Kids to Parks Day, celebrated on May 21, is a day devoted to outdoor play, organized by the National Park Trust. All Kentucky State Parks are open that day and five have special events planned.
“Kids to Parks Day is a great time for families to enjoy the outdoors and re-connect with nature,” said Parks Commissioner Donnie Holland.
Kentucky’s state parks have playgrounds, hiking trails, picnic areas, campgrounds, historic sites, fishing and other outdoor recreation facilities. Parks offer seasonal programming as well.
The following five parks have special events planned for May 21:
Blue Licks Battlefield State Resort Park, Mount Olivet
Blue Licks Park will offer free admission for children to the Pioneer Museum. The park also offers five walking trails and miniature golf. Hours of operation for the Pioneer Museum are 9 a.m.-5 p.m. For more information call the park at 859-289-5507.
Buckhorn Lake State Resort Park, Buckhorn
Buckhorn Lake Park will host special events, including Scott Shupe with reptiles at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, May 20. On Saturday, there will be birding, a hike engaging all the senses, kite flying, historical games and toys, an obstacle course, fishing, and a walk listening to night sounds. For more information call the park at 606-398-7510.
Columbus-Belmont State Park, Columbus
Columbus-Belmont State Park will offer free mini golf all day long and a nature hike and organic gardening at 11 a.m. There will be a magician performance at 2 p.m. For information call the park at 270-677-2327 or email cindy.lynch@ky.gov.
Pine Mountain State Resort Park, Pineville
Pine Mountain State Resort Park will celebrate with special events, starting with a hike at 10:30 a.m. (registration required). Other events include tye-dye shirt making, a bird trivia contest, and a wildlife program at 5 p.m. There are fees for some of these programs. For more information contact Beth Byrnes at 606-337-3066 or by email at beth.byrnes@ky.gov
Wickliffe Mounds State Historic Site, Wickliffe
Wickliffe Mounds will offer free admission for children on May 21. Families will be able to enjoy the trails, museum, picnic areas, scavenger hunt with prizes and games set up around the grounds from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Children must be accompanied by adult with paid admission: $5 adults, $4 seniors and military/veterans. For more information call the park at 270-335-3681 or email carla.hildebrand@ky.go
The Kentucky State Park System is composed of 49 state parks plus an interstate park shared with Virginia. For more information about Kentucky State Parks, visit www.parks.ky.gov .
Kentucky Department of Parks