the Stonelick Stargazers at www.facebook.com/StonelickStargazers.
• Barn Dance at Malabar Farm –Continue the Bromfield tradition at Malabar Farm State Park by joining us for the July 6 barn dance from 7-10 pm. You’ll have a chance to try both square dancing and line dancing accompanied by live music and step calling! Beginners are welcome and food concession will be available. $1/person donation requested at the door for visitors over age 12. www.malabarfarm.org/
• Beach Spectacular at Indian Lake – Join the tradition at Indian Lake this holiday weekend. Enjoy the beach during the day and stay for the large fireworks display at Oldfield Beach on July 6.
To learn more about family-friendly events at Ohio’s state parks and to plan your next adventure, visit parks.ohiodnr.gov/calendar.
The ODNR Division of Parks and Watercraft is responsible for managing Ohio’s 75 state parks and providing the finest outdoor recreational opportunities, including first-class boating services, facilities and law enforcement for users of Ohio’s waterways and public lands.
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.