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Highlands Today
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Florida State Parks Are Free To Visitors Sunday
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Published: July 11, 2008
Has it been a long time since you visited Highlands Hammock State Park? Well, on Sunday, park admission will be free all day long from 8 a.m. to when the park closes at sundown. You can bring the kids and hike the trails or take a leisurely walk on the catwalk and see the alligators. With all the rain we've had recently, water levels are back up and the park is looking beautiful. The increase in water levels is rather recent so the mosquitoes are not bad yet, making this a perfect time to visit the park.
Why not come and picnic while the kids play on the playground? Maybe, rent a bike or bring yours and explore the off-road bicycle trails. Rainy weather has improved the sandy road conditions and you might get lucky and see some deer or even a bobcat.
More wildlife spotting locations are the park's nine nature trails. Have you ever walked all of them? This Sunday would be a good time to try a few new ones or take a walk down memory lane. Look for the lightning-struck giant oak on the Hickory Trail and see how many of your kids can fit inside of it. Take a walk to the Big Oak and marvel over its immense size and peculiar growth. Look for frogs in the shallow waters off the Memorial Trail. Raccoons are commonly spotted out there, too.
Consider taking a tram tour. Tours will be scheduled for 1 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, and tickets are $4 for adults, and $2 for kids 12 and under. You'll have a great time searching for alligators, wading birds and turtles. Afterward, treat the kids to a wild orange ice cream cone or a cool slice of pie at the Hammock Inn. Fire up a grill and roast some hot dogs or grill some burgers to enjoy after a game of Frisbee or football.
The park is a great place to simply play with your kids, your dog or your friends. Plan to visit a Florida State Park this Sunday and enjoy the free "Family, Friends, Fun," campaign at Florida State Parks.
Dorothy Harris is the park services specialist at Highlands Hammock State Park.
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