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Sand Key Park

Where can you visit a park and walk on the beach? Sand Key Park, a Pinellas County Park, is located in Clearwater. Between tall condos that line the beach on both sides, an amazing park and a beautiful white sand beach lie within its 95 acres.

At Sand Key Park you will find a boardwalk and a nature trail. Sit for a while on the benches in the rare salt marsh where you will see a variety of wading birds nesting or feeding. If you are lucky, you will discover the great-horned owl who makes its home there. There are two covered areas with grills to enjoy your picnic, a playground for the kids, and a large fenced dog park for your dog. Events and weddings with permits can be scheduled in the picnic area and green space.

The beach area is the perfect place to spend the day. There are two bath houses with restrooms and changing stalls. Umbrellas and cabanas are available to rent. Lifeguards are on duty seasonally. Beach wheelchairs are available. Special Events and Beach weddings are popular on the beach. Gulls share the beach, and sea turtles use the beach to lay eggs. At the end of the day, rinse the sand off in one of the outdoor showers. Be sure to stay for the gorgeous sunset. Will you see a pirate ship?

For more information:

https://www.pinellascounty.org/park/15_sand_key.htm

Photo Credit: Dan Kon

Riverside Acres Park

Riverside Acres Park is located in the middle of a family-friendly neighborhood near Maitland. This quaint little Orange County park consists of 8.1 acres and is complete with a playground for your little ones. Get outside with your leashed dog and saunter along the Little Wekiva River or simply sit for a while on a bench and take in the sights and sounds of Nature.

For more information: https://www.orangecountyfl.net/cultureparks/parks.aspx…

Photo Credit: Dan Kon

Woodside Park Viera East

Woodside Park in Viera East has a wonderful playground where children can let their imaginations run wild. There are slides, swings and tunnels, a web rope and a huge tree stump to climb on, bridges to cross, and elevated hills to climb up and roll down.

The park features a walking/biking path that loops around the park. There is a shaded half-mile nature tail to saunter along while immersing yourself in Nature.

There is a dog park with an area for big dogs and one for little dogs. There is a dog shelter and two misting stations where dogs and their humans can cool off together on hot summer days.

Be sure to visit the extremely popular monthly farmers’ market.

The folks in Viera East have put their hearts into creating a perfect neighborhood park that encourages families to meet their neighbors and to enjoy the great outdoors.

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Fort Christmas Historical Park

Get outside at Fort Christmas Historical Park. Saunter through the park and tour a full-size replica of the fort built during the Second Seminole Indian War. Visit the school and see how kids of all ages were taught in this single-room structure. Explore the Florida Cracker house and 8 other pioneer homes. Visit the pioneer garden and the sugar cane mill and see the farm equipment used during the turn of the century.

There is a tennis court, a basketball court, and a baseball field. A beautiful playground is available for the children. Enjoy a picnic lunch under one of the pavilions. ADA service animals are welcome.

Fort Christmas Historical Park is located in east Orange County off of SR 50 on Fort Christmas Road in Christmas, Florida. If you visit the park in Dec, be sure to stop by the Christmas post office and have your holiday gifts and cards sent from Christmas, Fl.

For more information and hours: https://www.orangecountyfl.net/cultureparks/parks.aspx…

Photo Credit: Dan Kon