California State Parks Week is presented jointly by California State Parks, California State Parks Foundation, Parks California, and Save the Redwoods League. This annual, weeklong celebration draws thousands of visitors to our iconic California state parks through 170+ free, in-person and virtual events celebrating everything that makes our parks so special.
This year’s California State Parks Week will take place June 11-15, 2025, and you’re invited to join! Try out a new outdoor activity, learn how to help the environment, connect with your community, take direct climate action, and more across the state this June!
To view the event schedule and plan your week of adventures, visit castateparksweek.org.
CALIFORNIA STATE PARKS WEEK EVENTS
Every day of the week offers a new chance to celebrate everything our state parks have to offer. California State Parks Foundation is proud to have provided grant funding to the following events, thanks in part to our sponsors. Explore these events — and over one hundred more — at castateparksweek.org.
Each event is unique, but they are all centered around the following themes: Explore New Experiences, Nourish Your Health and Well-Being, Support Climate Resilience, Celebrate Community and Culture, and Care For Our Shared Lands.
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 11, 2025
Experience Folsom Lake SRA from a New Perspective - on Horseback!
June 11, 2025 at 9 AM, 10:30 AM, 12 PM, 1:30 PM, 3 PM, 4:30 PM, and 6 PM
Enjoy a free guided horseback ride and interpretive tour of Mississippi Bar at Folsom Lake — no experience or gear needed.
Please note: this event is offered multiple times throughout the day. Be sure you register for the correct time slot.
Woven Wonders at Hearst San Simeon SHM
June 11 & June 12, 2025 at 9:00 AM
Get a behind-the-scenes look at Hearst Castle textile conservation with lab tours, tapestry talks, and weaving demonstrations.
Please note: this event is offered on multiple days throughout the week. Be sure you register for the correct time slot.
Dive into the fascinating world of the northern elephant seal with Hearst San Simeon SP
June 11, 12, 13, 14, & 15, 2025 at 11:00 AM
Discover elephant seals’ life cycle and adaptations with hands-on exhibits and a safe, close-up look during molting season.
Please note: this event is offered on multiple days throughout the week. Be sure you register for the correct time slot.
THURSDAY, JUNE 12, 2025
Woven Wonders at Hearst San Simeon SHM
June 11 & June 12, 2025 at 9:00 AM
(See description above!)
Come Try Paddling on Lake Natoma at Folsom Lake SRA!
June 12, 2025 at 10 AM, 12 PM, and 2 PM
Enjoy a free guided paddling tour on Lake Natoma — kayak, canoe, or paddleboard with gear provided and beginner instruction.
Please note: this event is offered at multiple times throughout the day. Be sure you register for the correct time slot.
Wild Things and Climate Resilience at Auburn SRA
June 12, 2025 at 11 AM, 2 PM, and 4 PM
Enjoy a family-friendly campfire program with rescued animals — learn about wildlife, conservation, and climate change’s impact on habitats.
Please note: this event is offered at multiple times throughout the day. Be sure you register for the correct time slot.
Dive into the fascinating world of the northern elephant seal with Hearst San Simeon SP
June 11, 12, 13, 14, & 15, 2025 at 11:00 AM
(See description above)
(Virtual) Lake Tahoe’s Underwater Wonders: Exploring Tsunami-Built Boulder Ridges at Tahoe SRA
Join a live virtual dive at Lake Tahoe — explore underwater geology and interact with expert scuba divers in real time.
FRIDAY, JUNE 13, 2025
Tule Elk Jamboree Art in Parks Festival
Join hands-on crafts, meet local artists, and take guided tours — celebrating nature’s connection to creativity.
Dive into the fascinating world of the northern elephant seal with Hearst San Simeon SP
June 11, 12, 13, 14, & 15, 2025 at 11:00 AM
(See description above)
Echolocation Exploration: Evening Interpretive Bat Walk at Donner Memorial SP
Discover the fascinating world of bats through an interactive evening walk featuring live echolocation monitoring, revealing the vital role bats play in the ecosystem.
