FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE; May 16, 2013
FLORIDA STATE PARKS CELEBRATE NATIONAL KIDS TO PARKS DAY ON MAY 18
~State Parks to host a variety of family friendly events and activities ~
 A family enjoys a day at the beach at Little Talbot Island State Park in Jacksonville.
TALLAHASSEE –The Florida Department of Environmental Protection's Florida Park Service will celebrate National Kids to Parks Day on Saturday, May 18. Parents are encouraged to celebrate by bringing their children to a state park for a picnic, a hike in the woods or a refreshing swim.
"National Kids to Parks Day provides a wonderful opportunity for families to experience Florida's natural beauty with a fun day outside," said Florida Park Service Director Donald V. Forgione. "This Saturday, gather your kids and friends and head to a Florida state park to explore nature and enjoy our famous sunshine."
Many of Florida's state parks have organized special events appropriate for children and families for Saturday, May 18:
Northwest Florida
Civil War Weekend
9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Apalachicola
Topsail Nature Hike
3 p.m.
Santa Rosa Beach
Northeast Florida
Nature Hike
2 p.m.
Jacksonville
Turtles and Reptiles Program
10 a.m.
High Springs
Central Florida
Discovery Hike
10 a.m.
Flagler Beach
Nature Fest
10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Clermont
Disasters & Dreams Powerpoint Program
1 p.m.
Melbourne Beach
Stargazing Event
7:30 p.m.
Ocala
Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt
10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Ormond Beach
Third Saturday Photo Challenge
Palm Coast
Southwest Florida
Music in the Park
7 p.m.
Sebring
Cayo Costa Heritage Day
9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Boca Grande
Eagle Hike
8 a.m.
Port Richey
South Florida
Introduction to Kayak Fishing
1 p.m.
North Palm Beach
Scavenger Hunt
10 a.m.
Hobe Sound
National Kids to Parks Day is a nationwide grassroots movement which was established as part of the National Park Trust’s ongoing efforts to connect youth across the country with nature and encourage them to explore outdoors – especially at parks in their communities. National Kids to Parks Day is held on the third Saturday every May and is responsible for bringing more than 100,000 kids and families to parks.
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