Summer fun at Georgia’s State Parks
Georgia State Parks has come up with a series of fun, affordable, educational programs to help kids — and their parents — have a ball this summer. The Junior Ranger program offers the opportunity for kids ages 6-12 to earn badges either at their own pace or at day camp in several parks.
Junior Ranger activities include identifying trees or wildlife, hiking, swimming, learning about history and camping. Check out a few of the Junior Ranger events below or visit the Georgia State Parks website for a complete list.
Chattahoochee Bend State Park, Newnan
The adventure-filled three-day camp includes archery, hiking, campfire building, science experiments and survival skills. Registration required. Please call 770-254-7271 for details.
June 13-15, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., ages 7-9 ; June 27-29, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., ages 10-12
Florence Marina State Park, Omaha
Explore the wonderful world of being a park ranger. Learn how to identify different plant and animal species, go on hikes and boat rides, learn wilderness skills, and more. Please call 229-838-4706 for details.
June 12-15, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Skidaway Island State Park, Savannah
A week of hikes, crafts and games focused on the natural and cultural heritage of Georgia. Please call 912-598-2300 for additional details.
The weeks of May 29, June 12, 26, and July 10, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., ages 6-11
Seminole State Park, Donalsonville
Activities include canoeing, hiking, aquatic exploration and crafts. Register in advance. Please call 229-861-3137 for details.
The weeks of June 5, July 10 and August 7, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., ages 7-14
Magnolia Springs State Park, Millen
During this three-day camp, activities include nature hikes, archery, geocaching, alligators, fishing, archaeology, the splash pad, and more. Registration is required. Please call 478-982-1660 for details.
June 13-15 and June 27-29, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Fort Yargo State Park, Winder
This three-day camp will feature a multitude of activities from hiking to archery and kids will experience what it’s like to be a State Park Junior Ranger. Registration required. Please call 770-867-3489 for details.
June 7-9 and June 21-23, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., ages 6-12
Laura S. Walker, Waycross
Activities include outdoor skills, trail walks, birding, and more. Registration is required. Please call 912-287-4900 for details.
June 20-22, 8 a.m.-12 p.m., ages 6-12
Vogel State Park, Blairsville
Learn how to identify different plant and animal species, go on hikes and boat rides and learn how to be safe in the wilderness. Please call 706-745-2628 for details.
June 17-18, July 15-16 and August 5-6, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Photo courtesy of Georgia State Parks and Historic Sites
