If you’re not sure about what to bring or how to prepare for the event, check the event’s registration page, where all the information you’ll need is listed, Beckert said. One major bonus of this week of events is that many of their more involved excursions, like kayaking and bike tours, also include the equipment rentals for free.
“Our goal is to have it fully accessible for anybody,” she said. “We try and supply everything that we can to make it easier for everybody. We don’t want people to have to spend money.”
One note for your wallet: While the programs themselves are free, be aware that you’re likely to have to pay for parking or entrance fees at certain state parks.
Keep reading for some standout events happening this week as part of 2026 California State Parks Week, or browse the full slate of offerings yourself on the state parks website:
Art at Bothe-Napa Valley State Park
When: Saturday, June 13, 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
What: Artists’ booths, live demonstrations, local food, craft workshops, art hikes
Registration: Required
The Golden Gate Bridge as seen from Angel Island, California, on March 8, 2019. (Sundry Photography/Getty Images)
Family Day at Angel Island State Park
When: Saturday, June 13, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
What: Music, dance, history, storytelling for the whole family
Provided: Discounted ferry tickets, shuttle and museum entrance
Registration: Required
Free events for budding artists
Plant Tunes at Half Moon Bay State Beach
When: Wednesday, June 10, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
What: Walk and listen to music made by plants (yes, really) and create your own artwork
Provided: Art supplies
Registration: Required
Hikers enjoy sunset at Trojan Point, on the western spur of Mount Tamalpais, on Nov. 21, 2025. (Sarah Wright/KQED)
Watercolor Walk at Mount Tamalpais State Park
When: Thursday, June 11, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
What: 1-mile round-trip nature walk with watercolor painting
Provided: Art supplies
To bring: Sun protection, water, snacks
Registration: Required
Free events for adventure seekers
When: Wednesday, June 10, 12 p.m., 3 p.m., 6 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.
What: 2-hour guided kayak or stand-up paddle tour
Provided: Watercraft and equipment
To bring: Sun protection, snack, water (expect to get wet)
Registration: Required, ages 7+ only
Fishing 101 at Delta Meadows Park Property
When: Wednesday, June 10, 9 a.m. to 10 a.m.
What: Learn to fish responsibly, tie knots and more
Provided: All equipment
To bring: Ages 16 and older need a CDFW fishing license to attend (more info on how to get one and what type to get here). There are no bathrooms on-site
Registration: Required
Bike at Angel Island State Park
When: Wednesday, June 10, 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
What: Bike tour around the perimeter of the island
To bring: A bike or rent one on the island; closed-toed shoes, layers, water, sunscreen. Food available for purchase
Registration: Required
Folsom Lake, near its recent low point, in January 2014. (Dan Brekke/KQED )
Horseback Ride at Folsom Lake State Recreation Area
When: Friday, June 12, all day
What: Free hour-long horseback rides
To bring: Sun protection, sturdy shoes, water and snacks
Registration: Call Shadow Glen Stables directly to schedule at 916-989-1826
Free events for relaxers
Nature Journaling at China Camp State Park
When: Saturday, June 13, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
What: A short walk and guided journaling session
Provided: journals, writing utensils, light refreshments
Registration: Required
Sugarloaf Ridge State Park in California. (Sundry Photography/Getty Images)
Forest Bathing at Sugarloaf Ridge
When: Sunday, June 14, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
What: Guided forest meditation
To bring: Layers, comfortable footwear, water, sun protection, snacks
Registration: Required
Free events for people who want to volunteer
Coastal Scrub Restoration Workday at Año Nuevo State Park
When: Thursday, June 11, 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.
What: You’ll help with brush cutting, sheet mulching and invasive plant removal
To bring: Sunscreen, closed-toed shoes, long pants
Provided: Gloves, tools, training, snacks, water
Registration: Required
People relax outdoors on a sunny day at Half Moon Bay State Beach in Half Moon Bay, California, on May 12, 2019. (Gado Images/Getty Images)
Coastal Dune and Bluff Restoration at Half Moon Bay State Beach
When: Sunday, June 14, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
What: You’ll remove invasives and prepare restored areas for future native plantings:
To bring: Water bottle, closed-toed shoes, sun protection, layered clothing
Provided: Gloves
Registration: Required
Free events for wildlife enthusiasts
The Secret Lives of Mountain Lions at Jack London State Historic Park
When: Thursday, June 11, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
What: 3-mile hike with stops to discuss mountain lion ecology and conservation
Bring: Water, sturdy shoes, weather-appropriate clothing
Registration: Required
Glen Ellen: Jack London State Historic Park in Napa Valley, California. (Ablokhin/Getty Images)
Birding at Folsom State Recreation Area
When: Wednesday, June 10, 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
What: Explore Black Miners Bar in search of Bald Eagles, Western Kingbirds and more
Provided: Binoculars
Registration: Required
Free events for science lovers
Biodiverse Biomes at Tomales Bay State Park
When: Friday, June 12, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
What: A 1.7- mile moderate hike and tour of local biodiversity
A Bishop Pine at Jepson Memorial Grove, along the Johnstone Trail, at Tomales Bay State Park on Aug. 20, 2024. (Gina Castro/KQED)
To bring: Weather-appropriate layers, sturdy shoes, snacks and/or lunch, sunscreen, water
Registration: Required
Free events for history lovers
California State Symbols Scavenger Hunt
When: Wednesday, June 10, all day
What: Explore the California State Railroad Museum and search for symbols
Registration: Required