The Florida Department of Environmental Protection invites residents and visitors to enjoy the outdoors and share time with family and friends at a state park this Thanksgiving. While many businesses are closed for the holiday, Florida State Parks will be open from 8 a.m. to sunset on Thursday, Nov. 28, offering an abundance of family-friendly activities.
“Florida’s state parks and trails are open year-round,” said Florida State Parks Director Eric Draper, “and they’re my favorite place for enjoying the cooler weather.”
DEP also encourages Florida’s residents and visitors to #OptOutsideFL and explore Florida’s great outdoors on Black Friday, Nov. 29. Opting outside is a great way to make memories with family, get active and reconnect with nature. Additionally, visitors can purchase Florida State Parks Annual Passes and Deluxe Real Florida Passports, which make for great holiday gifts.
Many parks are hosting special events throughout the weekend, including:
- Fort Cooper State Park will host an Opt Outside Nature Hike on Friday, Nov. 29, from 9 to 10 a.m. The 1.5-mile hike will be fun and informative for the whole family.
- Savannas Preserve State Park will host Guided Kayak Tours from Friday through Sunday, Nov. 29-Dec. 1. Times vary for the early morning tours. Explore the park by water with an experienced kayak guide.
- Anastasia State Park will host a Dolphin Walk on Saturday, Nov. 30, from 4 to 5 p.m. Enjoy an easy walk on the beach and learn how to spot dolphins and why they are so important.
- John D. MacArthur Beach State Park will host a Learn to Kayak Workshop on Sunday, Dec. 1, from noon to 1 p.m. The land-based course provides beginners with the skills necessary for kayaking.
