Calendar - Ridley Creek State Parkhttps://events.dcnr.pa.gov/ridley_creek_state_park/calendarCalendar - Ridley Creek State ParkSat, 10 Oct 2026 06:43:05 -040060en-usLocalistOct 10, 2026: National Fossil Day at Ridley Creek State ParkJoin your DCNR Park Naturalist for a special hands on exhibit along the Multi-Use Trail to celebrate National Fossil Day. While the geology of Ridley Creek State Park consists of Cambrian period metamorphic gneiss that does not contain fossils, many are found throughout other areas of Pennsylvania's State Park System inclulding our official PA state fossil the Trilobite (Phacops rana). See numerous fossil species up close while learning about how they were preserved, the kind of geology where they can be found and natural history of ancient life that once roamed our world. Registration not required.

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]]>tag:localist.com,2008:EventInstance_5200879397534039.95065-75.45175Sat, 10 Oct 2026 10:00:00 -04002026-10-10T10:00:00-04:00https://events.dcnr.pa.gov/event/national-fossil-dayOct 16, 2026: Home School Nature Adventures at Ridley Creek State ParkDiscover nature with other elementary age homeschoolers (K-5) who meet up every other Friday with DCNR park naturalist to explore the outdoors through a wide variety of interactive programs including: nature hikes, birding, reptiles/amphibians, PA mammals, animal tracking, owls, bats, skulls/bones, rocks/minerals, fossils, stream ecology, pollinators, trees/wildflowers, native/invasive/endangered species, orienteering, knot tying, fire building and more. Playground and bathroom adjacent to pavilion for younger siblings if/as needed. Dress for current weather with walking shoes (9/18 in water). Programs are geared towards homeschoolers but open to all youth. Many students also use these fun outdoor classes for school credit and in 2026 DCNR lauched a new series of state symbol pins that can now be earned by participants. Parent or guardian must accompany their child. Registration NOT required. This year's homeschool nature programs will run every other Friday from March 20 through November 13 for the 2026 season.

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]]>tag:localist.com,2008:EventInstance_5200157313114639.95065-75.45175Fri, 16 Oct 2026 10:00:00 -04002026-10-16T10:00:00-04:00https://events.dcnr.pa.gov/event/home_school_nature_adventuresOct 18, 2026: National Reptile Awareness Day at Ridley Creek State ParkWhile ancient dinosaurs have been extinct for over 60 million years, many modern reptiles including turtles, snakes, lizards, crocodilians and tuataras are now also at risk of a similar fate, These fascinating and important creatures suffer from habitat loss, pollution and exploitation as pets, food and ritual folk medicines. Join your DCNR Park Naturalist (with artifacts and live specimens) for a trailside exhibit on our reptilian friends, their natural history histories and what we can do to help them. Registration not required.

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]]>tag:localist.com,2008:EventInstance_5200911459858739.95065-75.45175Sun, 18 Oct 2026 10:00:00 -04002026-10-18T10:00:00-04:00https://events.dcnr.pa.gov/event/national-reptile-awareness-dayOct 25, 2026: Go Batty with National Bat Week at Ridley Creek State ParkJoin your DCNR park naturalist to celebrate our world's only true flying mammals during National Bat Week by visiting a trailside interactive exhibit table featuring our furry winged friends that devour tons of harmful insects, pollinate countless plants (including many human foods) and reseed vast areas of tropical rainforests. One out of every five living mammal species are bats, yet they are often feared and misunderstood, with many types now in serious decline. Stop by to learn about these fascinating creatures and how we can protect their habitat to help them survive in the future.

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]]>tag:localist.com,2008:EventInstance_5200886496121639.95065-75.45175Sun, 25 Oct 2026 10:00:00 -04002026-10-25T10:00:00-04:00https://events.dcnr.pa.gov/event/go-batty-with-national-bat-weekOct 30, 2026: Home School Nature Adventures at Ridley Creek State ParkDiscover nature with other elementary age homeschoolers (K-5) who meet up every other Friday with DCNR park naturalist to explore the outdoors through a wide variety of interactive programs including: nature hikes, birding, reptiles/amphibians, PA mammals, animal tracking, owls, bats, skulls/bones, rocks/minerals, fossils, stream ecology, pollinators, trees/wildflowers, native/invasive/endangered species, orienteering, knot tying, fire building and more. Playground and bathroom adjacent to pavilion for younger siblings if/as needed. Dress for current weather with walking shoes (9/18 in water). Programs are geared towards homeschoolers but open to all youth. Many students also use these fun outdoor classes for school credit and in 2026 DCNR lauched a new series of state symbol pins that can now be earned by participants. Parent or guardian must accompany their child. Registration NOT required. This year's homeschool nature programs will run every other Friday from March 20 through November 13 for the 2026 season.

