Summer is winding down, but Mancos State Park is offering a variety of family-friendly and educational events and programs during the next three weekends.

10 a.m., Group Picnic Area – Kids can earn their Colorado State Parks Junior Ranger badge by participating in a variety of activities. Meet at the group picnic area near the park entrance.7 p.m., Park Amphitheater – Historian Mark Woodrow will give a program explaining the ancient cultures of southwest Colorado and how they changed from hunter-gatherers to farmers. He’ll also talk about pre-Puebloan Basketmakers (1500 B.C.E. to 500 A.D.) and how they got their name. He will also display artifacts of the area.

10 a.m., Group Picnic Area – Kids can earn their Colorado State Parks Junior Ranger badge by participating in a variety of activities. Meet at the group picnic area near the park entrance.7 p.m., Park Amphitheater – Historian Mark Woodrow will give a program explaining the ancient cultures of southwest Colorado and how they changed from hunter-gatherers to farmers. He’ll also talk about pre-Puebloan Basketmakers (1500 B.C.E. to 500 A.D.) and how they got their name. He will also display artifacts of the area. 10 a.m., Group Picnic Area – Kids can earn their Colorado State Parks Junior Ranger badge by participating in a variety of activities. Meet at the group picnic area near the park entrance.8 p.m. – Join the “Star Party” with astronomy expert John Buting. He’ll provide a program on the wonders of the night sky.

10 a.m., Group Picnic Area – Kids can earn their Colorado State Parks Junior Ranger badge by participating in a variety of activities. Meet at the group picnic area near the park entrance.7 p.m., Park Amphitheater – Historian Mark Woodrow will give a program explaining the ancient cultures of southwest Colorado and how they changed from hunter-gatherers to farmers. He’ll also talk about pre-Puebloan Basketmakers (1500 B.C.E. to 500 A.D.) and how they got their name. He will also display artifacts of the area. 10 a.m., Group Picnic Area – Kids can earn their Colorado State Parks Junior Ranger badge by participating in a variety of activities. Meet at the group picnic area near the park entrance.8 p.m. – Join the “Star Party” with astronomy expert John Buting. He’ll provide a program on the wonders of the night sky. 10 a.m., Entrance Station – Join park rangers for a nature walk to learn about wildlife, plants, insects and aquatic life. Kids can earn their Junior Ranger badge by participating. Bring a hat, sunscreen and good walking shoes.6:30 p.m. – Storyteller “Mancos” John Pfeiffer will tell tales of Mancos and beyond. The park events are free. Entrance to the park is $7 per car and an annual pass costs $70. Mancos State Park is located on Montezuma County Road 42 north of the Town of Mancos.

For more information about the park, call 970-882-2213. To make camping reservations call 1-800-678-2267, or see the campground reservation section of the Colorado Parks and Reservation website, http://coloradostateparks.reserveamerica.com. Camping is open year around at the park. Two yurts also are available for rent.