Please note: a similar event is offered on a different day of the week. Be sure you register for the correct time slot.
Bolsa Chica SB Grunion Run
Experience a magical night event with grunion spawning, guided beach viewing, s’mores, photo ops, and a local chef’s cooking demo.
SATURDAY, JUNE 14, 2025
Planting For Pollinators at San Clemente SB
Join a stewardship event creating a garden for native plants and monarchs with crafts, stories, art, planting, and pollinator education.
Tribal Traditions Event at Crystal Cove SP
Enjoy a family day of Indigenous culture with blessings, stories, basket weaving, games, dance, songs, art, and cultural photography.
The People's Festival at Los Angeles SHP
Celebrate with Community Fellows and State Parks — enjoy local art, performances, and interactive activities showcasing park history and culture.
Celebrate Indigenous Communities at Andrew Molera SP
Learn about Indigenous culture through tribal presentations and hands-on activities honoring Esselen Tribe and Ka Koon Ta Ruk land stewardship.
Pollinator Party: Ladybug Picnic at William B. Ide Adobe SHP
Celebrate pollinators with live releases, costume parade, crafts, StoryWalk®, and activities by local groups promoting native species and conservation.
Inspired by Land - Art in Parks at Bothe-Napa Valley SP
Explore nature-inspired art, join guided hikes and hands-on workshops, and connect with local artists in a welcoming State Park setting.
Juneteenth Celebration at Colonel Allensworth SHP
Celebrate Juneteenth at historic Allensworth with live entertainment, tours, history talks, horse rides, kids’ activities, and local vendors.
Sinkyone Wilderness SP Semicentennial: A 50th Anniversary Celebration!
Celebrate 50 years of the park with exhibits, nature journaling, critter spotting, and hands-on activities at Needle Rock Visitor Center.
Dive into the fascinating world of the northern elephant seal with Hearst San Simeon SP
June 11, 12, 13, 14, & 15, 2025 at 11:00 AM
(See description above)
Echolocation Exploration: A Fireside Bat Talk at Donner Memorial SP
Gather around the campfire for bat stories, interactive demos, and live call recordings — learn their vital ecosystem role.
Please note: a similar event is offered on a different day of the week. Be sure you register for the correct time slot.
SUNDAY, JUNE 15, 2025
Forest Restoration Volunteer Event at Trinidad SB
Join a hands-on restoration effort to protect native ecosystems by removing invasive non-native plants like English ivy in the Sitka spruce forest and coastal scrub areas.
Trail to Wellness at Chino Hills SP
Refresh your mind and body with guided mindfulness and movement activities, connect with nature, and enjoy craft tables and wellness workshops designed to support your journey toward balance and self-care in a peaceful park setting.
Kayak to Connect: Exploring Yurok Culture
Experience both a Yurok-led kayak tour and a cultural visit to the Chah-Pek’w Visitor Center through guided sessions that highlight the natural beauty and cultural heritage of Humboldt Lagoons State Park.
Dive into the fascinating world of the northern elephant seal with Hearst San Simeon SP
June 11, 12, 13, 14, & 15, 2025 at 11:00 AM
(See description above)
Celebrating California’s State Park Staff
Share your special memories with a California State Parks staff member and you could win a California Explorer Vehicle Day Use Annual Pass ($195 value)!
2025 Sponsors
Meet our generous 2025 California State Parks Week sponsors.
Become a 2025 California State Parks Week Sponsor!
Join us in celebrating California’s state parks during this weeklong event. As a sponsor, you’ll play a key role in bringing together thousands of park-lovers at in-person and virtual events, providing essential support to park staff hosting events on the ground, and helping spread the word to visitors throughout the state about these free community events.
Explore, Celebrate, Protect: Choose Your California State Parks Week Adventures June 11–15, 2025!
Read about the 2024 California State Parks Week events and features.