Stay cool over Labor Day and enjoy a last “hoorah for summer” at our swimming beaches, pools and splash pads. Lakeside beaches are free with your $5 parking fee, and pools charge a small fee to help pay for lifeguards. For non-swimmers, Magnolia Springs, Little Ocmulgee and Gordonia-Alatamaha state parks offer “splash pads” which are perfect for younger children.

Sleep a little later and enjoy more of your holiday when you take advantage of late check-out on Labor Day. Cottage, cabin and yurt guests can stay until 4 p.m. on Monday, September 4, with a $25 fee. Simply tell the park staff you want the Labor Day deal when you check in. (Based on availability of accommodations not reserved for the following day.) 

Labor Day weekend is usually a busy holiday in Georgia’s State Parks; however, a few cabins, yurts and campsites are still available.  Last-minute availability can be booked by calling 800-864-7275 or visiting GaStateParks.org. (Check cabins at Cloudland Canyon, Vogel, Smithgall Woods, Fort McAllister, Gordonia-Alatamaha and S.C. Foster state parks.) You'll enjoy wooded nature trails, great fishing, pretty picnic spots, ranger programs, kayak rentals and more.

Join us for Labor Day celebrations all across Georgia as we say goodbye to summer. Rangers at Florence Marina will offer boat tours on Lake Walter F. George (look for alligators!), plus kids’ crafts and water games. Jarrell Plantation’s Folklife Festival highlights old-timey chores on the farm. Both Fort King George and Fort Morris will fire cannons and muskets as they teach about Georgia’s colonial history. Find more celebrations on GaStateParks.org.

Don Carter State Park invites teams to make their own rafts and join this crazy race on the northern end of Lake Lanier. Be as creative as you'd like with decorating your vessel. Rafts can be powered by poles, paddles, wind or even just "people power." Life jackets and shoes required. Call the park at 678-450-7726 to register in advance and get official rules. $10 plus $5 parking. Teams of 3 - 8 people. Ages 10 and older. Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts pay half price and earn a badge. Chick-Fil-A lunch included in event fee.