Michigan is a beautiful state, and the summer is a great time to get out and experience the state’s natural beauty. The Department of Natural Resources has just the thing to help you get the kids (and yourself) out the door and into the parks, namely an awesome lineup of events during the month of August. Grab your sunscreen, take your water, and head out to the state parks.
1. Pheasant Friday
During Pheasant Fridays, Michiganders of all ages are invited to learn about gun safety, shoot a BB gun in an enclosed trailer, and learn about how Pheasants Forever helps the community. For more information on this event, contact Pheasants Forever at 989-395-5945. This event will be held at several state parks throughout August. The schedule is as follows:
Aug. 5 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Hayes State Park in Lenawee County
Aug. 12 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Lake Hudson Recreation Area in Lenawee County
Aug. 19 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Seven Lakes State Park in Oakland County
2. Recreation 101: Intro to Geocaching
Want to learn the basics of geocaching? Here’s your chance. Head to Bald Mountain Recreation Area in Oakland County for expert tips and techniques. The class will meet at the North Trout picnic area on Saturday, Aug. 6, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. For more details and to register for the class, contact the park at 248-693-6767.
3. The Legend Trail Run
Dust off your running shoes and hit the trail for this popular five mile trail run. Running Fit is hosting the event on Saturday, Aug. 6, at Sleepy Hollow State Park in Clinton County. The race starts at 8 a.m. and offers lovely views of some of the park’s area. The course circles Lake Ovid and other small lakes and features a grass-covered trail. However, there may be some possible low and muddy areas and some steep hills. For more information on the event, visit www.runlegend.com.
4. Family Fun Campout
Ready to get the kids out of the house for a few days? Head to Maybury State Park in Wayne County from Aug. 6-7. A family of four can campout from noon on Aug. 6 to noon on Aug. 7 for just $30. There will be a $5 charge for each additional person. For more information and to register for the event, check out northvilleparksandrec.org.
5. Horseshoe Tournament
Think you’ve got what it takes to be a champion horseshoe thrower? Find out at Lakeport State park in St. Clair County. On Saturday, Aug. 13, from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Lakeport State Park rangers will coordinate the tournament. It’s not unusual for 60 teams to participate, so get ready for lots of excitement. Prizes will be awarded for first through third places. Hot dogs will be provided during lunch hours. To learn more about this event, contact the park at 810-327-6224.
6. Recreation 101 Expo
If you love spending time outside but don’t know about all the awesome activities you can do, check out this event at the Holly Recreation Area in Oakland County. The event takes place on Saturday, Aug. 13, from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. and offers lots of chances to learn about outdoor activities like outdoor cooking, geocaching, disc golf, camping, and fishing. The equipment and instruction will be provided for the expo free of charge. For more information, contact the park at 248-634-9751.
7. Recreation 101: Intro to Model Airplane Flying
Learn how to fly model airplanes and watch demonstrations for free at Holly Recreation Area. The event will be held at the Cloud Hoppers flying field from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 20. Learn more about the event by visiting hollycloudhoppers.org.
8. The Haunted Hollow VII
Put your geocaching skills to the test with this haunted hunt in the park. Geocaches will be hidden throughout Sleepy Hollow State Park on Saturday, Aug. 20. A geocaching 101 class will be held for beginners at 9 a.m. at the South Beach pavilion. Special geocaches will be hidden for kids, so be sure to bring the little ones along!
Coffee and donuts will be provided in the morning and a potluck lunch will take place at 1 p.m. in the pavilion. Bring a dish to pass and your own beverages, but no alcohol. For more information on the event, contact Bill Bogle at 517-694-8217.
9. Park It Family Fun Night
Let the kids stay up a little later on Thursday, Aug. 25, and take them to Sterling State Park in Monroe County. From 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. the park is hosting family-friendly entertainment, including live music, kids’ activities, giveaways, and a movie under the stars featuring Inside Out. Contact the park at 734-289-2715 for more information.
10. Maybury Mountain Bike Time Trial
Get your mountain bikes ready for this awesome event at Maybury State Park in Wayne County on Sunday, Aug. 28. The Motor City Mountain Biking Association is hosting a competitive time trial for the whole family. Click here for more information on the event and to preregister.
11. Adventures in Stand-Up Paddleboarding
Test your balance and swimming skills while learning how to paddlebaord during a 90-minute class. Participants under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult. If you want to join the class, you can’t have knee problems, and you must be able to lift 50 pounds.
The class will take place at the Brighton Recreation Area in Livingston County on Aug. 6, 13, 20, and 27. It will also be held at the Pinckney Recreation Area in Washtenaw County on Aug. 7, 14, 21, and 28.
For more information on the event, contact Family Outdoor Adventure Club at 734-419-3699.
12. Yoga on the Beach and Yoga at the Park
Teacher-led yoga classes will take place on Saturdays throughout the summer from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. The class is geared toward beginners, with modification for those looking for a more intermediate class. Happy Dog Yoga Studio will provide mats and blocks free of charge. For more information, contact Happy Dog Yoga Studio at 810-217-7648.
Yoga on the Beach will take place at Lakeport State Park, and Yoga at the Park will take place at Algonac State Park on Aug. 6, 13, 20, and 27.
13. Hike. Get Fit. Have Fun.
The Family Outdoor Adventure Club is hosting guided tours for families interested in getting outside and seeing Michigan’s state parks in a new light. The program will take place on Aug. 6, 13, 20, and 27 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Milliken State Park in Wayne County. The cost for the series is $60 per family or $5 per person for drop-ins. For more information, contact Family Outdoor Adventure Club at 734-419-3699.