Programs & Events

Summer Family Programs

Junior Ranger Programs

Junior Rangers is a California State Parks program designed for children ages 7 to 11 to learn about and explore their parks. These programs are offered every Saturday morning from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Programs range from 20-40 minutes in length. Kids earn their very own Junior Ranger badge upon completion. This is a FREE program open to all.

Program meets at the Campfire Center on the North Shore. See the kiosk and signage for start times. Additional programs may be offered sporadically along the South Shore (Day-use), keep an eye out for our Junior Ranger flags!

Campfire Programs

Campfire programs are a traditional evening presentation set around a campfire presented by a park interpreter or Ranger. Programs often involve games, interaction, and a slideshow projected in our outdoor amphitheater. Campfires are a great way to spend the quiet evening hours as a family learning about our state parks after a day of fun in the water.

Campfire programs are offered Saturday nights in the summer, from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Meet at the Campfire center located between large and small group campgrounds (across from Fort Miller). Start times will vary based on the time of sunset. See the kiosk and signage for start times. Campfire programs typically last from 30 minutes to an hour, at most.

Litter Getter Program

The main goal of the California State Parks Litter Getter program is to encourage children to keep the parks crumb clean, wild, and healthy, and continue this behavior in their communities. Through the fun-filled and informative activity folder, they discover how litter hurts the wildlife and plants in our parks and at home, and how they can help by keeping litter in trash cans and out of reach of animals.

Participants receive a Litter Getter activity folder that also contains instructions on picking up litter in the park. Kids can request a Litter Getter recycled paper bag to collect litter, from the entrance kiosk in the summer, Memorial Day to Labor Day.

When participants turn in their first bag of litter, they receive six state animal and plant stickers (shown below). There is a special spot for each sticker in the activity folder. If kids turn in a second bag and show their Litter Getter folder with the stickers placed on it, they get a Litter Getter magnet, and a signed certificate to proclaim they are official Litter Getters!

Please dispose of trash appropriately. Remind your children not to touch sharp objects or animals. Park staff may be able to provide specific instructions about where to pick up litter and what to avoid, too.

Star Party with Central Valley Astronomers

Telescopes, laser pointers, and the beautiful night sky. Join this enthusiastic group of astronomers for a fun evening of stargazing. Members are happy to share a glance at the cosmos through their personal telescopes (if you ask politely) and perhaps tell a story or two if you are interested.

Star parties occur one Saturday night a month in June, July and August. Group meets at Sunset Picnic area located on the far end of Meadows campground (adjacent to Ramp 6 parking lot) Refer to social media for specific dates or follow the community calendar on their website at http://cvafresno.org/calendar.php

Paddle Sports Program

Explore the world of paddle sports! Park staff and lifeguards will guide you through the basics of kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding in a safe learning environment. Learn proper techniques and safety measures that will leave you feeling confident on the water, turning perhaps a new experience into a lifelong hobby or passion! This is a FREE program open to ages 8 and up. Registration is required, learn more about this free program here.

Winter Programs

Annual Bald Eagle Tours

Set out on our tour-style pontoon boat in search of wintering bald Eagles. These three-hour long guided tours are offered every weekend, January through mid-March. The cost is $20 per person. Learn more about our Eagle Tours here.

Annual Special Events

Earth Day Climate Action Workday

Every year Millerton Lake joins forces with the California State Park Foundation in the fight against climate change, as we host an annual Volunteer Workday. Open to all — individuals, families, and corporate groups are welcome to make a tangible impact in creating climate-resilient parks. This event takes place in April around Earth Day. Learn more at https://www.calparks.org/earthday

Annual Kids Safety Day
Kids’ Safety Day is a free community event for families to learn about staying safe in the water and meet the Central Valley rescuers who are keeping you safe. Agencies and local organizations will line the Friant Dam parking lot providing loads of great information for families and kids. Visitors get a close up look at first responder equipment including fire trucks, ambulances, police cars, boats, even rescue helicopters! A life jacket trade-in takes place during the event, where you can swap out old life jackets for a free new replacement. Families are encouraged to stay for the day and enjoy the park after the event. The event takes place on the third weekend of May, annually. Learn more about our Annual Kids’ Safety Day here.

California State Parks Week

California State Parks Week is an annual event that celebrates the amazing diversity of California’s State Park System and the people who visit and help protect these iconic places. California State Parks Week advances the “Outdoor Access for All” initiative championed by Governor Gavin Newsom and First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom.

Every June, through special community events and in-person and virtual programming, we invite Californians to celebrate the communities and cultures that make California special, explore new adventures and activities in our shared parks, and discover ways to deepen their relationships with parks and the landscapes they protect. Learn more about State Parks Week and scheduled events here.