The Gillette Sand Dune Visitor Center at P.J. Hoffmaster State Park near Muskegon today announced it will host nature programs April 7-11 for children and their families when area schools are on spring break. The park is located at 6585 Lake Harbor Rd. in Muskegon, off the Pontaluna Road exit on US-31.

Each program provides children with a hands-on outdoor activity and gives them a chance to explore the park with a park naturalist. The visitor center is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.

Activities include:

• Signs of Spring Hike. At 11 a.m. Tuesday, April 7, families should meet at the visitor center to join the park naturalist on a hike. The hike will be offered weather permitting.

• A Fish Story. On Wednesday, April 8, a hands-on program will be offered at 11 a.m. that will explore the many hazards that fish have to overcome to stay alive in our rivers and streams.

• Lunch with the Bluebirds. On Thursday, April 9, Park Naturalist Elizabeth Tillman will lead a hike to view the park's resident bluebirds at 12 noon. Participants should bring a sack lunch and binoculars. Limited pairs of loaner binoculars will be available. The hike is suitable for all ages, and will be offered weather permitting.

• Nature Art. On Saturday, April 11, a program will be offered to allow children to make nature art. The program will begin at 11 a.m.

All programs at the visitor center are free; however, all motor vehicles entering a state park or recreation area must display a Motor Vehicle Permit, available for purchase at the park entrance. Cost is $24 for a resident annual and $6 for a resident daily. A nonresident annual is $29 and a nonresident daily is $8.

For more information about P.J. Hoffmaster State Park, including accessibility and other programs offered, visit the park's Web site at www.michigan.gov/hoffmaster. For more information on the spring break programs, call the visitor center at (231) 798-3573.

Join the DNR in celebrating the 90th anniversary of Michigan State Parks this year. Activities are planned throughout the year. For more information, visit www.michigan.gov/dnr.