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]]>tag:localist.com,2008:EventInstance_5200157313422039.95065-75.45175Fri, 30 Oct 2026 10:00:00 -04002026-10-30T10:00:00-04:00https://events.dcnr.pa.gov/event/home_school_nature_adventuresOct 31, 2026: Skulls, Bones, Horns and Antlers at Ridley Creek State Park'Twas the night before Halloween, so here on the trails, join your DCNR Park Naturalist with skulls, bones and antler tails. We will explore the osteological world of wildlife adaptations and identification using skull shapes and dental formulas as well as comparing a variety of horns and antlers. If you have a bone to pick, stop by this fun trailside exhibit to explore secrets of nature that are more than skin deep. Registration not required.

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]]>tag:localist.com,2008:EventInstance_5200928794619439.95065-75.45175Sat, 31 Oct 2026 10:00:00 -04002026-10-31T10:00:00-04:00https://events.dcnr.pa.gov/event/skulls-bones-horns-and-antlersNov 1, 2026: Geology: Minerals Rock! at Ridley Creek State ParkJoin your DCNR Park Naturalist for a trailside exhibit to explore the world of rocks and minerals. We will learn differences between sedimentary, igneous and metamorphic rocks as well as identification properties of minerals including crystal shape, color, luster, cleavage, hardness scale, magnetism, florescence and more while viewing a wide variety of specimens. Grade school students can get a head start on their geology science curriculum standards which will be covered. After this Rockin' experience you will never take Gneiss rocks for Granite again. Registration not required.

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]]>tag:localist.com,2008:EventInstance_5200920477413739.95065-75.45175Sun, 01 Nov 2026 10:00:00 -05002026-11-01T10:00:00-05:00https://events.dcnr.pa.gov/event/geology-minerals-rockNov 7, 2026: Friends Trail Day at Ridley Creek State ParkJoin the Friends of Ridley Creek State Park trail crew on their monthly trail maintenance excursions where they care for park trails, remove invasive plants and other fun outdoor activities that greatly help our state parks. Enjoy some social time as well with others who care about natural resources and a healthy environment. The friends trail crew meets on the first Saturday of every month from 0900-1200 hrs and is open to all interested folks. Registration not required.

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]]>tag:localist.com,2008:EventInstance_5200153577794339.95065-75.45175Sat, 07 Nov 2026 09:00:00 -05002026-11-07T09:00:00-05:00https://events.dcnr.pa.gov/event/friends_trail_day_9322Nov 7, 2026: National Hug A Bear Day at Ridley Creek State ParkCelebrate National Hug A Bear Day by joining your DCNR Park Naturalist for a special exhibit along the Multi-Use Trail about bears of the world. Learn about bear safety when hiking and camping in parks and forests. Discover how bears fit in the ecosystem as both predators and scavengers. Most bear species are in trouble from habitat loss and poaching exploitation for traditional folk medicines. Explore the diversity of bears from around the world, including Pennsylvania's own American Black Bear, while taking a close up look at skulls, tracks, scat, models and photos of these magnificent animals. Kids are welcome to bring their favorite Teddy Bear along. Registration not required.

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]]>tag:localist.com,2008:EventInstance_5200185878200439.95065-75.45175Sat, 07 Nov 2026 10:00:00 -05002026-11-07T10:00:00-05:00https://events.dcnr.pa.gov/event/national_hug_a_bear_dayNov 8, 2026: Guided Nature Hike at Ridley Creek State ParkJoin your DCNR Park Naturalist on the second Sunday of every month from March-November for a free guided nature hike through Ridley Creek State Park. We will explore birds, trees, wildflowers and park history along the way (including structures that stood 250 years ago when our nation was first founded). Dress for the weather along with good walking shoes, water and snacks. Binoculars are a fun addition if you wish to bring along. Note: September 6 is on the 1st Sunday instead as park will be hosting an exhibit on 9/13 at Edgemont Community Day Fair.

