Girl Scouts Love State Parks | Girl Scouts of Ohio's Heartland

Let’s celebrate our shared love of the outdoors.

Every year, Girl Scouts explore the natural wonders found across our country during the Girl Scouts Love State Parks weekend. Girl Scouts nationwide, along with their troops, friends, and families, celebrate our shared love of the outdoors.

Grab your backpack and head out to your local state parks for self-guided tours, family hikes, watersports, stargazing, special events, and more!

Girl Scouts of Ohio’s Heartland teams up with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources to support girls, troops, and families in exploring Ohio State Parks.

The 2026 Girl Scouts Love State Parks weekend is Sept. 11-13! Check out all the fun below.

Alum Creek State Park toggle arrow

Delaware, Delaware County

Activity registration through GSOH

Alum Creek State Park is a popular park located a short distance from the Columbus Metro Area. The park features a Storybook Trail near the swimming beach on the west side of the lake, an 18-hole disc golf course, numerous trails, a nature center, and camping. A Heritage of Freedom Trail opened in 2025 at the New Galena Picnic Area serves as a visual history lesson about the Underground Railroad.

Friday, September 11

Cookie Crunching Archery | 5:30—7:00 p.m. | Brownies and older

Try your hand at archery, with a Girl Scout twist!

Capacity: 100

This program requires an activity waiver .

Nighttime Forest Exploration | 7:30—8:30 p.m. | Brownies and older

Look for and learn about Ohio's nocturnal wildlife on a short hike with a Naturalist.

Capacity: 100

Saturday, September 12

Miniature Nature Notebooks | 9:00—11:00 a.m. | Daisies, Brownies, Juniors, Cadettes

Create your own pocket-sized notebook using natural and recycled materials and learn how to contribute to science on your next nature exploration!

Capacity: 25

Movie Screening | 10:30 a.m.—12:00 p.m. and 1:00—3:30 p.m. | All Ages

Visit our partners at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Alum Creek Visitor Center for a Girl Scout screening of an animated movie that teaches about the consequences of environmental choices and encourages people to care for the natural world. While you are there, be sure to check out the Visitor Center’s hands-on exhibits to learn about the dam, park, and local area or pick up a Junior Ranger activity book.

Capacity: 35 per showing

For more fun:

Mohican State Park toggle arrow

Loudonville, Ashland County

Activity registration through GSOH

Mohican State Park is a fun and scenic park to explore, with wooded trails, waterfalls, river views, and a rich history. Ready for a hike? Choose from numerous options that take you to landmarks like Big and Little Lyons Falls, the Swinging Bridge, and the Covered Bridge. Or, check out the beautiful views from Vista Point or the Gorge Overlook. Don’t forget to stop into the new Visitor Center where you’ll find interactive displays about the park’s history, nature, and recreational opportunities.

Saturday, September 12

Water Filter Competition | 12:00—1:00 p.m. | All Ages

Learn about water quality and construct a water filter. Compete with others for the cleanest water!

Capacity: 50

Creeking | 2:00—3:00 p.m. | All Ages

Learn about Ohio’s aquatic life as you explore the river in search of critters.

Capacity: 25

Sunday, September 13

Archery | 11:00 a.m.— 12:00 p.m. | Brownies and older

Learn the basics of archery and try out your skills!

Capacity: 25

This program requires an activity waiver .

For more fun:

Paint Creek State Park toggle arrow

Bainbridge, Highland & Ross Counties

Located amid the breathtaking scenery of the Paint Creek Valley in southwest Ohio, the 5,652-acre Paint Creek State Park features a 1,148-acre lake with fine fishing, boating and swimming opportunities. A modern campground and meandering trails invite outdoor enthusiasts to explore and enjoy the rolling hills and streams of this scenic area.

Sunday, September 13

Reptile Encounter | 2:30—3:30 p.m. | Daisies, Brownies, Juniors, Cadettes, Seniors, Ambassadors

Stop into the nature center for a peek at the park's animal ambassadors.

Capacity: 20

Sunday, September 13

Milkweed Meadow Hike | 1:00—2:30 p.m. | Juniors, Cadettes, Seniors, Ambassadors

Spend the afternoon with the Naturalist as you explore the woods to discover wildlife, fungi, and flowers.

Capacity: 20

Rocky Fork State Park toggle arrow

Hillsboro, Highland County

Rocky Fork State Park is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts in southwest Ohio. The region’s natural beauty can be enjoyed along the park’s hiking trails or from the water. Nearby, a scenic gorge, dolomite caves and natural wetlands add to the popularity of this recreation area.

Friday, September 11

Try-it Kayaking | 9:00—11:00 a.m. | Cadettes, Seniors, Ambassadors

Spend the morning paddling on Rocky Fork Lake with the park naturalist. This program fulfills several requirements for the Senior Paddling badge. This program requires an activity waiver.

Capacity: 9

Tar Hollow State Park toggle arrow

Laurelville, Ross County

Activity registration through GSOH

The rugged hills of Southeastern Ohio welcome adventure seekers! This secluded and peaceful park is near the popular Hocking Hills region, without the hustle and bustle. Visitors can hike numerous trails, camp, fish at the quiet Pine Lake, have a picnic, or play a round of mini golf. Nestled within one of Ohio’s largest state forests, you’ll feel immersed in nature at Tar Hollow. A portion of the Buckeye Trail traverses the park and state forest.

Sunday, September 13

Lakeside Birding | 9:00—10:00 a.m. | Brownies and older

Take a gentle stroll along Pine Lake in search of beautiful songbirds and other wildlife.

Capacity: 15

Reptiles & Amphibians | 11:00 a.m.— 12:00 p.m. | All Ages

Get up close with Tar Hollow’s native reptiles and amphibians. Program features live animals.

Capacity: 60

Creeking Adventure | 1:00—3:30 p.m. | All Ages

Explore a beautiful creek ecosystem in search of salamanders, crayfish, aquatic insects, and more.

Capacity: 40

Archery 101 | 4:00—6:00 p.m. | Juniors, Cadettes, Seniors, Ambassadors

Learn the basics of archery and try out your new skills on the 3D archery range. Learn some fun facts about local wildlife, along the way.

Capacity: 15

This program requires an activity waiver .

For more fun:

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