National Kids to Parks Day is May 21

ATLANTA, May 6, 2016 -- Georgia’s State Parks and Historic Sites have planned several family-friendly activities in celebration of “National Kids to Parks Day” on May 21. Sponsored by the National Park Trust, the celebration encourages children to explore public lands. In Georgia, the parks are offering paddle trips, archery classes, field day games, colonial toys and more. Many events are free and parking is $5. Families can stay overnight in the parks’ campgrounds, cabins and yurts -- turning their outing into a mini-vacation.

A map of more than 60 state parks and historic sites can be found at www.GaStateParks.org, and the list of events is on www.GaStateParks.org/kidstoparks. Participants are encouraged to share their photos on Instagram with hashtags #gastateparks and #kidstoparks, and to post their favorite moments to the Georgia State Parks Facebook page (www.facebook.com/georgiastateparks).

Sample of “National Kids to Parks Day” Events in Georgia
May 21, 2016
Find more at www.GaStateParks.org/events
 

Coastal Georgia

Colonial Toys and Games
Saturday, May 21, 2016 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Fort King George Historic Site - Darien, GA
Play old-fashioned games like tug of war, rolling hoops, quoits, nine pins, cup and ball. $4.50-$7.50 912-437-4770.
 
Kids in the Parks Day
Saturday, May 21, 2016 1 p.m.
Skidaway Island State Park – Savannah, GA
Bring the kids out to enjoy outdoor games, our museum with live animals, trails and playgrounds. $5 parking. 912-598-2300.
 

Metro Atlanta 

Kids to Parks Day at Chattahoochee Bend
Saturday, May 21, 2016 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Chattahoochee Bend State Park - Newnan, GA
This day is packed full of fun and educational activities for kids. Bring lunch, snacks, and water, and be prepared for the outdoors. 10 a.m. starts a guided nature hike; 1 p.m. is nature crafting; 3:30 p.m. is creative play with the Imagination Playground. Pre-register for each program in advance. $5 per program. $5 parking. 770-254-7271.
 
Creature Feature
Saturday, May 21, 2016 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Panola Mountain State Park - Stockbridge, GA
Can turtles leave their shells? How many types of venomous snakes live in Georgia? Are salamanders reptiles? Learn the answers to all of these questions and more as a Panola Mountain Ranger introduces you to our reptilian residents in this live animal show. Meet in the Nature Center. Space is limited, so please call to register in advance. $2 plus $5 parking. 770-389-7801.
 

Middle & South Georgia

Drive, Chip, Putt Contest
Saturday, May 21, 2016 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Gordonia-Alatamaha State Park - Reidsville, GA
We invite youths up to 16 years of age to enjoy a friendly contest at Brazell's Creek Golf Course. Participants can win a prize for the longest drive, putting and chipping. No experience necessary and you are welcome to bring your own golf clubs. $5 parking. 912-557-7744.
 
Field Day Spectacular
Saturday, May 21, 2016 9 a.m.
Reed Bingham State Park - Adel, GA
Come to the field for cornhole, crafts, face painting, dodgeball, relay race, tug-o-war, and more. $5 parking. 229-896-3551.
 

Northern Georgia

Echota Alive
Saturday, May 21, 2016 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
New Echota Historic Site - Calhoun, GA
Step back to the 1820s, tour New Echota and learn about Cherokee and Georgians’ lifestyles, including how apples were pressed to make cider, try your hand at making a sheet of paper, help the ranger print on the 19th century press, learn to use a compass on our compass course, and check out our nature trails to Tarvin's Pond and New Town Creek. $5.50-$7 (5 and younger free) 706-624-1321.
 
Kids Day at the Park
Saturday, May 21, 2016 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Smithgall Woods State Park - Helen, GA
Bring your kids and their endless imaginations for a fun day of learning and play at Smithgall. There will be outdoor games, arts and crafts, exhibits and more. Bring your sack lunch and stay the day. $10 parking. 706-878-3087.
 
Backyard Games
Saturday, May 21, 2016 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Tugaloo State Park - Lavonia, GA
Meet the naturalist at the baseball field for friendly competition featuring cornhole, wiffleball, kickball and dodgeball. $5 parking. 706-356-4362.
 
Youth Kayak 101 (Ages 9-12)
Saturday, May 21, 2016 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Tugaloo State Park - Lavonia, GA
Meet the naturalist to embark upon a paddling adventure where we will learn the basics of kayaking, maneuvers, paddle etiquette and strokes. $5 plus $5 parking. 706-356-4362.
 
 
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http://gastateparks.org/
 
http://gastateparks.org/KidsToParks