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

10 a.m. - Youngsters can earn their Colorado State Parks Junior Ranger badge by participating in a variety of fun activities. Meet at the group picnic area near the park entrance.

7 p.m. - 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 BCE - 500 AD) and how they got their name.

He will also display artifacts of the area. Meet at the park's amphitheater.

10 a.m. - Youngsters can earn a Colorado State Parks Junior Ranger badge by participating in a variety of fun 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. This is a great program for kids.

10 a.m. - Join the park rangers for a nature walk to learn about wildlife, plants, insects and aquatic life. Youngsters can also earn their Junior Ranger badge by participating. Please bring a hat, sunscreen and good walking shoes. Meet at the entrance station.

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; 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 (800) 678-2267, or see the campground reservation section of the Colorado Parks and Reservation website, http://coloradostateparks.reserveamerica.com. Camping is open year-round at the park. Two yurts are also available for rent. For more information about Colorado's state parks, see cpw.state.co.us.