Go PLAY after Labor Day

The end of summer doesn’t have to mean the end of fun in the great outdoors. As Labor Day approaches, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) encourages families to get outdoors over the holiday weekend and continue enjoying outdoor activities into the fall.

“The amount of time that the average child spends outside today is half of what it was 20 years ago,” said DNR Commissioner Chris Clark. “As summer draws to a close and kids head back to school, it’s important for families to plan fun outdoor activities that keep them moving.”

The DNR provides numerous ways to keep families active, from ranger programs to historic reenactments, and from wildlife management areas to fishing piers. Below are suggestions for getting outside this autumn:

State Parks Offer Labor Day Activities:

Labor Day Festival: Saturday, Sep 4 until Monday, Sep 6, 10 AM to 3 PM; Florence Marina State Park - Omaha, GA; Family celebration including games, boat rides, and crafts. $4 plus $5 parking. 229-838-4706.

Labor Day at Fort McAllister: Saturday, Sep 4, 10 AM to 4 PM; Fort McAllister Historic Park - Richmond Hill, GA; Civil War labor was much like ours is today. From blacksmith to wood worker, all trades were needed to keep this fort in operation. Come see how it was done. $3.50 - $5. 912-727-2339.

Labor Day Fort Morris Commemoration: Saturday, Sep 4, 11 AM to 3 PM; Fort Morris Historic Site - Midway, GA; Commemorate Labor Day holiday with hourly soldier talks and musket and cannon firings at this scenic coastal fort. $2.75-$4. 912-884-5999. 

Swim the Warm Springs - Dip In to The Past: Saturday, Sep 4 until Monday, Sep 6, 10 AM to 4 PM; Roosevelt's Little White House Historic Site - Warm Springs, GA; Swim in the historic pools built by President F.D. Roosevelt as a place for therapy. Space is limited to 80 participants per session. Reservations are suggested. All remaining tickets will be sold first-come, first-served, based on availability. $20 adults; $12.50 ages 6 to 17; Family Package-$75. 706-655-5870. 

Labor Day Weekend: Saturday & Sunday Sep 4 until Sep 5; Skidaway Island State Park - Savannah, GA; Take the day off and watch a reptile show and awaken your senses with a night hike. Join in a volleyball game, family games, hayrides, a campfire and hoppin' frog hike. $5 parking. 912-598-2300.

Holiday Gorge Floor Hike: Saturday, Sep 4, 10:30 AM to 2:30 PM; Sunday, Sep 5, 10:30 AM to 2:30 PM; Monday, Sep 6, 10:30 AM to 2:30 PM; Tallulah Gorge State Park - Tallulah Falls, GA; This guided hike will take you from rim to river while learning about the gorge's unique environments. Be sure to wear proper footwear (no flip-flops or crocs). This hike is strenuous and will involve rock hopping and getting wet. Bring a lunch and lots of water. For ages 10 and older. Register in advance. $5 plus $5 parking. 706-754-7981.

Grits & Cornmeal: Sunday, Sep 5, 1 PM to 3 PM; Hamburg State Park - Mitchell, GA; Watch how cornmeal and grits were once made at Hamburg's historic gristmill. Before leaving, purchase a bag to take home and use. $5 parking. (478) 552-2393.

The Fun Continues after Labor Day

Dove Season Opens September 4th; Dove hunters are preparing to hit the fields in Georgia on Opening Day, Sat. Sept. 4, 2010 at 12 Noon. Dove season dates for the year are Sept. 4-19, 2010; Oct. 9-17, 2010 and Nov. 25, 2010-Jan. 8, 2011.

Outdoor Adventure Days: National Hunting and Fishing Day on Sept. 25, 2010, is an annual event celebrating the contributions made to conservation by hunters and anglers and brings opportunity to all to participate in exciting Outdoor Adventure Days. These events, held throughout the State, offer activities like archery ranges, kids fishing events, wildlife activities, air gun/BB gun ranges and much more. 

Leaf Watch 2010: The online Leaf Watch, found at www.GeorgiaStateParks.org throughout October and November, provides updates on fall color, safe hiking tips, and reservation details for campsites, cottages and lodge rooms offered at Georgia’s state parks.

“Go Play After Labor Day, Georgia” is the latest in a series of outdoor adventure tips from DNR Commissioner Clark that highlight affordable getaways, outdoor activities close to home, and creative ways to support conservation in Georgia. The series is part of DNR’s “Get Outdoors, Georgia” initiative, which encourages citizens to lead healthy, active lifestyles in the great outdoors and includes hiking, biking and paddling clubs, as well as outdoor events. 

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