Is spring break time taking you and your family on an out- of -state visit to Florida? Don’t forget to research the various state parks that may hold nature surprises for your family at nominal costs. Since I was just at several state parks in Florida, I want to share a special one with you.
Homosassa Springs Wildlife Park in Florida is a great place to visit with your family. It’s about an hour north of Tampa on the gulf coast. This gem of a park lets you enjoy the day with a picnic lunch and a tour of the wildlife residents that live throughout much of Florida.
Tickets are obtainable at the park visitor center and include either a tram ride into the park or a boat ride. I would opt for the boat ride as it is sure to amaze the whole family with scenic canal tours and numerous critters to be seen along the way.
Don’t Miss These Residents
Once in the park, there are many wildlife viewing opportunities including West Indian Manatee programs offered several times a day during the winter season. The viewing center boasts an underwater window that lets you see manatees up close. Many manatees are easily visible in the waters as you walk along the path. I was lucky enough this time to see the manatees being checked over by veterinarians.
Florida shorebirds are up close and personal as you go through their viewing area. I was particularly delighted to look up and see Great Blue Herons nesting in the treetops. My February trip also revealed Brown Pelican parents with their six-week-old youngster. What a treat that was!
American Alligators and crocodiles can also be seen along river banks. If you like snakes, there are wildlife encounter programs featuring them. Other inhabitants include bobcats, deer, black bears and river otters.
Other Features
There’s a children’s education center featuring hands-on programs about native wildlife in Florida. If your children like nature, they will enjoy roaming through this area with over a mile of trails. There is definitely something for everyone to enjoy at Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park.
Don’t miss seeing Lu, the 58-year-old hippo, who has lived at the zoo for most of his life. Lu is the oldest living hippo in the United States and was adopted from a touring animal show in 1964.
The park also offers concession stands, a café and gift shops. You’ll want to allow at least three hours for this adventure. Planning a meal here as part of your visit is a good idea whether you bring your own picnic lunch or buy something in the park.
Before you start out from the visitor center, check the “live” programs being offered that day to see what time they begin and which ones are “must sees” for you and your family.
Deanna Frautschi is a local Naturalist who is passionate about connecting families with nature. Using her knowledge of wildlife and her photography skills, she helps others enjoy the nature around them. If you have any questions about exploring nature with your children and grandchildren, you may contact Deanna at Decardinal@aol.com. Join the hundreds who follow her on Facebook where she posts photographs and short video clips of birds and other wildlife taken on her travels as well as in her yard. You can also join her "Nature Lady Lessons" and "Hummingbirds Anonymous" Facebook group pages.
Photos provided by Deanna Frautschi.Save
