FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 25, 2019

CONTACT: DEP Press Office, 850.245.2112, DEPNews@dep.state.fl.us

Florida State Parks are Open During Thanksgiving

~Enjoy the outdoors with family and friends at any of Florida's 175 state parks~

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - 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.

About Florida State Parks, Greenways and Trails

The Florida Park Service is the proud recipient of four National Gold Medals for Excellence in Park and Recreation Management, making Florida America’s first four-time Gold Medal winner. The awards were received in 1999, 2005, 2013 and 2019 from the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration and the National Recreation and Park Association.

Florida’s 175 state parks, trails and historic sites inspire residents and visitors with recreation opportunities and scenic beauty that help strengthen families, educate children, expand local economies and foster community pride. With nearly 800,000 acres, 100 miles of beaches and more than 1,500 miles of multi-use trails, residents and visitors should plan to visit soon and often to enjoy Florida’s natural treasures. Download the Florida State Parks Outdoor Florida® mobile app, available on iTunes and Android Market, to plan your trip and enhance your experience. For more information, visit www.FloridaStateParks.org.

https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/FLDEP/bulletins/26d9921