‘Tis the Season for Outdoor Adventure and Relaxation at a Florida State Park

“Holidays are about gathering with family and friends; there’s no better place to rendezvous this season than a beautiful Florida state park,” said DEP Florida State Parks Director Donald Forgione. “From visits with Santa to decorations with millions of dazzling lights, Florida’s state parks are offering endless opportunities for combining nature, quality time with others and contagious holiday cheer.”

In light of the hassles that holidays bring, DEP emphasizes the upside of taking a break at a Florida state park. Attending an event while spending time in nature and releasing endorphins through physical activity will help relieve stress and maintain a healthy balance during the busy holiday season. White sandy beaches, vast open prairies, steep ravines, lush semi-tropical forests, cultural sites, crystal clear lakes, or rivers and springs offer countless landscapes for the ideal holiday reprieve.

Holiday events taking place at state parks in Central Florida include:

HOLIDAY TEA PARTY WITH MRS. CLAUS
Washington Oaks Gardens State Park, Palm Coast
Saturday, December 4, 10:00 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.
Boys and girls ages five to eight years old, dressed in their best attire including old jewelry, ties and garden hats can bring along their favorite stuffed animal to join in the tea party festivities with Mrs. Claus. Sponsored by the Friends of Washington Oaks Gardens, activities include sharing a Christmas wish list with Mrs. Claus, a souvenir photograph with Mrs. Claus, holiday storytelling and tea and cookies. Mrs. Claus will present each child with a Christmas bag filled with holiday goodies to take home. Admission to the tea party is $20 per child. For more information and to make reservations, call (386) 446-6783.

FISHING WITH SANTA
Colt Creek State Park, Lakeland
Saturday, December 11, 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Join Santa and wet a line to see what you might catch from Mac Lake. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission will have a fishing trailer on site and will provide poles, bait and tackle free of charge. Children ages 15 and under do not have to have a fishing license. Hot dogs, chips and drinks will be available for sale during the event, co-sponsored by Crew 774 of Lakeland. Regular park entrance fees will apply. For more information, call (863) 815-6761.

CAROLING THE RAVINES
Ravine Gardens State Park, Palatka
Saturday, December 18, 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Visitors are set to enjoy an old fashioned evening of friends, family and fellowship with an opened-aired wagon tour around the 1.8-mile tree-top canopy circle drive and listen to local church groups, school groups and organizations sing old-fashioned seasonal carols. Visitors will be treated to a festive evening of twinkling lights, floating candles and a holiday themed ravine, as well a holiday entertainment, last minute shopping opportunities, kids craft tables and children’s holiday movies. Admission will be one non-perishable food item for local charities. For more information, call (386) 329-3721.

About Florida State Parks
Created in 1935 by the Florida Legislature, the Florida State Park system has grown from eight to 160 parks in the last 75 years. Today, the Florida Park Service manages more than 700,000 acres of Florida’s natural environment, including 100 miles of beaches, eight National Historic Landmarks and 39 sites on the National Register of Historic Places. Florida State Parks has been recognized by the National Recreation and Park Association as the nation’s first and only two-time Gold Medal winner for the nation’s best park service. For more information about Florida’s state parks, visit www.FloridaStateParks.org.