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NORTHWEST FLORIDA – Governor Charlie Crist, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s (DEP) Division of
Recreation & Parks and the Florida Recreation and Park Association have designated July as Recreation and Parks Month, encouraging
family, friends and close-to-home fun. To celebrate this designation, all 161 state parks will waive park admission fees on
Sunday, July 13.
“Florida’s state parks are an ideal place for children, families and friends to exercise, connect with nature and learn about our
state,” said Florida State Park Director Mike Bullock. “The Family. Friends. Fun. events offered at Florida’s state parks during
Recreation and Parks Month will enrich the lives of Floridians and visitors by connecting them with natural Florida.”
Since 1985, state, national and local recreation areas throughout America have celebrated July with this designation. This year,
Florida State Parks are encouraging family-friendly, outdoor recreation with the launch of its
Family. Friends. Fun. campaign to
reconnect children and families with nature by engaging them in outdoor activity.
Family-friendly Recreation and Parks Month activities in northwest Florida include:
Cave Flashlight Tours
Florida Caverns State Park
Friday and Saturday nights in July
Each Friday and Saturday night, beginning July 4th, the park will host guided flashlight tours through the cave in the evenings.
For more information, call (850) 482-9598.
Ranger Walk
Grayton Beach State Park
Wednesday, July 9 at 9:00 a.m.
Park rangers will lead a walk through the forest to demonstrate the flora and fauna that call the forest home. Participants are
encouraged to bring water, insect repellant and appropriate walking/hiking shoes and clothing. The walk will leave from the ranger
station and last approximately one to 1.5 hours. Park entrance fees apply.
Summer Reading Program
Big Lagoon State Park
Wednesdays, July 9 and 16 at 12:00 p.m.
The Southwest Branch Library will host a Summer Reading Program at Big Lagoon State Park’s Governors pavilion. Entrance is free.
For more information, call (850) 492-1595.
Lake Hall Paddling Cleanup
Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park
Saturday, July 11 at 9:00 a.m.
Paddlers of all levels are invited to help cleanup Lake Hall. Participants should bring their own kayak, canoe and gear
(life jackets and whistles are required). Trash bags, snacks and drinking water will be provided. Meet at the boat dock in
the recreation area. For more information, call (850) 487-4115.
Star Gaze and Meteor Watch
Big Lagoon State Park
Friday, July 11 and Saturday, July 12 at 8:00 p.m.
Big Lagoon State Park and The Escambia Amateurs Astronomy Association will hold a public star gaze and meteor watch. The event
will occur during a first quarter moon which is great for viewing deep sky objects as well as Jupiter. Star charts for the month
of July, scopes and binoculars will be provided. Entrance fees are waived for this event. For more information, call (850) 492-1595.
Evening Dinner and Cruise
Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park
Saturday, July 12 at 6:00 p.m. dinner, 7:30 p.m. boat tour
Guests can enjoy dinner in the historic Wakulla Springs Lodge followed by an evening trip down the Wakulla River. Tickets are
$29.00 for adults and $18.00 for children 12 and under. For information and to make reservations, call (850) 926-0700.
Wildlife Puppet Show
Topsail Hill Preserve State Park
Saturday, July 12 at 9:00 a.m.
The animals of Topsail Hill Preserve State Park will teach guests the importance of their habitat with a wildlife puppet show.
Guests should park at the day-use area on Highway 30A and take a short walk with park staff to the clubhouse. For more
information, call (850)267-0299.
Self Guided, Leisurely Paced Walk for Kids and Adults
Tarkiln Bayou State Park
Sunday, July 13
Guests can enjoy the park’s nature trail and view some of the endangered pitcher plants that grow in the wild or walk to the
end of the board walk which ends at Tarkiln Bayou. Park entrance fee waived. For more information, call (850) 492-1595.
Florida Reptiles Program
Florida Caverns State Park
Sunday, July 13 at 1:00 p.m.
Ranger Billy Bailey will host an interpretive display of Florida reptiles. All ages welcome to participate. Park entrance fee
waived. For more information, call (850) 482-9598.
Community Appreciation Day
Torreya State Park
Sunday, July 13
Torreya State Park celebrates Recreation and Parks Month by offering a Community Appreciation Day. Entry fees for the day will be
waived, excluding tours of the Gregory House and overnight camping. All ages welcome to participate.
Chipola River Tours
Florida Caverns State Park
Fridays, July 18 and 25
Park rangers will lead a tour of the Chipola River. Kids and adults are welcomed. For more information, call (850) 482-9598.
Snakes: One of Natures Misunderstood Reptiles
Grayton Beach State Park
Thursday, July 17 at 9:00 a.m.
Ranger Stephanie Burton an interpretive program on snakes that call the Florida Panhandle home. The program will be held at the
big beach pavilion. This is program is great for kids and adults. Park entrance fees apply.
Family Bike Day
Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park
Saturday, July 19 at 10:00 a.m.
Participants will learn about bike safety and how to thoroughly inspect bicycles for safe and efficient operation, perform
routine minor repairs and maintenance, appropriate gear and proper fitting and wearing of helmets for maximum protection.
Participants will meet at the Maclay Gardens Visitor Center parking lot. Helmets are required. This event is free with paid park
entry ($4.00 per vehicle). For more information, call (850) 487-4115.
Endangered Beach Mouse
Topsail Hill Preserve State Park
Saturday, July 19 at 9:00 a.m.
This Beach Mouse interpretive program will demonstrate the habitat and behavior of the endangered species. All ages are welcome to
this program. Guests should park at the day-use area off of Highway 30A and take a short hike to the clubhouse. For more
information, call (850) 267-0299.
Guided Nature Walk
Grayton Beach State Park
Wednesday, July 23 at 9:00 a.m.
Park Services Specialist Patrick Hartsfield will host a one-hour guided nature walk through the dune and pine flatwoods
ecosystems, leaving from the large beach picnic pavilion at 9:00 a.m. Guests should bring water, sunscreen and appropriate walking
attire. Park entrance fees apply.
Wild World of Spider
Topsail Hill Preserve State Park
Saturday, July 26 at 9:00 a.m.
Participants will learn which spiders in Florida are poisonous, where they live, what they eat and the benefits they bring to us.
This indoor slide program is great for all ages. Guests should park at the day-use area off Highway 30A and take a short walk to
the clubhouse. For more information, call (850)267-0299.
For more information on events during Recreation and Parks Month, visit
www.FloridaStateParks.org.
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