Maine's state parks are not just for summertime fun.

It's hard to remember that right now, when it is 5 degrees outside. But to remind you of that, there's a statewide initiative called Take It Outside which provides information on things to do with kids outside. Especially things at state parks.

For instance, the next Take It Outside event will be a children's ice fishing derby Sunday at Lake St. George State Park in Liberty, on Route 3 about 25 miles east of Augusta. It'll be from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The Bureau of Parks and Lands will provide everything families need to fish, including instruction, traps and bait. They'll even cut the hole in the ice for you.

There'll also be other winter activities, a warming hut, coffee and hot cocoa, and lunch. To pre-register and for more information, call Lake St. George State Park at 589-4255.

The only cost is the regular park off-season admission, $1.50 for adults and free for kids under 12.

Other Take It Outside events planned in the coming weeks include "Family Fun Day" events at Mount Blue State Park in Weld on Feb. 7, and at Aroostook State Park in Presque Isle on Feb. 21. The Web site also includes information on lots of other park events this winter, such as ranger-led hikes at Bradbury Mountain State Park in Pownal and nature programs at Wolfe's Neck Woods State Park in Freeport.

For information on outdoor family events, check out the Take It Outside Web site.

If you're thinking of a family outing this weekend to cut down a Christmas tree, you might consider adding a sleigh ride for $5.

At Lank Tree Farm, 1 Sawmill Road in Kennebunk, there will be rides in sleighs or wagons pulled by a team of Belgian horses, Molly and Beauty. The rides are from noon to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

It's $5 per person, but free for kids ages 5 and under. So if it's just you and a couple of your little ones, it's a pretty cheap ride.

The farm has cut-your-own trees, plus wreaths, garland and centerpieces. For more information call 985-4925.

The stereotype is that Mainers are born with a hunting rifle in one hand and a fishing rod in the other.

The truth is, lots of Mainers have no experience in hunting or fishing at all. So how will they teach their kids these important Maine skills?