COLUMBUS, OH - Don’t pack up that beach blanket when the sun goes down this summer. Enjoy a variety of nighttime activities being offered at Ohio State Parks, including monthly star parties at Malabar Farm State Park and a bonfire beach party at Cleveland Lakefront State Park.
“We’re proud to offer a wide array of family-oriented activities in our parks this summer,” said Ohio State Parks Chief Dan West. “These programs are fun, educational and affordable.”
Visitors to Ohio State Parks are reminded that Ohio remains one of the few state park systems in the nation that doesn’t charge a fee to visit.
There are plenty of events this summer for stargazers, including the popular “Star Party Nights” at Malabar Farm State Park in Richland County from dusk to 11 p.m. on the third Saturday of each month through September. The stargazing begins at the Malabar Farm Horsemen's Area with members of the Richland Astronomical Society. Telescopes and star guides are available. For information call 419-892-2784.
Bring a blanket or lawn chair and kick back under the stars at Hocking Hill State Park in Hocking County, starting at 8 p.m., Friday, August 12 at the dining lodge. Check out the Perseid meteor shower and explore planets, comets and other mysteries of the night sky. Call 740-385-6841 for information.
Learn from amateur astronomer Dick Pierce as he shares the wonders of our night skies at Kiser Lake State Park in Champaign County, on Friday, August 12 for “Stargazing at the Beach.” Call 937-362-3822 for information.
Watch shooting stars brighten our evening summer skies on Saturday, August 13 at the “Meteor Shower Campout” at Caesar Creek State Park in Warren County. Programs include games, crafts, reading star maps and viewing planets through telescopes. Free camping on the north grass lawn. Call 513-897-2437 for information.
Several parks are hosting beach bonfires this summer, including Cleveland Lakefront State Park’s Bonfire Beach Party from 7 to 10 p.m. on Saturday, June 11 and Saturday, August 13 at Edgewater Park. Enjoy the sunset on Lake Erie. For information call 216-881-8141.
Kelleys Island State Park will host its “Bonfire on the Beach” at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, August 13. Enjoy storytelling, skits, children’s programs and a display of the Perseid meteor shower. Call 419-746-2546 for information.
For the Fourth of July holiday, visit Indian Lake State Park in Logan County for its “Beach Spectacular and Fireworks” at the Old Field Beach, Saturday, July 2. This day-long celebration features beach games and contests, entertainment, food, a classic car show and fireworks display over the lake. Call 937-843-2717 for information. Take in more fireworks on Tuesday, July 5 at Hueston Woods State Park in Preble County during its “3rd Annual Fireworks Extravaganza.” Enjoy food, activities and fireworks over Acton Lake. Call 513-523-6347 for information.
For more information about overnight accommodations at Ohio State Parks go online at ohiostateparks.org or call 1-866-OHIOPARKS.