Spend some time this August in Nebraska’s southeastern state parks. Don’t forget to purchase a required vehicle park entry permit to enter those parks. Get one at OutdoorNebraska.gov or at state park entrances.

Platte River SP hosting Friday Night Floats

Come to Platte River State Park’s Owen Landing on Jenny Newman Lake to paddle in a kayak or canoe on Friday Night Floats in August.

From 5-7 p.m. on Aug. 1, 8 and 15, all skill levels are invited to join the fun. Equipment is provided.

Canoes hold at least 500 pounds while kayaks hold 250 pounds. Arrive any time between 5 and 6:15 p.m., with the latest boats out at 6:30 p.m.

Registration is required and can be completed by visiting the calendar event entry at Calendar.OutdoorNebraska.gov. Walk-ins are welcome when class size is below capacity.

Paddlers must wear a properly fitted life jacket. Participants must be at least 10 years of age. Those under age 10 are subject to an instructor’s approval.

Doll Tea Party at Arbor Lodge

Enjoy teatime in the sunroom at Arbor Lodge Mansion on Aug. 2 at Arbor Lodge State Historical Park. Feel free to bring your favorite doll or stuffed animal to also enjoy the event.

Between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m., the tea will include a variety of small savories as well as hot and cold brewed tea. Tickets a self-guided tour of Arbor Lodge.

To purchase tickets, visit the calendar event entry at Calendar.OutdoorNebraska.gov.

Float in a Round Raft at Schramm

Visit Schramm Park State Recreation Area near Gretna on Aug. 2 and enjoy a morning float on a round raft.

Round rafts are the perfect watercraft for floating around in a pond. Look for the Round Raft Adventure trailer in the park from 9:30 a.m.-noon. The last rafts go out at 11:30 a.m. Rafts hold 225 pounds.

Registration is required and can be completed by visiting the calendar event entry at Calendar.OutdoorNebraska.gov. Walk-ins are welcome when class size is below capacity.

Paddlers must wear a properly fitted life jacket. Participants must be at least 10 years of age. Those under age 10 are subject to an instructor’s approval.

Enjoy stargazing at Eugene T. Mahoney State Park

Come to Eugene T. Mahoney State Park near Ashland on Aug. 8 and enjoy some summer stargazing.

Telescopes will be provided so visitors may get a glimpse at the night sky beginning at dusk. Meet behind the park’s golf shack for this free event from 9-11:30 p.m. Remember to bring camp chairs or blankets.

The rain date is Aug. 9.

Kayak Cleanups at Platte River SP, Lake Zorinsky

Join Nebraska Game and Parks Commission outdoor educators for a night of service – removing trash while kayaking at Platte River State Park and Omaha’s Lake Zorinsky on Aug. 21.

Trash bags and gloves will be provided as leaders and volunteers clean up trash from 6-8 p.m.

Volunteers are encouraged to bring their own kayaks, but a limited number of kayaks will be available on a first-come basis. Registration is required.

For more information, including where to meet, and to register, visit the calendar event entry at Calendar.OutdoorNebraska.gov.

Indian Cave to celebrate Labor Day Weekend

Celebrate Labor Day Weekend at Indian Cave State Park with activities Aug. 30.

The schedule includes hayrack rides, a cake walk and yard games from 5-7 p.m., a fish fry ($12 for adults and $6 for children) from 6-7:30 p.m. and a fireworks show by the Pioneer Longrifle Club at 9 p.m.

All activities will be held outside of the museum.