In addition to the regular second Sunday nature hikes, you are also invited to join your DCNR Park Naturalist for extra guided hikes on 3/28/26 celebrating National Take a Walk in the Park Day; 6/6/26 for National Trails Day; 6/14/26 National Get Outdoors Day; 7/5/26 National Hop-A-Park Day; 9/26/26 National Public Lands Day; 10/4/26 Walk In Penn's Woods Day; and 11/11/26 Veterans Day. Registration NOT required.

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]]>tag:localist.com,2008:EventInstance_5200170717047939.95065-75.45175Sun, 08 Nov 2026 09:00:00 -05002026-11-08T09:00:00-05:00https://events.dcnr.pa.gov/event/guided-nature-hike-715Nov 11, 2026: Guided Nature Hike at Ridley Creek State ParkJoin your DCNR Park Naturalist on the second Sunday of every month from March-November for a free guided nature hike through Ridley Creek State Park. We will explore birds, trees, wildflowers and park history along the way (including structures that stood 250 years ago when our nation was first founded). Dress for the weather along with good walking shoes, water and snacks. Binoculars are a fun addition if you wish to bring along. Note: September 6 is on the 1st Sunday instead as park will be hosting an exhibit on 9/13 at Edgemont Community Day Fair.

In addition to the regular second Sunday nature hikes, you are also invited to join your DCNR Park Naturalist for extra guided hikes on 3/28/26 celebrating National Take a Walk in the Park Day; 6/6/26 for National Trails Day; 6/14/26 National Get Outdoors Day; 7/5/26 National Hop-A-Park Day; 9/26/26 National Public Lands Day; 10/4/26 Walk In Penn's Woods Day; and 11/11/26 Veterans Day. Registration NOT required.

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]]>tag:localist.com,2008:EventInstance_5200184549922039.95065-75.45175Wed, 11 Nov 2026 09:00:00 -05002026-11-11T09:00:00-05:00https://events.dcnr.pa.gov/event/guided-nature-hike-715Nov 13, 2026: Home School Nature Adventures at Ridley Creek State ParkDiscover nature with other elementary age homeschoolers (K-5) who meet up every other Friday with DCNR park naturalist to explore the outdoors through a wide variety of interactive programs including: nature hikes, birding, reptiles/amphibians, PA mammals, animal tracking, owls, bats, skulls/bones, rocks/minerals, fossils, stream ecology, pollinators, trees/wildflowers, native/invasive/endangered species, orienteering, knot tying, fire building and more. Playground and bathroom adjacent to pavilion for younger siblings if/as needed. Dress for current weather with walking shoes (9/18 in water). Programs are geared towards homeschoolers but open to all youth. Many students also use these fun outdoor classes for school credit and in 2026 DCNR lauched a new series of state symbol pins that can now be earned by participants. Parent or guardian must accompany their child. Registration NOT required. This year's homeschool nature programs will run every other Friday from March 20 through November 13 for the 2026 season.

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]]>tag:localist.com,2008:EventInstance_5200157313729439.95065-75.45175Fri, 13 Nov 2026 10:00:00 -05002026-11-13T10:00:00-05:00https://events.dcnr.pa.gov/event/home_school_nature_adventuresDec 5, 2026: Friends Trail Day at Ridley Creek State ParkJoin the Friends of Ridley Creek State Park trail crew on their monthly trail maintenance excursions where they care for park trails, remove invasive plants and other fun outdoor activities that greatly help our state parks. Enjoy some social time as well with others who care about natural resources and a healthy environment. The friends trail crew meets on the first Saturday of every month from 0900-1200 hrs and is open to all interested folks. Registration not required.

