It’s time to gather the family again for potluck and Grandma’s big hugs. Georgia’s State Parks offer a variety of family reunion facilities that fit everyone's budget and style. Choose from picnic shelters, group shelters, event rooms and rustic camp kitchens. Everyone can stay overnight in fully equipped cabins, modern campsites, “glamping” yurts or dorm-style facilities. You can even plan a spirited game of mini-golf, family fishing tournament, nature walk and more. Book your family reunion today.

It’s that time of year when we start seeing baby animals and reptiles more often. In most cases with rabbits and fawns, the mother is feeding nearby, so don’t assume that it’s orphaned. (This tiny swamp rabbit was spotted just off the trail at Hofwyl-Broadfield Plantation.) The majority of Georgia's snakes are non-venomous and simply looking for a meal of insects or rodents. You can learn more about Georgia’s wildlife during programs offered by park rangers, like those at Skidaway Island and Tugaloo state parks. You can even visit Frank the box turtle at Panola Mountain State Park. Learn more about snakes and living with wildlife from the Georgia Department of Natural Resources.

Shhhh . . . Don't tell Mom. Wouldn't it be sweet to surprise her with a Mother’s Day picnic for the whole family – cousins, aunts and everyone? State parks have covered and enclosed shelters perfect for large gatherings, or you can find numerous picnic tables surrounded by outstanding views. Check out these additional gift ideas for outdoorsy moms:

New travel-tracking Passport ($12.99)
Canyon Climbers Club membership and t-shirt ($20)
Gift card that can be used for cabins, kayak rental and more ($5+)
Hats, t-shirts, patches and more ($5+)
Annual ParkPass ($50)
Find these and more on GaStateParks.org.

Honor those who fought for our country by visiting one of Georgia’s historic sites this holiday. Fort King George in Darien will offer Revolutionary War soldier life demonstrations on Monday, May 30. Pickett’s Mill Battlefield in Dallas will host a wreath-laying ceremony and service on Saturday, May 28, remembering everyone who perished during the Civil War. Georgia Veterans State Park in Cordele offers a military museum and outdoor exhibits, including a B-29A Superfortress, tanks and helicopter. Find more Memorial Day Weekend programs on GaStateParks.org.

Explore more and save more! Annual passes not only save you money, they also encourage you to discover new getaways throughout the year. Our new combo pass package is just $85 (a $100 value). It includes a Historic Site Annual Pass, so you can travel back to colonial days at Fort Morris or follow ancient footsteps at Etowah Indian Mounds. It also includes a ParkPass so you can enjoy free parking at Cloudland Canyon, Skidaway Island and more than 40 additional state parks. Buy passes online or in park offices.