Upcoming Events
Outdoor Challenge for Children
From now through Sept. 30, Florida state parks are sponsoring the Outdoor Challenge for Children younger than 18 years old. The rules are simple: Your child completes six activities in a state park, you take photos to document their accomplishments, and send in the checklist and photos. One of the activities must be READ A BOOK. Not necessarily a whole book, but at least some of it. The checklist (available on the website below) includes suggested activities such as a family picnic, nature hike, walk your dog (on a leash), and pick up litter. Your child even can get credit for lying on the ground and looking at clouds, or make up your own activity. The only expense is the day-use entry fee to the state parks you visit. Entry fees at most parks range from $5 to $10 per vehicle, up to eight occupants. Other activities, such as camping, incur an additional fee.
The prize for all valid entries is a one-day pass to any Florida state park (except the Skyway Fishing Pier State Park). With a couple of exceptions, the pass is good for up to eight people. So you can explore even more of the Real Florida.
For more information, call 850-245-2072 or visit www.floridastateparks.org/thingstodo/outdoorchallenge.
September is Florida Literacy Month
Reading and literacy are important – especially during this back-to-school season. Visit a state park FREE on Sunday, Sept. 11. Just bring a library card, a book checked out from a library or donate a new or gently used family-friendly book. Many state parks will host special events, such as book exchanges or reading with a park ranger. Reading is fun for people of all ages.