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]]>tag:localist.com,2008:EventInstance_5200153577896839.95065-75.45175Sat, 05 Dec 2026 09:00:00 -05002026-12-05T09:00:00-05:00https://events.dcnr.pa.gov/event/friends_trail_day_9322Jan 1, 2027: First Day Hikes at Ridley Creek State ParkWhat will you be doing on New Years Day morning? Start your year fresh and healty by celebrating it with us at Ridley Creek State Park. The Friends of Ridley are again hosting a First Day Hike along the Equestrian Trail, beginning promptly at 10 am, January 1, behind Pavilion #8. Friends Group President Jack Miller and Trails Chairman Gary Sawyer will lead a 3.5-mile lollipop loop with views of the creek and a stop at the historic hilltop Russell Cemetery. It is expected to last 2 to 2 ½ hours. The hike starts at the parking lot behind Pavilion 8, descends to the creek at Gradyville Road, passes by an area recovering from a tornado in 2019, and winds around a lovely wooded section up and over Hunting Hill and the Russell Cemetery. The trail is wide, mostly gravel, with good footing. Be prepared for early January weather conditions, and for elevation gains of about 350 ft. We will have hot chocolate, coffee, and light refreshments at the trailhead after the hike. We have a limit of 25 participants for the hike. Dogs are allowed on leash at all times. Please register by email to Gary at muddyboots@comcast.net to secure a spot,

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]]>tag:localist.com,2008:EventInstance_5400870324249839.95065-75.45175Fri, 01 Jan 2027 10:00:00 -05002027-01-01T10:00:00-05:00https://events.dcnr.pa.gov/event/first_day_hikes_854Jan 2, 2027: Friends Trail Day at Ridley Creek State ParkJoin the Friends of Ridley Creek State Park trail crew on their monthly trail maintenance excursions where they care for park trails, remove invasive plants and other fun outdoor activities that greatly help our state parks. Enjoy some social time as well with others who care about natural resources and a healthy environment. The friends trail crew meets on the first Saturday of every month from 0900-1200 hrs and is open to all interested folks. Registration not required.

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]]>tag:localist.com,2008:EventInstance_5200153578101739.95065-75.45175Sat, 02 Jan 2027 09:00:00 -05002027-01-02T09:00:00-05:00https://events.dcnr.pa.gov/event/friends_trail_day_9322Feb 6, 2027: Friends Trail Day at Ridley Creek State ParkJoin the Friends of Ridley Creek State Park trail crew on their monthly trail maintenance excursions where they care for park trails, remove invasive plants and other fun outdoor activities that greatly help our state parks. Enjoy some social time as well with others who care about natural resources and a healthy environment. The friends trail crew meets on the first Saturday of every month from 0900-1200 hrs and is open to all interested folks. Registration not required.

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]]>tag:localist.com,2008:EventInstance_5200153578204239.95065-75.45175Sat, 06 Feb 2027 09:00:00 -05002027-02-06T09:00:00-05:00https://events.dcnr.pa.gov/event/friends_trail_day_9322Mar 6, 2027: Friends Trail Day at Ridley Creek State ParkJoin the Friends of Ridley Creek State Park trail crew on their monthly trail maintenance excursions where they care for park trails, remove invasive plants and other fun outdoor activities that greatly help our state parks. Enjoy some social time as well with others who care about natural resources and a healthy environment. The friends trail crew meets on the first Saturday of every month from 0900-1200 hrs and is open to all interested folks. Registration not required.

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]]>tag:localist.com,2008:EventInstance_5200153578409139.95065-75.45175Sat, 06 Mar 2027 09:00:00 -05002027-03-06T09:00:00-05:00https://events.dcnr.pa.gov/event/friends_trail_day_9322Apr 3, 2027: Friends Trail Day at Ridley Creek State ParkJoin the Friends of Ridley Creek State Park trail crew on their monthly trail maintenance excursions where they care for park trails, remove invasive plants and other fun outdoor activities that greatly help our state parks. Enjoy some social time as well with others who care about natural resources and a healthy environment. The friends trail crew meets on the first Saturday of every month from 0900-1200 hrs and is open to all interested folks. Registration not required.

