Families Flock to Indiana State Parks for Free Admission on Black Friday

Families in Lawrence, Indiana, took advantage of the beautiful day after Thanksgiving by heading to Fort Benjamin Harrison State Park. The Cudahy and Fox families were among many enjoying the Indiana Department of Natural Resources’ DNR offer of free admission to all state parks and recreation areas on Friday.

For young Iris Cudahy, a regular visitor to the park, the outing was a chance to explore nature and have fun with friends. It’s really interesting outside, Iris shared. “Inside, everything is there for you. Outside, you have to find things, and it’s really cool.

The DNR waived entry fees at 24 state parks, four recreation areas, and six state-managed lakes, encouraging families to get outside. Visitors could also join a scavenger hunt with prizes like annual park passes up for grabs.

Iris and her friends participated in the hunt, snapping photos on an old bridge and creating earth-inspired art using sticks and leaves, which Iris called Fun in the Park.

For some, like Cindy Sibert, spending Black Friday outdoors has become a yearly tradition. Sibert began her day with a hike, calling nature spiritual and nurturing and a refreshing alternative to the busy shopping malls.

Families like the Foxes appreciated the chance to disconnect from screens and enjoy the outdoors. “I love that my kids are off technology and just enjoying the beautiful weather, said Lynne Fox.

By midday, Iris had already checked off several items on the scavenger hunt list, and her favorite memory so far was the photo she and her friends took on the bridge.

If you missed this free admission day, Indiana state parks will offer free entry again on New Year’s Day with their popular First Day Hikes. It’s another perfect opportunity to connect with nature and start the year on a healthy note.

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