Recent information shared from Nebraska Game and Parks set the scene for plenty of fun and education across the state for the month of October.
It’s worth noting that a park entry permit is required of each vehicle that enters a state park area. They can be purchased at OutdoorNebraska.gov or at park entry booths.
Halloween Fun
For those in the central part of the state, Halloween Haunt is returning to Johnson Lake SRA on October 12 from 1 to 7 PM. Pumpkin painting and kids games are planned, as well as campsite trick-or-treating. The day concludes with the judging of the campsite decorating contest and marshmallow roasting.
Other events on the calendar for Halloween include:
– Dusty’s Pumpkinfest at the Cody’s each Saturday and Sunday in October at Buffalo Bill Ranch State Historical Park.
– The 29th Annual Haunted Hollow event at Indian Cave State Park on October 11
– Fremont Lakes State Recreation Area’s campsite decorating contest and trick-or-treating on October 12
– Mahoney State Park’s “Brewing with Fun” event October 12
– Ponca State Park’s 26th Annual Hallowfest on October 12 and 19
– “Halloween in the Hallow” at Ash Hollow State Historical Park on October 19
– Branched Oak SRA’s Spooktacular on October 19
– The Howl in the Hills night hike at Wildcat Hills October 19
– Haunted camping at Enders SRA October 25
– Red Willow SRA’s Camp & Treat event October 25-27
– First Responders Halloween at Niobrara State Park October 26
– A vintage Halloween weekend at Arbor Lodge October 26-27
– Several Halloween day activities at Schramm park from 10 AM to 2 PM
To view all events for October and Halloween hosted by Nebraska Game and Parks, visit the calendar here.
October is Nebraska Reptile Month
Nebraska Game and Parks is hosting their annual Nebraska Reptile Month Art Contest again this year. Open the entire month of October, the contest is open to all ages. You are invited to submit original artwork featuring Nebraska native reptiles through the end of October. To upload entries, visit the calendar event at Calendar.OutdoorNebraska.gov. Images can be uploaded as scanned images or photos of the artwork.
The contest includes judging categories by grade: K-2, 3-5, 6-8, 9-12. The adult category is new this year. All participants in the contest will receive reptile-themed gifts. Winners of the contest will be shared on the Nebraska Wildlife Education Facebook page.
Other reptile month activities:
– Lincoln library Reptile Family Fun night on October 1, an opportunity to meet some live Nebraska reptiles
– Reptile Art Day at Gere Branch Library to draw, paint, or sculpt entries for the art contest
– Reptiles of Nebraska event on October 24 at UNL’s East Campus
