Kids’ Summer Activities at Coastal State Parks

Morro Bay, CA: California State Parks in San Luis Obispo County will again offer its ever-popular Junior Ranger programs during summer 2006. These programs are intended for children ages 7-12, and provide hands-on activities teaching youngsters about plants, animals, rocks & minerals, ecology, history, Native American life, and more. They will be offered at Morro Bay State Park (including the Museum of Natural History), Montana de Oro State Park, Morro Strand State Beach, and Pismo State Beach. Programs will be held 4-5 days a week from June through Labor Day weekend in early September, generally lasting about one hour each. Times and locations vary—for further information check flyers at the following State Park facilities during summer months:

*Morro Bay Museum of Natural History front desk, 772-2694, or Rouvaishyana, Museum Manager, at extension 105
*Morro Bay State Park campground entrance station, 772-7434
*Montana de Oro Spooner Ranch House visitor center
*Morro Strand State Beach entrance station
*Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area, Ranger Station, 473-7220
*Pismo Nature Center, Oceano Campground

Telephone numbers, where applicable, are in area code 805. Come join us for fun, educational activities designed for children in this age group. Admission is free, and there is no need to sign up in advance.

On Saturday, April 15, from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM, there will be a special demonstration of pine needle basketry and natural plant cordage making at the Morro Bay Museum of Natural History auditorium. Come watch Docents and the Museum Manager demonstrate how to work with plants to create useful and decorative materials, and try your own hand at it. Special event admission is free. Museum admission is just $2 for adults if you wish to see the rest of the Museum. Children and youth under 17 are admitted free. Bring the whole family to enjoy this activity!

The Kids Rock Overnighter at the Museum of Natural History will be Friday night, May 19 to Saturday morning, May 20. Parents should bring children at 5:30 PM, after having dinner. There will be storytelling, a guided walk, a night sky program, and other nature activities. Breakfast will be served in the morning, and the pickup time is 9:30 AM on May 20. This activity is for children of the same ages as for the Jr. Ranger program, 7-12. The fee is $50 for members of Central Coast Natural History Association (CCNHA), $60 for non-members. To register, call PJ Kelley at 772-2694 ext. 102 or go to www.ccnha.com

For energy efficient recreation - California State Parks on the Internet: <http://www.parks.ca.gov>