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]]>tag:localist.com,2008:EventInstance_5200153578511639.95065-75.45175Sat, 03 Apr 2027 09:00:00 -04002027-04-03T09:00:00-04:00https://events.dcnr.pa.gov/event/friends_trail_day_9322May 1, 2027: Friends Trail Day at Ridley Creek State ParkJoin the Friends of Ridley Creek State Park trail crew on their monthly trail maintenance excursions where they care for park trails, remove invasive plants and other fun outdoor activities that greatly help our state parks. Enjoy some social time as well with others who care about natural resources and a healthy environment. The friends trail crew meets on the first Saturday of every month from 0900-1200 hrs and is open to all interested folks. Registration not required.

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]]>tag:localist.com,2008:EventInstance_5200153578614139.95065-75.45175Sat, 01 May 2027 09:00:00 -04002027-05-01T09:00:00-04:00https://events.dcnr.pa.gov/event/friends_trail_day_9322Jun 5, 2027: Friends Trail Day at Ridley Creek State ParkJoin the Friends of Ridley Creek State Park trail crew on their monthly trail maintenance excursions where they care for park trails, remove invasive plants and other fun outdoor activities that greatly help our state parks. Enjoy some social time as well with others who care about natural resources and a healthy environment. The friends trail crew meets on the first Saturday of every month from 0900-1200 hrs and is open to all interested folks. Registration not required.

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]]>tag:localist.com,2008:EventInstance_5200153578716639.95065-75.45175Sat, 05 Jun 2027 09:00:00 -04002027-06-05T09:00:00-04:00https://events.dcnr.pa.gov/event/friends_trail_day_9322Jul 3, 2027: Friends Trail Day at Ridley Creek State ParkJoin the Friends of Ridley Creek State Park trail crew on their monthly trail maintenance excursions where they care for park trails, remove invasive plants and other fun outdoor activities that greatly help our state parks. Enjoy some social time as well with others who care about natural resources and a healthy environment. The friends trail crew meets on the first Saturday of every month from 0900-1200 hrs and is open to all interested folks. Registration not required.

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]]>tag:localist.com,2008:EventInstance_5200153578921539.95065-75.45175Sat, 03 Jul 2027 09:00:00 -04002027-07-03T09:00:00-04:00https://events.dcnr.pa.gov/event/friends_trail_day_9322Aug 7, 2027: Friends Trail Day at Ridley Creek State ParkJoin the Friends of Ridley Creek State Park trail crew on their monthly trail maintenance excursions where they care for park trails, remove invasive plants and other fun outdoor activities that greatly help our state parks. Enjoy some social time as well with others who care about natural resources and a healthy environment. The friends trail crew meets on the first Saturday of every month from 0900-1200 hrs and is open to all interested folks. Registration not required.

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]]>tag:localist.com,2008:EventInstance_5200153579024039.95065-75.45175Sat, 07 Aug 2027 09:00:00 -04002027-08-07T09:00:00-04:00https://events.dcnr.pa.gov/event/friends_trail_day_9322Sep 4, 2027: Friends Trail Day at Ridley Creek State ParkJoin the Friends of Ridley Creek State Park trail crew on their monthly trail maintenance excursions where they care for park trails, remove invasive plants and other fun outdoor activities that greatly help our state parks. Enjoy some social time as well with others who care about natural resources and a healthy environment. The friends trail crew meets on the first Saturday of every month from 0900-1200 hrs and is open to all interested folks. Registration not required.

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]]>tag:localist.com,2008:EventInstance_5200153579126539.95065-75.45175Sat, 04 Sep 2027 09:00:00 -04002027-09-04T09:00:00-04:00https://events.dcnr.pa.gov/event/friends_trail_day_9322Oct 2, 2027: Friends Trail Day at Ridley Creek State ParkJoin the Friends of Ridley Creek State Park trail crew on their monthly trail maintenance excursions where they care for park trails, remove invasive plants and other fun outdoor activities that greatly help our state parks. Enjoy some social time as well with others who care about natural resources and a healthy environment. The friends trail crew meets on the first Saturday of every month from 0900-1200 hrs and is open to all interested folks. Registration not required.

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]]>tag:localist.com,2008:EventInstance_5200153579331439.95065-75.45175Sat, 02 Oct 2027 09:00:00 -04002027-10-02T09:00:00-04:00https://events.dcnr.pa.gov/event/friends_trail_day_9322