Don Carter State Park

Do you know how to tell a black bear from a brown bear, or how fast a black bear can run? Come find out at this homeschool day all about bears! Meet at Picnic Shelter 1 for educational games and a cute craft. $3 per kid, pre-registration required. Parking fee required. 678-450-7726.
 
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Join our naturalist at Picnic Shelter 3 for a step-by-step watercolor painting tutorial. For this session, we will paint a rainbow trout and great blue heron! All materials provided, recommended for ages 13+. Pre-registration required. $5 plus parking fee required. 678-450-7726.
 
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Recommended for people ages 17+. If you dare, join us at Picnic Shelter #3 to learn about Hall County's ghosts, local legends, and history from a Gainesville native. Pre- registration required by 5 PM day of. $3 plus parking fee required. 678-450-7726.
 
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Calling all Cowboys and Cowgirls! Bring your own stick horse, or borrow one of ours, for some down home old timey fun! Compete in classic rodeo games for the chance to win prizes. Meet at the equestrian field. Parking fee required. 678-450-7726.
 
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Enjoy the Junior Ranger Bingo Game led by our rangers, with prizes! For families of all ages at Picnic Shelter 2. Parking fee required. 678-450-7726.
 
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Meet at Picnic Shelter 2 to make an adorably rustic craft with tree cookies, nails, and string. There will be several autumnal designs for you to choose from. Recommended for ages 13+, pre-registration required. $20 plus parking fee required. 678-450-7726.
 
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Why are camouflage jokes so funny? You never see them coming! Come learn how our local animals camouflage themselves, with an activity where you will get to practice your new skills! Meet outside the visitor center. Parking fee required. 678-450-7726.
 
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Come enjoy the fall colors from a different perspective, on our lake! This program is $20 for general admission, but $10 if you provide your own kayak. Our available kayaks are for two people, so bring a friend! Ages 9+. Pre-registration required, and spaces are limited, so call the visitor center to reserve your spot! $20 plus parking fee required. 678-450-7726.
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Make unforgettable memories with your family this Fall Break. Learn about the animals that call our state home, and their behavior as the seasons change. Play fun games and make crafts. Pre-registration required by 5 PM on October 11th, the day before camp. $15 per child, $5 per adult. $15 plus parking fee required. 678-450-7726.
 
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Meet in front of the visitor center to learn about Georgia's mammals! You will have the opportunity to touch and interact with a variety of furs while learning about the animals that call our state home. $1 plus parking fee required. 678-450-7726.
 
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Following our Pet a Pelt program, adopt a mammal plushie to match one we learned about! Along with your new friend, you also get a take-home carrier, a birth certificate, and a personality sheet to get to know your mammal! There are multiple selections, with prices ranging from $8-$30. $8 plus parking fee required. 678-450-7726.
 
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Do you know just how fast bats can fly, or what bats you can find in your backyard? Come find out at the Bats of Georgia Program! Play educational games and learn fun facts about these spooky little mammals. Parking fee required. 678-450-7726.
 
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Following our Bats of Georgia program, adopt a bat plushie from our visitor center to match one we learned about! Along with your new friend, you also get to make a take-home carrier, a birth certificate, and a personality sheet to get to know your bat! There are multiple bat selections with varying prices. $10 plus parking fee required. 678-450-7726.
 
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Make an adorable hanging bat craft out of leaves in front of the visitor center! $1 plus parking fee required. 678-450-7726.
 
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Recommended for people ages 17+. If you dare, join us at Picnic Shelter #3 to learn about Hall County's ghosts, local legends, and history from a Gainesville native. Pre- registration required by 5 PM day of. $3 plus parking fee required. 678-450-7726.
 
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A watercolor program for adults (16+) of all artistic experience. We will be painting the scenic view from Picnic Shelter #3 that overlooks the lake. All supplies are provided. Pre-registration is required, call the visitor center to reserve your spot. $3 plus parking fee required. 678-450-7726.
 
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Join us in front of the visitor center for a Halloween Double Feature! The visitor center will open at 6:30 PM for you to buy snacks and start setting up chairs/blankets. The first movie (G-rated, fall themed) will begin at 7 PM. The second movie (PG-rated spooky themed) will start at 9 PM. Call the visitor center for movie details! Parking fee required. 678-450-7726.
 
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Do you know just how fast bats can fly, or what bats you can find in your backyard? Come find out at the Bats of Georgia Program! Play educational games and learn fun facts about these spooky little mammals. Parking fee required. 678-450-7726.
 
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Following our Bats of Georgia program, adopt a bat plushie from our visitor center to match one we learned about! Along with your new friend, you also get to make a take-home carrier, a birth certificate, and a personality sheet to get to know your bat! There are multiple bat selections with varying prices. $10 plus parking fee required. 678-450-7726.
 
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Come look at the unbe-leaf-ably beautiful changing leaves! Meet at the Overlook Trail for a short hike to learn about why trees shed their leaves, as well as some tree ID. Then, you will participate in a leaf tracing activity to create a lovely fall memory to keep, before hiking back. Friendly for all ages, register at the visitor center. $3 plus parking fee required. 678-450-7726.
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A family friendly event for ghosts and ghouls of all ages. Enjoy this Halloween themed event and receive candy from local organizations like the Hall County Library System, Elachee Nature Center, and Don Carter park rangers. Please park at the beach, a hayride will take you to the candy! Costumes encouraged. Parking fee required. 678-450-7726.
 
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Wanting to show off your love for the Halloween season? Join our campsite decoration contest! Register in the visitor center upon your check-in, judging will happen Saturday at 8:00 pm, and prizes will be awarded Sunday morning for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place. Please keep all decorations and themes family-friendly. Parking fee required. 678-450-7726.
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For overnight guests looking to have a sweet Halloween, you are invited to participate in Trick or Treating in the RV Campground and Cottage loops. Set up outside of your campsite/cabin to hand out prepackaged candy/goods; children must be accompanied by an adult. Happy Halloween! Parking fee required. 678-450-7726.
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