ERIE PARKS: Day trips provide a chance to get out of the area without the expense and planning of a longer trip.

Looking for somewhere nearby to go? There are a number of programs coming up at state parks in Erie, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.

This includes Presque Isle State Park — the location of the Tom Ridge Environmental Center — and Erie Bluffs State Park.

• At 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. every day through Sept. 4, visitors can join park staff for the free Lagoon by Pontoon tour at Presque Isle.

• At 10 a.m. on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays will be the free Early Bird Lagoon by Pontoon tour at Presque Isle. Register at http://events.dcnr.pa.gov/presque_isle_state_park

• From 7 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesdays and Fridays through Sept. 1, a free Evening Lagoon by Pontoon will be held at Presque Isle. Sign up at the park’s website, shown above.

• From 6 to 7 p.m. Aug. 3 there will be a free History on the Beach program with park naturalists at Beach 6. Bring a lawn chair or towel.

• From 9 to 11 a.m. Aug. 5 will be a free First Time Archery Program with park naturalists at Erie Bluffs State Park. People ages 12 and up are invited. Participants are asked to leave personal bows at home. Sign up at the park’s website.

• From 10 a.m. to noon on Aug. 12, a free program called Primitive Skills Series: Food and Water will be held at Erie Bluffs State Park. Register at the above address.

• From 6 to 8:30 p.m. Aug. 18 and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Aug. 19 will be a $75 ACA Intro to Kayaking Instruction Course at the AAUW Pavilion at the Tom Ridge Environmental Center. Register on online or make a payment by calling the park office at 814-833-7424.

• From 7 to 9 p.m. Aug. 22, there will be free a Purple Martin Roost Kayak Tour. The group will meet at the Vista 3 parking lot, and participants are asked to bring a kayak and life jacket with a whistle. Register online.

• From 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. every day, visitors are invited to borrow for free a rod, reel and basic tackle from the Tom Ridge Environmental Center. Borrowers must have a driver’s license, and anyone fishing must have a fishing license if they are aged 16 older.