PETERSBURG — For one Saturday in June, Whipple Dam State Park in Petersburg, Huntingdon County, will turn into a hands-on playground for anyone curious about the natural world.

Get Outdoors Day 2026, set for Saturday, June 13, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., brings together park staff and Pennsylvania master naturalists for a full day of free outdoor recreation designed to help families discover new ways to enjoy the park’s woods, water and trails.

The event is open to all ages and skill levels, and no registration is required. Visitors can stop by the welcome table near the beach to pick up an activity guide and head out at their own pace. For park staff, the goal is simple: remove barriers, spark curiosity and give people a chance to try something new in a setting that feels welcoming.

Throughout the day, participants can check out a series of continuous activities. Fishing, kayaking, geocaching and map-and-compass skills will be available from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., with all equipment provided. For families who may not own gear or who feel unsure about trying a new activity, the come-as-you-are format offers a low-pressure way to learn.

The schedule also includes guided programs that highlight the park’s natural beauty. A guided hike will kick off the day at 10 a.m., followed by a yoga session at 11. Another guided hike begins at noon, and at 1 p.m. visitors can take part in forest bathing, a slow, sensory-focused walk that encourages participants to notice the textures, sounds and rhythms of the forest.

Whipple Dam’s mix of lake, beach and wooded hillsides makes it an ideal setting for a program built around exploration. The park’s trails offer gentle terrain for families with young children, while the lake provides calm water for first-time paddlers. The event’s structure allows visitors to stay for an hour or spend the entire day moving from one activity to the next.

Get Outdoors Day is part of a broader effort across Pennsylvania’s state parks to encourage outdoor recreation as a pathway to health, connection, and environmental awareness. For many families, especially those with limited access to equipment or outdoor programs, events like this offer a rare chance to try activities that might otherwise feel out of reach.

The presence of master naturalists adds another layer to the experience. Their training in ecology, wildlife and conservation helps visitors understand not just how to enjoy the outdoors, but how to appreciate the systems that make places like Whipple Dam thrive. Whether identifying a plant along the trail or explaining how a compass works, they help turn simple moments into opportunities for learning.

The event also reflects a growing interest in outdoor wellness. Yoga by the lake and forest bathing both encourage participants to slow down, breathe deeply, and reconnect with the natural world. For many, these quieter moments become the highlight of the day.

Get Outdoors Day is free, open to the public and designed to be flexible. Families can pack a picnic, bring swimsuits for the beach or simply drop in for a single activity.

As summer begins, Whipple Dam offers a reminder that adventure doesn’t require a long drive or expensive gear. Sometimes it’s as simple as picking up a paddle, following a trail or stepping into the woods with a guide who knows just where to look.

Here’s a glance at other programs at neighboring parks:

Kayak at Whipple Lake

A guided kayak outing will be held Sunday, June 21 at 10 a.m. at Whipple Dam State Park. The program begins with an introduction to kayaking, and all equipment will be provided. Registration is required and the outing is recommended for ages 9 and up.

All about owls

Park staff and the Pennsylvania Game Commission will lead an owl program Friday, June 26 at 7:30 p.m. at Greenwood Furnace State Park. Participants will learn about owl pellets, dissect one and then try calling in owls as evening turns to night. Meet at Pavilion 1.

Wild edible plants

A wild edibles walk is scheduled for Saturday, June 27 at 2 p.m. at Greenwood Furnace State Park. The program includes a short walk to identify edible plants and a chance to taste a few. Participants should meet at the Blacksmith Shop.