The end of summer doesn’t have to mean the end of fun in the great outdoors. As Labor Day approaches, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources

DNR) encourages families to get outdoors over the holiday weekend and continue enjoying outdoor activities into the fall.

“The amount of time that the average child spends outside today is half of what it was 20 years ago,” said DNR Commissioner Chris Clark. “As summer draws to a close and kids head back to school, it’s important for families to plan fun outdoor activities that keep them moving.”

The DNR provides numerous ways to keep families active, from ranger programs to historic reenactments, and from wildlife management areas to fishing piers. Below are suggestions for getting outside this autumn:

• Outdoor Adventure Days: National Hunting and Fishing Day on Sept. 25, 2010, is an annual event celebrating the contributions made to conservation by hunters and anglers and brings opportunity to all to participate in exciting Outdoor Adventure Days. These events, held throughout the State, offer activities like archery ranges, kids fishing events, wildlife activities, air gun/BB gun ranges and much more.

• Leaf Watch 2010: The online Leaf Watch, found at www.GeorgiaStateParks.org throughout October and November, provides updates on fall color, safe hiking tips, and reservation details for campsites, cottages and lodge rooms offered at Georgia’s state parks.

“Go Play After Labor Day, Georgia” is the latest in a series of outdoor adventure tips from DNR Commissioner Clark that highlight affordable getaways, outdoor activities close to home, and creative ways to support conservation in Georgia.