Grafton Lakes And Cherry Plain State Parks Independence Day Weekend Family-Friendly Activities

Grafton Lakes State Park is open to the public and full of activities for visitors on Independence Day weekend, July 3-5. Take a dip in the waters of Long Pond, explore the wonders of nature or build a unique sand sculpture in our annual Independence Day contest.
Wildlife educator Bernie Hoffmann will present her program, “Predators of North America” – a “touch n’ explore” display of skulls and pelts, by the beach at GLSP on Saturday, July 3, from 11 am to 1 pm. Bernie is an engaging educator who uses games and children’s natural curiosity to develop their love of nature.  Kids will have the opportunity to touch the fur of a bobcat and see the impressive jaw of a black bear’s skull, among many other pelts and skulls. Bernie will also bring along a North American member of the weasel family for the public to see.
The Park’s Independence Day Sand Sculpture Contest will be held on Sunday, July 4. This popular annual event decorates the beach with tortoises and mermaids of all shapes and sizes. Bring your own unique design to wow the judges. All participants receive a prize and there are grand prize winners for various age categories.  Registration begins at noon in front of the Beach Nature Center and judging starts at 2 pm.
Grafton Lakes State Park is open for swimming Friday through Tuesdays from 10 am to 6 pm. The summer swimming season begins on July 3 at Cherry Plain State Park, located in Berlin, and will be open Wednesday through Sunday from 10 am to 6 pm. Cherry Plain State Park will also expand to offer camping daily starting July 1 through Labor Day. Campers will have free access to Grafton Lakes State Park during their stay, so swimming is available to them 7 days a week. To make reservations, visit www.reserveamerica.com. Both parks open at 8 am for picnicking and all other day use activities and close at 8:30 pm. Boat rentals are available on a limited basis, so please call for more information. Parking fees are $8 per car when swimming is open and $6 per car when closed.
For more information about the parks and their programs, please call 518-279-1155 or visit our website at www.nysparks.com/parks.