The curse of having a state park and beautiful lake in your backyard is that these resources are so easily taken for granted.

If your children (or spouse!) are complaining of having nothing to do during spring break, rest assured there is plenty of fun to be had for the whole family at DeGray Lake Resort State Park.

Take a full moon hike Friday night. This 45-minute nature walk with a park interpreter will include information about nocturnal animals and amazing views of the night sky. This free event starts at 8 p.m. at the lodge lobby.

On Saturday afternoon, sssslip on over to the Visitor Center for a crash course — and likely a chance to pet one — on snakes. This event begins at 1 p.m. Be sure and sssstick around for a 30-minute craft session on snakeskin bookmarks.

Take a daytime hike on the Island Trail. Meet up with a park interpreter at the trailhead, located behind the Visitor Center, and tag along for a one-mile guided walk. This event starts at 2:30 p.m. and lasts about 45 minutes.

On Sunday morning, search for birds along the shores of the lake during a guided hike that begins at the Amphitheater. Be sure and bring binoculars for this 9:30 a.m. walk.

Afterward, head over to the Visitor Center to learn how to identify animals at DeGray by examining their tracks and other “evidence” they leave. Meet a park interpreter at the picnic tables at 11 a.m. 

That afternoon, enjoy a scenic lake cruise that departs at the Marina. Make reservations for this paid event beginning at noon Saturday by calling (501) 865-5841.

On Wednesday, take a lake tour via kayak, even if you’re a newbie to paddling watercraft. All materials, including life jackets, are provided for this 2-mile paddling course that winds along shorelines and quiet coves. There is a cost for this 1 1/2 hour event, and reservations should be made by calling the marina beginning at noon Tuesday.

If you’re not too worn out from paddling, stick around for a sunset cruise to enjoy a relaxing and scenic cruise on the lake. This also is a paid event that requires reservations by calling the lodge front desk at (501) 865-5851. The boat departs at 6:15 p.m. sharp.

Join a caravan of golf carts at the golf course pro shop and head out in search of nocturnal animals during the Golf Course Safari. This paid event, too, requires reservations by calling the lodge front desk. Must be 18 to operate a golf cart, but any age can ride; two people per cart.

On Friday night, join a park interpreter at the Amphitheater for the Owl Prowl to learn about the nocturnal birds of prey, then venture into the forest to call for the owls and listen for an answer.

For pricing and more information about the events listed above, as well as more events, check out DeGray’s Events page.