Something free and a return to nature. What a good combo.

On Sunday, July 13, entry into all 161 state parks will be free, providing an opportunity for everyone to head outdoors and experience Florida State Parks.

Here's the link: Free access to Florida state parks, July 13

What a great idea. We may head out somewhere close -- there's Devil's Millhopper or Fanning Springs. What other parks are close and family-friendly? Anyone have any ideas?

THanks! I'll definitely try to go to one

WOW that is fantastic! We recently went to Blue Springs and paid a whopping $10 per person just to swim in a small, crowded, spring hole for a couple hours. It was nice and cold which I loved but after the drive out to High Springs and the admission I thought it was too much, maybe I'm just too broke! LOL!

What's neat about the Florida State Park system is that you can camp at some places or visit a museum (for free on July 13) so if you're not into nature, you can seek refuge indoors.

Here are some of the parks closest to Gainesville (Northeast zone), but a list for all state parks, with maps, details can be found at http://www.floridastateparks.org/

Near Gainesville:
Dudley Farm Historic State Park, Newberry
Ichetucknee Springs, Ft. White
Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings State Park, Cross Creek
Rainbow Springs, Dunnellon
Suwannee River State Park, Live Oak