COLUMBUS, OH - Give the gift of relaxation, family adventure, or a scenic getaway this Mother’s Day or Father’s Day. The Ohio State Parks gift card can be used for camping, cottage stays, and state park merchandise.
Some state parks also are hosting family-oriented events, such as special fishing days, campouts, and hikes for both holiday weekends.
Gift cards can be purchased for any dollar amount via mail or by telephone at 614-265-6513. The gift card is good for all 56 Ohio state park family campgrounds as well as for cottages at the following state parks: Buck Creek, Cowan Lake, Dillon, Hocking Hills, Lake Hope, Mohican, Pike Lake, and Pymatuning. Resort lodges are excluded.
In addition, Ohio State Parks offers the Eagle Golf Card - a perfect gift for golf enthusiasts. The Eagle Golf card provides 12 rounds of golf at any of the six state park golf courses for just $80. Some restrictions apply. For $25, you can get mom or dad a Cardinal Camper Club Card good for 15 percent off state park camping rates April through October and 20 percent off camping rates November through March.
Information on all Ohio State Parks cards can be found at ohiodnr.com Several state park resort lodges are offering Mother’s Day and Father’s Day specials, including weekend getaways that feature overnight accommodations and dinner or brunch. For more information on specials at Deer Creek call 1-877-678-DEER, for Geneva call 1-800-801-9982; or 800-AT-A-PARK for all other state park resort lodges.
Visitors to state parks are reminded that all 74 Ohio State Parks are free and open to the public.
MOTHER’S DAY EVENTS
Spring Fling, Grand Lake St. Marys State Park (Mercer/Auglaize counties) - Friday, May 6 through Sunday, May 8. Enjoy camping, movies, popcorn and a surprise for Mother’s Day, plus a children’s fishing derby on Saturday morning.
Woodland Jewels Hike, Howard Collier State Nature Preserve (Seneca County) - Saturday, May 7. Mom will be astonished by the array of spring wildflowers at this nature preserve situated along the Sandusky State Scenic River. Guided hikes begin at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.
Craft and Herb Fair, Quail Hollow State Park (Stark County) - 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday, May 7 and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, May 8. Stroll among 100 artisan booths featuring pottery, glassware, clothing, soaps, garden decor and more.
Family Fishing Fun Day, East Harbor State Park (Ottawa County) - Noon to 2 p.m., Sunday, May 8 at the Lockwood Shelter House pond. Bring mom and a picnic lunch out to the pond on Mother’s Day for an afternoon of fishing. Ohio State Parks will provide the bait.
Mother's Day Youth Fishing Tournament, Scioto Trail State Park (Ross County) - 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Sunday, May 8 at the Caldwell Lake parking lot. Kids ages 1 to 15, who are accompanied by an adult, are invited for angling lessons and a chance to catch some prize fish.
FATHER’S DAY EVENTS
Summer Fun Campout, Rocky Fork State Park (Highland County) - Friday, June 17 through Sunday, June 19, treat Dad to a fun-filled weekend of fishing, wagon rides and children’s crafts.
Father’s Day Campout, Forked Run State Park (Meigs County) - Saturday, June 18 and Sunday, June 19. Go camping with dad and enjoy a fishing tournament and car cruise-in.
Father’s Day Breakfast & Craft, Maumee Bay State Park (Lucas County) - Saturday, June 18. Treat dad to breakfast, plus a handmade gift created by the kids during craft time.
Youth Fishing Derby, Delaware State Park (Delaware County) - 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Saturday, June 18 at the pond near the marina. Up to 100 children under age 16 may fish at three 1-hour sessions. Tackle, bait, poles, refreshments and prizes are provided.
Young Anglers Fishing Derby, Findley State Park (Lorain County) - 10 a.m. to noon, Saturday, June 18 at the campground boat ramp. The lake has been stocked for youngsters to participate in the national Casting Kids Competition.
Hawaiian Luau & Hog Roast, Dillon State Park (Muskingum County) - Saturday, June 18. Visit our campgrounds for a Hawaiian celebration with crafts and games, dancing and a hog roast dinner. Regular camping fees apply.