Many people know that California is home to numerous beautiful state parks, but what many don’t realize is that many of these parks hold family oriented events throughout the year in order to provide families with an environment conducive to creating strong family bonds while allowing families to get out and enjoy the outdoors.  Many parks offer family camping, moon gazing, hiking, and campfire activities.  Although there are numerous family events held in parks all over the state, many of these activities take place only during the summer months.

One of the major family fun activities offered at the Hearst San Simeon State Park is the Coastal Discovery Fair, which celebrates the anniversary of the Coastal Discovery Center at the San Simeon Bay with the California State Parks and the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary.  Here you will find fun fair booths where families can build an underwater robot, meet a Steelhead fish, visit a talking tidepool, or cast an animal track.  Another popular event is the Miner’s Picnic, which takes place at the Empire Mine State Historical Park.  This family picnic follows the tradition in which one day a year the mine would close down for a picnic for the miners with their families, with proceeds being donated to injured miners and widows and orphans of miners.  The fun event features food, old-fashioned games, and entertainment.

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