Ohio State Parks Offer Labor Day Special Events

Presented By Classic Brands

(Columbus) – The summer is winding down, and the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) is offering free and fun events this Labor Day weekend.

Here are some area state park activities that you might want to check out:

• Deer Creek State Park

Sept. 3: Labor Day Weekend Campout, 4 p.m. Join us for our Labor Day Campout and activities. Food sold by the Friends of Deer Creek. For registered campers only. 

At the Deer Creek Lodge: 

Sept. 3-5, 5 p.m. – close, Dining room food specials. Dusk – poolside movie and group fire ring. Non-lodge guest pool passes $12 daily.

• Lake Hope State Park

Sept. 3 – 5: Selfie Scavenger Hunt, 9 a.m-6 p.m. Take a picture of yourself or your group with objects big and small. It may be started any time but must be completed before 4 p.m on Sept. 5 for a prize. Pick up the form outside of the nature center. All programs subject to change. Children must always be accompanied by an adult.

Sept. 3: Float the Lake, 9 a.m-11 am.  Advanced registration required.
Free 2-hour Paddling Program searching for wildlife in the water and along the edge of the lake on a kayak. Ages 12 and up. Experience on how to use a kayak is required. Bring water and prepare to get wet. Equipment provided. Meet our naturalist at the shelter house past the beach area. All programs subject to change. Children must always be accompanied by an adult.

Sept. 3: Cold Blooded Creatures, 2 p.m – 3 pm. Meet our Naturalist and a few reptiles that call Lake Hope home. How do you know if it’s a reptile and what is their life like? They aren’t just COLD, they are COOL! All programs subject to change. Children must always be accompanied by an adult.

Sept. 5: Archery, Free. Meet at the Nature Center for Archery.  Equipment and instruction provided.  Free and fun for the whole family. Learn how to shoot a bow and arrow. For ages 8 and up. All programs subject to change. Children must always be accompanied by an adult.
Sept. 5: Glow Worm Walk, 8-9 p.m. Discover the secret life of lightning bugs. Meet the naturalist at Hope School House and take a short walk to find the larvae. All programs subject to change. Children must always be accompanied by an adult. 

Note: For all events at Lake Hope State Park contact the naturalist, Kaylin Callander, at (740) 596-3030 if special accommodations are needed for participation.

• Shawnee State Park (Lodge and Conference Center)

Sept. 2, 5 p.m., Dinner Specials; 6 p.m. Riverdays Concert Series – Julia Neville & King Calaway, downtown Portsmouth.
Sept. 3, 5 p.m., Dinner Specials; 6 p.m., Ice Cream Social in the lodge main lobby; 6 p.m., Riverdays Concert Series, downtown Portsmouth; 7 p.m., Live music featuring The Josh Stewart Band, poolside; 8 p.m., Marshmallow Roast, poolside.

Sept. 4, 8 a.m., Breakfast Specials; 11 a.m., The Grand Riverdays Parade, downtown Portsmouth; 12 p.m., Lunch Specials; 5 p.m., Dinner Specials; 6 p.m., Ice Cream Social in the lodge main lobby; 6 p.m., Riverdays Concert Series, downtown Portsmouth; 7 p.m., Live music featuring Mothman Acoustic, poolside; 8 p.m. Marshmallow Roast, poolside.

Sept.5, 8 a.m., Breakfast Specials; 11 a.m., Riverdays Powerboat Racing, downtown Portsmouth; 12 p.m., Lunch Specials; 1 p.m. Riverday The Voice Contest, downtown Portsmouth; 5 p.m., Dinner Specials; 6 p.m. Ice Cream Social in the lodge main lobby; 6 p.m., Riverdays Concert Series; 8 p.m., Marshmallow Roast, poolside; 10 p.m., Riverdays Fireworks Extravaganza, downtown Portsmouth.
 
To learn more about family-friendly events at Ohio’s state parks and to plan your next adventure, visit parks.ohiodnr.gov/calendar.