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Gulf Coast state parks offer summer fun
Summer may be flying by, but the school bells aren't ringing quite yet. If you're looking for something to keep the kids entertained until school starts back, consider taking a look at the state parks in our area. Alabama, Florida and Mississippi all have state parks along the Gulf Coast that can give your children the opportunity to experience the outdoors, burn off extra energy and perhaps even learn a thing or two along with way. Check out the list of state parks near us for a few excellent destinations. Who says you can't have a field trip when school's out?
Alabama
Historic Blakely State Park
Open 8 a.m. to dusk
Spanish Fort, AL
With more than 20 miles of walking, biking and horseback riding trails, Blakely should have your kids tuckered out by the end of the day. Though Blakely is no longer technically a state park managed by the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, we're letting it slide.
Gulf State Park
Sunrise to sunset
Gulf Shores, AL
With over two miles of beach, it's the most popular state park in Alabama for a reason. It doesn't just have to be about the beach, though. Check out the Nature Center, Learning Campus and Interpretive Center to keep the kiddos entertained.
Meaher State Park
7 a.m. to 7 p.m. (or sunset)
Spanish Fort, AL
Meaher is an excellent place for a picnic with its beautiful views of the Mobile-Tensaw Delta. The kids can learn about estuaries while eating lunch in one.
Florida
Big Lagoon State Park
8 a.m. to sunset
Pensacola, FL
Swimming, boating, fishing, camping, hiking and paddling options – along with the chance to see quite a few species of birds – await you at Big Lagoon, known as a gateway for the Great Florida Birding & Wildlife Trail.
Tarkiln Bayou Preserve State Park
8 a.m. to sunset
Pensacola, FL
What better way to learn about pitcher plants than to see the home of four endangered species of them? The carnivorous white-topped pitcher plant is unique to the Gulf Coast, and you can see it at Tarkiln Bayou, along with almost 100 other rare plants and animals.
Perdido Key State Park
8 a.m. to sunset
Pensacola, FL
Spend some time finding seashells and playing in the waves along the beach at Perdido Key State Park. Who doesn't love a state park with beach access?
Mississippi
Shepard State Park
Gautier, MS
From a dog park to a disc golf course, Shepard State Park has something to keep the entire family entertained. You even have a place to grill a few burgers.
Buccaneer State Park
Waterland, MS
This state park has a waterpark, featuring the largest wave pool in the state of Mississippi, and it's right on the coast. Need we say more?
Photo credit: Jodybwiki via Wikimedia
