Area parks offer summertime fun

California State Parks and the National Park Service will present a series of programs during July through August at park sites in the Santa Monica Mountains that will entertain and enlighten kids and adults alike. Some of what’s on tap follows.

Leo Carrillo State Park

"Junior Rangers." At 10 a.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, kids ages 7 through 12 will have fun and learn about the park through a nature/culture program designed especially for them. Meet at the entrance station.

"Campfire Program." At 8 p.m. Wednesdays (and also on Fridays in August), join park staff by the campfire for songs, park information and fun.

"Special Guest Campfire Programs." At 8 p.m. Saturdays, join a Chumash storyteller, an astronomer or a wildlife rescue group for a fascinating program. Wildlife shows will begin at 7:30 p.m. Call the park to confirm.

"Adventure with a Ranger." At 9 a.m. Sundays, join a ranger to explore some of the many wonders of the park. Meet at the entrance station.

The park is located on Pacific Coast Highway at its junction with Mulholland Highway in west Malibu. For information, call (805) 488-1827.

Point Mugu State Park

"Adventure with a Ranger." At 9 a.m. Saturdays, join a ranger to explore some of the many wonders of the park. Meet at the entrance station.

"Campfire Program." At 8 p.m. Saturdays, join park staff by the campfire for a fun sing-along.

"Junior Rangers." At 10 a.m. Tuesday and Thursdays, kids ages 7 through 12 will have fun and learn about the park through a nature/culture program designed especially for them. Meet at the campground entrance station.

Enter this park at Sycamore Canyon Campground, on Pacific Coast Highway four miles west of the Ventura County line. For information, call (805) 488-1827.

Malibu Creek State Park

"Campfire Program." At 8 p.m. Saturdays, join a ranger for a fun and informative program by the campfire. Please call the park to confirm.

The entrance to Malibu Creek State Park is on Las Virgenes/Malibu Canyon Road just south of its intersection with Mulholland Highway in Calabasas. For information, call (818) 880-0367.

Rancho Sierra Vista/Satwiwa

"Stories, Songs and Dances at Satwiwa." From 7 to 8:30 p.m. Saturdays in July and August, the Friends of Satwiwa in partnership with the National Park Service invite the public to join a Native American host or a ranger at the Satwiwa social circle located near the culture center at the park, where participants will learn stories, songs and dances as they explore the heritage and culture of a variety of native peoples. A flashlight is recommended for navigating in the dark.

To reach the park, exit Lynn Road from the 101 freeway, travel south 5.25 miles to Via Goleta; the park entrance is on the left. The Satwiwa Native American Culture Center is a 0.3 mile walk up the gravel road from the parking area.

For information, call (805) 495-4754 or (805) 375-1930.